Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is not a traditional yoga style, far from it. It is a fusion of aspects from the Indian yogic tradition and the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This style combines postures, or shapes, as ‘yin people’ like to call it, in order to soften the yang aspect of the alignment oriented yoga styles, and the 5 phases ~ 5 elements of TCM.

Yin Yoga classes often focus on targeting the meridians associated with the 5-elements presumed to be in the thicker parts of the connective tissue called fascia. Therefore the centre of attention here is not on ‘the perfect’ alignment (is there such a thing anyway ?) held with muscle strength and endurance, but rather easing and relaxing into the adapted shape, becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable while releasing and letting go.

On average, the shapes are held between 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the posture and the student. More advanced practitioners sometimes enjoy lengthier stays in the shapes. It is a highly introspective practice as seemingly not much is happening on the outside. However, slow external shapes provide us with opportunities to meet ourselves at exactly the right moment and space. It can become painfully obvious that we hold accumulated tensions and trauma in the body. What the areas are , where we resist, to what is, often evaluating and judging mentally. Where and what it is that we need to let go. All these aspects can be made conscious by the light of awareness during practice.

Classes can also be centered upon topics other than the meridians, e.g. chakras or psychic centres of the body, specific intentions, cycles of life, seasons, etc.

Benefits of a regular Yin Yoga practice include a calmer and more balanced body and mind by reducing stress and anxiety. It improves joint flexibility and mobility by lubricating them and by increasing blood and chi (prana, vital energy) circulation it tonifies the internal organs. The different shapes can provide myofascial release when applying pressure on areas that hold tension, which makes Yin Yoga a highly rejuvenating and regenerating practice.

Photo taken @ Atelier Vere Curieux