What is Yin Yoga?

“Yin Yoga is simple, but simple doesn’t mean easy.” Bernie Clark

If you’re fairly new to yoga and have never heard of the term “Yin yoga” before or if you’ve attended a yin yoga class before and felt anxious about the idea of doing “nothing” don’t worry, you’re not alone! Yin Yoga is a very different practice from the regular Yoga Vinyasa classes, but just as beneficial! Just keep on reading and we’re pretty sure you’ll be convinced to try and experience the magic for yourself.

So, what is yin yoga all about?

Most modern forms of yoga as we know them nowadays (such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga…etc) are dynamic and active practices that have been designed to work our bodies in a “yang” way with repetitive movements to stress our muscles.

Yin yoga instead, is a form of yoga that is much more passive and gentle. Through longer-held postures and gentle pressure, it works our bodies in a “yin” way by targeting our deeper tissues such as our fascia, joints, ligaments and bones.

What distinguishes yin yoga from other “yang” yoga practices is that yin postures are held for several minutes (anywhere between 2-7min in most classes, and up to 20min for more advanced practitioners and longer classes) in a very passive, nourishing and kind way. In yin, we try not to put or push our bodies into achieving specific shapes, but rather we use props (blocks and bolsters) to support our bodies and let gravity find the pose for us.

Long holds make Yin Yoga a meditative and contemplative practice, where the challenge lies in our ability to remain still for longer than it is comfortable and be more connected to what’s happening in our racing minds while doing so. It also allows to also stretch our bodies in a gentle way to balance our other active forms of exercise.

What are the benefits of yin yoga?

Yin yoga can be seen as a form of medicine for both the body and the mind. As we live in a world that is very fast-paced, where we are constantly distracted by external stimuli and driven by hard work and always doing more, Yin yoga is the perfect antidote to our very “yang” and busy lifestyles. Research3 has proven it is an excellent practice to reduce stress and anxiety.

When we consciously choose to slow down, to be still, to notice the sensations of the body and the breath we help the mind settle and create clarity. We can also better allow ourselves to feel any emotion that comes up.

Ultimately and over time, Yin allows us to be more connected with ourselves, more aware, more present and more compassionate.

Is a yin yoga class right for me?

Yin yoga is for everyone! Anyone who wishes to slow down, rest and work on flexibility and joint mobility in a very gentle way will deeply benefit from Yin yoga.

However, even though it is a gentle practice, make sure to always inform the teacher of any specific condition such as pregnancy or recent injuries as modifications will likely be needed.

If that sounds like just the practice you need, join us in class at our studio. We run our yin yoga classes mainly during afternoons and nights – check our timetable for more details.

References:

1. The complete guide to Yin Yoga: the philosophy and practice of yin yoga by Bernie Clark.

2. What is yin yoga, https://yinyoga.com/what-is-yin-yoga/

3. Acute Effects of Yin Yoga and Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety, July 2019 - https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/Acute-Effects-of-Yin-Yoga-and/991012830500402368