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By Hanne
There are many different types of yoga and therefore, in this post, I reveal a little bit more about what is Yin yoga. I will tell you what has influenced it, and what is the purpose of the practice. And lastly why it is worth it to head to yin class. So, what is yin yoga?
What is Yin yoga?
Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga where asanas = yoga postures are held for longer periods. Yin yoga is a passive practice that, on the best occasion, can also be very meditative. Blocks (yoga block is a thing that looks like a brick) and bolsters (pillow which shape reminds of a pipe) are used during the yin practice to open and support the body. The time spend in yin yoga poses is usually 2-5 minutes, and most of the poses are seated or reclined poses.
The poses aim to affect connective tissues, tendons, fascia, and ligaments and increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility. The secret behind yin yoga’s meditative aspect lies in the length of the hold in each pose. Long holds help to relax the physical body but also the mind.
Unlike other yoga types, Yin yoga’s roots are in Chinese medicine and Taoism.
This might interest you also: What is yoga?
Yin yoga philosophy
At first, Yin yoga philosophy was based mainly on Taoist concepts. Later theories from Indian yoga philosophy influenced Yin yoga philosophy. And a combination of these two forms the Yin yoga philosophy today.
To understand the Taoism principles, you should learn to be an observer of the life around you. The first of the Taoist principles is oneness, which means that we need to learn to understand that all in the universe is connected.
The second Taoist principle is dynamic balance, two opposites working in motion and balancing each other to form one. This principle introduces you to the yin & yang. Two different, opposite, energies which once joined, create complete energy.
The third of the Taoist principles is to be the observer, and in this role of observer, we need to understand the cycle of life. Everything in nature has a cycle and a rhythm; day and night, sun and the moon, four seasons. And of course, all living beings have the cycle of birth and death.
The fourth of the Taoist principles is harmony. Harmony is the natural state of the universe, meaning a complete balance in everything. To achieve harmony all the previous three principles need to be practiced.
The concept of Yin & Yang is the two halves that move together to complete wholeness. Yin energy can be stated as a shady side and yang as a sunny side. Yin & yang is everywhere around us: night (yin), day (yang), female (yin), male (yang), cold (yin) and hot (yang), and so on.
The force of the yin yoga asanas
Asanas in Yin yoga are mainly targeting the lower body, especially onto the hips. We restore a lot of emotions onto our hips. And because of that, it is good for the knowledge that some feelings might arise. And you can’t always even quite get where they are coming from or what it is, but you might still find yourself crying or laughing in the middle of the practice. In that case, let it all out, let it go; it is nothing to be embarrassed about. If it happens, be happy that something starts to unfold for you.
Most of the asanas are very passive, but there is also a more active form of yin asanas; one might say they actually are yang asanas. In Yin yoga, the effort of going into the asana should be 80 %. So we can avoid the practice not to become yang practice. Although it is good to remember that also in yin practice, there should be some effort put into asanas.
A longer stay in asana also assures that we are going more deeply into the asana once our muscles get tired and relax.
Benefits of practicing yin yoga
I’d say that yin yoga is very beneficial not only to our bodies but, above all, to our minds. Physically Yin yoga affects our bodies’ deepest tissues, so by practicing yin yoga, we can increase our mobility, decrease pain, and open up tensions. With the practice of yin yoga, we can improve the energy flow in our bodies.
The mental side of the yin yoga might be even more important nowadays than the physical side. Yin practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and this helps us to relax. The practice allows us to let go of our thoughts, and by focusing on our breath, we are more aware of what is happening in our bodies right now.
Yin yoga is all about stopping and letting go. Its beauty, subtlety, and in a way, the difficulty you should experience yourself and start the journey into yourself.
Now you have an idea what is yin yoga? Have you already tried Yin yoga?
PS. Here you can enter onto your mat and practice a heart-opening yin yoga sequence with me.
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Hanne Nousiainen
Yoga teacher • Personal Trainer
Hanne Nousiainen
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