What Is Yin Yoga And Why Should I Do It? Here are 3 Reasons
Based in ancient Chinese philosophies, Yin Yoga is a fairly new practice compared to other styles. Originally called “Taoist” yoga, it was created by Paul Grilley in the late 70’s and has since evolved into its present name: Yin Yoga. Similar to Restorative yoga, it is a slow, easeful practice that also incorporates the use of props such as blocks and bolsters and allows practitioners to stay close to the floor. It can be said that a Yin Yoga sequence has an effect on our energies similar to an acupuncture treatment: restoring the healthy flow of Qi in our bodies. The 3 main tenets, or goals are fairly simple: 1. let yourself get still 2. land in approximately 50-70% of your bodies stretch depth and 3. stay for awhile. Yin poses are held for an average of 3 minutes although sometimes even longer, up to 10 minutes! The key aspect and the one that fascinates me the most is that you are working with the connective tissue of the body called fascia. With modern research evolving constantly we know more than ever about the benefits of working with this crucial bodily tension system. Running through the whole body, this connective tissue is incredibly intelligent: it actually encases the muscles and sends out signals and communicates with the entire body. By gently stretching and hydrating the fascia, we can gain a greater range of motion and make it stronger.
Stillness As Medicine
With stillness and time (staying in the pose for 3-10 minutes) the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated generating a relaxation response. What does this mean for you? Thing of the last time you cleaned your living space. Were you able to clean all the things you wanted to? Probably not. Often we are too busy to do a deep clean, maybe the baseboards are getting dustier and dustier. You get the point. Yin Yoga is like giving the body time to do a deep clean: digesting, restoring and rejuvenating all the rooms in the house. The Organ System is massaged with gentle compression and Chinese Medicine meridians are stimulated to allow the energetic flow of Chi to move freely. So much healing and rejuvenating on so many levels can happen in a single practice.
Improved Range Of Motion
Another goal in each pose is to find one’s “edge”and then from there find that 50-70% range of stretch. This “edge” is unique to all of us as some are naturally more mobile and flexible. By listening to the body and finding this sweet spot we can actually create more strength and resilience in these tissues. A common misconception that bears mentioning is that practicing Yin Yoga can overstretch the ligaments leaving them irreparable. It is in the backing off to that sweet spot that is the key: the body will tell you when you have gone too far and it would be fairly impossible to stay for a long period of time. Those of us who are hypermobile and flexible can be challenged by backing off and perhaps feeling less sensation. If this sounds like you maybe this is an invitation to work with the other great benefits of Yin Yoga: the medicine of stillness and…
Getting Mindful
Getting still, paying attention to our breath and sensations is a different challenge altogether. Yin Yoga invites us to get a little bit uncomfortable and learn how to stay: one of the greatest lessons of the practice that I think transfers into real every day life. Life isn’t necessarily always comfortable or easy but nothing lasts forever. Sensations evolve and change, so do thoughts and situations. What is so important is how we are able to show up in those moments. Yin Yoga provides us with a safe space to explore the difference between the two concepts of discomfort and pain and to untangle the emotional stories behind our feelings and sensations.
Yin really is one of my favourite styles of yoga, combining all of the best benefits for mind, body and spirit in a very accessible way. It is a great entry point for anyone interested in meditation because it is so focused on observation, curiosity and listening. It is the ultimate antidote to the fast-paced world of today and I invite you to try it with me soon, or if you already do Yin yoga I am curious to hear about your favourite benefits. Hopefully you love it as much as I do!