There’s an old Chinese proverb that says:
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
Yin Yoga is as a pleasurable deep inner massage and a powerful rejuvenator. Let’s find out why!
Yin Yoga appeared in 1970 as a form of Yoga created by Paulie Zink, a martial artist who practiced Chi Kung. One of his students, Paul Grilley, developed Yin Yoga into the practice that we know today. The popularity of Yin Yoga was a consequence of the work of Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers (Sarah was the one who used the term “Yin Yoga” to designate this form of exercise).
While the physical aspect of Yang Yoga practices is more focused in body muscles, Yin Yoga is more focused in the connective tissues of the body: joints, bones and fascia. A Yin Yoga class consists of several passive postures where we use time and gravity (instead of force) to help the tissues relax and open. Energetically, Yin Yoga promotes the flow of vital energy and the harmonisation of the inner organs, therefore it is an excellent practice to manage emotions and to develop mental awareness.
Yin Yoga is indicated for those who are tired, overwhelmed or exhausted (physically or mentally). It is an excellent practice to root you in your body and to be fully present in the now. It is the perfect exercise for those who are recovering from injuries or operations due to its deep regenerating effect upon the fascia (the connective tissue that runs through the body holding everything together).
Being in the same position for 3 or 5 minutes develops a mental state of contemplation, without judgement or attachment to the processes of the mind. Emotions tend to generate attachment and identification, keeping us busy in our day-to-day lives. Yin Yoga promotes time and space to allow emotions and thoughts to flow and follow their course, releasing the body energy that is often used to avoid or repress those emotions. Anyone who practices Yin Yoga regularly feels an obvious relief.
Yin Yoga works gradually using the amount of time in each posture instead of force or repetition. You gradually feel your body unlocking the stagnant energy of emotions and you begin to relax more and more replenishing your organism with vitality and elasticity.
Benefits of a regular practice of Yin Yoga:
- It cams and balances the body and the mind
- It reduces stress and anxiety
- It improves circulation
- It promotes flexibility
- It relieves the fascia and it improves joint mobility
- It balances and revitalises the inner organs
- It promotes the flow of vital energy (relieving physical and mental blocks)
- It promotes cellular regeneration allowing you to recover faster from operations or injuries
- It promotes rejuvenation of body and mind
Yin Yoga assists you reopening and trusting life’s flow.
Consult us for personalised Yin Yoga and Rejuvenation classes.