![]() In a yang class, we might instead push the body towards the edge of bearable sensation, press up against the limits of our mobility, or keep the chest open, pressing into our mat to actively traction the spine.Īs yin works deep into our connective tissues, we not only stretch the tissue itself, but the ability of our mind to be patient and still. In sleeping swan, we’re ok with rounding the back, propping up on our forearms, resting our chest or forehead on blocks, sliding a blanket under our hips, or shifting back from exertion in order to stay longer. Thus in yin yoga, poses are given different names to remind us to approach each posture differently than we would in a yang class. Remembering that the essence of yin is not in the poses themselves, but in their relative energy, is eka pada rajakapotasana, or pigeon pose, a yin or yang pose? It can be either, depending on the energy we bring to the shape. It’s not the pose that makes it yin or yang, but the energy with which we practice it. Instructors may reference a pose’s effect on particular internal organs, as the asana intentionally compresses energetic points to encourage greater flow of chi once the postures are released. When chi flows more fluidly, we feel more spacious and well. Profound changes occur as the fascia is stimulated and manipulated. Through this unseen but felt system of meridians, energy, chi, flows through the body. Familiar to most people as the map of energetic lines and pressure points used by acupuncturists, and similar to the pranic nadis, or channels, referenced by Indian yogis. Practitioners theorize that the fascia is home to the energetic body of the Chinese system of meridians. It’s within this system of fascia that yin yoga does it’s magic. Fascia wraps all our muscles, internal organs and joints. The superficial muscles relax the longer the pose is held, allowing more access to the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joints, as well as the fascia.įascia is a system of connective tissue that runs throughout the body much like the inner sheath of a grapefruit exists between the meat and the peel. Yin yoga manipulates, stretches and lengthens the body’s connective tissue with long slow holds. ![]() The balance of energy in the body is so important, both Grilley and Powers recommend yin yoga in partnership with a yang practice, as well as seated meditation.Ī typical yin yoga class lasts anywhere from 60-90 minutes, and may only offer a handful of poses, each held for upwards of five minutes as students are encouraged to rest steadily in balanced effort and ease. The two concepts operate in relationship. It’s important to remember, however, that yin and yang are interdependent, and no one thing is always yang, nor always yin. Some refer to the superficial musculature of the body and its movement as yang, while the deeper structure of the connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, and fascia) is yin. Like hot and cold, left and right, or sun and moon, yang and yin exist only in partnership. Yin and yang are opposing aspects of nature which work in relationship to each other. To understand the benefits of yin yoga, it’s helpful to understand the Chinese concept of yin and yang. While both have given the practice a spin of their own, it remains true that yin yoga is all about balance and the partnership of body, mind, and soul. Paul Grilley and his student Sarah Powers are among the world’s leading yin yoga teachers today. Stemming from a desire to sit more comfortably in meditation, Grilley soon combined his familiarity with Zink’s Taoist Yin, Hatha Yoga, and the Chinese system of meridians into a practice of his own, which would eventually be called Yin Yoga. ![]() Grilley’s interest in yoga and the martial arts paralleled his meditation practice. Among Zink’s students was the American Paul Grilley. ![]() Paulie Zink first introduced the stretching martial arts technique to a western audience in the 1970’s, combining it with elements of Hatha Yoga. Sometimes referred to as Taoist Yoga, or Tao Yin, these practices have been incorporated into Kung Fu training for thousands of years. Yin yoga is inspired by ancient Chinese Taoist practices in which stretches were held for long periods of time. In this article, explore the history and benefits of yin yoga practice for body, mind, and soul. While the practice is relatively new to the western yoga lineage, it’s possible that it’s much closer to the original intent of yoga asana practice, a series of postures meant to train us to sit still for longer, and more comfortably, in meditation. A partner to the yang styles of yoga which consist of strong, dynamic, standing postures, yin yoga offers mostly seated, supine, or low-to the ground long, gentle stretches and holds.
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