Yin Yoga (a brief description)

Nowadays most of us are familiar with the term’s yin and yang, although many people are unsure exactly what they mean.

Objects that are Yang in nature are usually higher brighter more superficial, masculine, more mobile and more elastic. Those we might describe, as Yin would be more earth bound, lower discrete, hidden, more feminine, less mobile and less elastic.

As yoga practitioners this has relevance to us as a way of describing the body and of describing our practice. Most styles of yoga (Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga) are yang in nature, they focus on improving the flexibility as well as strength of muscle tissues.

In the Yin practice we concentrate on keeping our joints mobile. The practice is quiet and passive; it has a quality of stillness.

Muscle tissue is Yang in nature; it is very elastic and is made up of around 70 percent fluid. When we work our muscle tissues, this raises to about 90 percent. Tissues that would be described as Yin include the deep connective tissues of the body, ligaments fascia and the bones themselves, these do not have the same fluid content and are therefore less mobile and less elastic. Connective tissues shrink-wrap our joints and this is necessary and appropriate when we are doing an active yoga practice. It prevents injury and protects the joints. But in our Yin practice we are still and passive so we are able to actually stretch the joints and the connective tissues surrounding them. Helping our joints to stay moist and supple into our old age rather than drying out and becoming stiff and immobile.

Mary in butterfly pose the Yin variation of baddha konasana

Isn't stretching the joints harmful?
Done in the correct way gently and passively stretching the joints is not harming them in any way, problems in joints are usually related to bouncing or slamming into the joints. In the Yin poses we are still, and the muscles are relaxed,  beginners hold poses  for about 5 minutes. Joints respond to this stillness and not to hard, fast rhythmic movements.

Another main advantage of this form of yoga is the stillness. Because we are relaxing in postures for long periods of time this form of practice can be very meditative and calming, it provides the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern life.

For many of us being still is a rare occurrence. We live in a world where we can easily go from dawn till dusk with out stopping and noticing ourselves. Learning to be still and to enjoy that stillness, helps us to find calm amid the chaos of our daily lives. And to accept each moment as it is, without always wanting or chasing after new experiences.

Yin and Yang are a pair of opposites that complement one another.

This form of yoga practice would be used to complement more active practices, alongside an active yoga practice or by people who maybe have a muscle orientated workout down at the gym.

The practice works with our energy body, clearing blockages in the nadis (meridians) and increasing the flow of prana or chi, improving the health of our organs as well as increasing our energy and promoting a general sense of wellbeing.