Yin Yoga

Let’s face it, stress and anxiety seem to be an inevitable part of our lives. From the moment we wake we are bombarded by micro stressors before we even get to the big ones. It’s never been so essential to find ways to unwind, rejuvenate, and restore our inner balance. That's where the ancient practice of Yin Yoga comes into play. Unlike its dynamic counterpart, Yang Yoga, which focuses on strength and movement, Yin Yoga encourages stillness and introspection.

On a physical level

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a slow-paced, passive form of yoga that targets the deep connective tissues of the body, such as ligaments, joints, and fascia.

Yin Yoga draws its roots from ancient Chinese Taoist practices, emphasising the concept of yin and yang, which represents the balance of opposing forces in the universe. In Yin Yoga, the yin aspect involves holding poses for an extended period, typically ranging from one to five minutes, allowing the practitioner to delve deeper into their bodies and minds.

Whereas standing and flowing forms of yoga and heating, stimulating and strength building (yang qualities), yin yoga is cooling and calming in nature (yin qualities).

The principles of Yin Yoga

Find Your "Edge"

In Yin Yoga, the aim is not to push your body to its limits but to find the right level of intensity for your body on any given day. It's the point where you feel a gentle, yet effective, stretch in the target area that is only 50-60% of how far you could potentially go into a pose.

The gentle self inquiry and curiosity supports body awaress whilst respecting and working with your body avoids injuries and allows you to reap the benefits of the practice.

Less is more in yin.

Resolve to be still

Yin Yoga encourages stillness and patience, both physically and mentally.

As you hold a pose for an extended duration, you may experience physical sensations, thoughts, or emotions arising. The practice invites you to observe and accept these sensations with equanimity, fostering mindfulness and self-awareness.

If you have a busy mind (I've not met anyone who doesn't) then this can be challenging at the start and you may have to keep gently guiding your mind back to the present. That's okay, that's human and completely normal! I promise you nobody is laying blissfully on their mat with no thoughts entering their mind!

Hold the pose

In yin yoga classes we hold the pose for a number of minutes, commonly between 2-5 minutes per pose, sometimes much longer.