What's Yin Yoga ?
Yin Yoga is a gentle style of yoga from the East, which has many benefits for physical, mental and emotional health.
Yoga is currently becoming more and more popular in the West, and this is partly due to its accessibility and openness, as it is suitable for all levels and ages.
In this article we will discuss Yin Yoga, one of the styles that is attracting more and more yogis, seduced by the rhythm, the sensations and the simplicity of Yin.
« Chi » Theory
For thousands of years, Yoga and Chinese medicine have postulated that physical existence is animated by a dynamic energy system which, although invisible, is nevertheless the essence of all manifestation. This primordial energy, called 'prana' by the yogis or 'chi' by Chinese medicine, is the life force of all life and the foundation of all vitality. It is inseparable from movement and change, and is thought to be the source of the rotation of the planets, the light of the sun, the wind that blows, the reflection of our brains and the beating of our hearts. There is not a single blink of an eye or memory in the mind without 'chi' underlying it.
Many practices from various ancient traditions include the development of 'chi' - such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, prostrations, visualisations, mantras, etc. - to invigorate the body and mind. - to invigorate the body and mind.
Yin and Yang
Taoist yogis suggest that when 'chi' condenses in the physical realm, it splits into two complementary polarities called yin and yang. Chi" constantly configures and disperses itself in alternating cycles, constantly materialising in different ways. These two energies are of the same essence (they are both "chi") but reflect different qualities of energy and are ultimately inseparable. They can be understood as the positive and negative poles of existence that are intrinsic to all creation. They are like two rivers that constantly meet, one side continually changing and becoming the other at the same time. There is never one without the other.
Qualities of Yin Yoga
When we call something yin, we mean that it is cooler, less mobile, more hidden, central, feminine and closer to the earth.
Any practice that is primarily stationary and allows many muscle groups to soften, while exposing the joints to some pressure as the skeleton is pulled apart, can be considered a Yin practice.
The yang tissues are also stretched and influenced in Yin yoga, but the more stationary the body is, the more 'chi' is concentrated in the deeper yin tissues (the bones and ligaments).
Settling into a posture with a yin spirit
Hold a position for a period of 3 to 5 minutes.
Find your own effort, with a mindset of acceptance and non-aggression.
Remain still for a period of time, allowing the muscles to remain extended but without straining them.
Benefits of Yin Yoga
Benefits of Yin Yoga
Acts on the deepest tissues of the body, connective tissues, ligaments, joints and bones.
induces physical, emotional, energetic and psychic balance
Facilitates the attainment of a state of deep meditation
Eliminates stress and anxiety
Improves introspection, concentration and sleep.
Now that we know a little more about Yin Yoga, it's time to practice it !
Namasté
Sources : Insight Yoga, Sarah Powers, Ed. Shambala