Yin Yoga

Poses are held for between 3-5 minutes with the focus on placing beneficial stress on target areas of the body and then releasing so that fresh energy flows.

Yin differs from Hatha yoga because strength and balance (which use muscles) are not targeted.  The poses may often look similar to Hatha poses but the intention of the target area is different.

Yin targets the bones, place beneficial stress on the joints which lubricates them encouraging mobility especially in the hips.

Yin targets the fascia’s connective matrix (tendons, ligaments, connective tissue) these drier tissues become more liquified and mobile when beneficial stress is added to them. Yin can help  develop flexibility.

Yin yoga is an ancient practice with roots in Taoist and Tantric practices. Like Traditional Chinese Medicine which embraces acupuncture and acupressure, yin yoga targets meridians, lines of energy which run through the body, refreshing, energising and balancing areas and organs.

In Yin the body is often supported using cushions and bolsters to allow this to happen. Yin is not strictly a restorative practice (purely relaxing) but it often has restorative qualities to it. Yin enhances a deeper relaxation within the musculature and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This in turn might help you sleep better.

Yin helps to encourage new blood flow into targeted areas, the holding and then releasing of pressure can help circulation.

In yin we find opportunity to concentrate on our breathing,

Yin is a meditative practice. If you like meditation you will probably like Yin Yoga.