The Practice of Yin Yoga

some white mums to soothe your day.

I have been practicing yoga for many years and recently began studying  a yin style which is holding in the poses for a longer time than yang yoga which is more of a flow. I also took some lessons from a great yoga teacher named Jeff who has studied yin yoga poses for many years.In his book, The Complete Guide To Yin Yoga, Bernie Clark discusses the philosophy behind the practice of Yin Yoga.

YANG

Yang tissues are your muscles, blood and skin. Therefore a yang style of yoga flows in rhythmic repetitive movements to stress the muscles and open blood flow through the skin. Because your skin is elastic and moist, the muscles do appreciate this type of yoga and even in hot temperatures.

YIN

Because you need the balance of the yin and yang,  your body also appreciates yin yoga!

Yin yoga can target the ligaments, bones and joints. Yin style is gentle pressure, and over time provides for the ligaments, joints and bones of the body by making them stronger. An analogy: When children wear braces they must be worn for a long time in order to reshape the bones of the jaw, just as staying in a yin pose can help to reshape ligaments, joints, and strengthen bones.

Building Stability and Mobility

Your joints can be seen as spaces between the bones where movement is possible and your ligaments are the stabilizers. They stabilize the joints.

Your muscles are for protection of the joints in the body.

Damage can occur

If there is too much stress on a joint, the muscles will tear first, then the ligaments and finally the joint itself.  Because we need both yin and yang yoga, practicing them together can be helpful to the body.

Yang for its flow and elasticity

Yin to deepen to exercise deep into the ligaments and regain the space and strength in your joints and bones.

Taken in part from: Clark, B. ( 2011). The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga. Ashland, Oregon. White Cloud Press