Yin yoga is a restorative and meditative style of yoga that focuses on long-held, passive postures to stretch and target the deeper connective tissues of the body, such as ligaments, joints, and fascia as well as stillness and patience, allowing the body to open up gradually and release tension on a deep level.
In a yin yoga class, poses are typically held for two to five minutes, allowing time and gravity to help you come into a deep stretch without risking injury as well as allowing you to relax into the posture and connect with your breath. The absence of muscle activity and extended time in each pose helps increase flexibility, improve circulation, and find a sense of inner calm. Yin yoga also has a strong focus on the energetic body, working with our energetic channels (open the nadis and chakras) so that the energy; our prana, can flow freely through the body and help us attain balance and higher awareness.
Yin yoga is suitable for all levels and provides a perfect complement to more active forms of exercise. In a typical yin yoga class with me you can expect to slow down, tune into your body, and nurture both physical and emotional well-being. Props including cushions, blankets and blocks are oftentimes used to help the person comfortably go deeper into a stretch or to for better comfort assist where flexibility is poor.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your flexibility, manage stress, or find a quiet space for reflection and inner connection, the practice of yin yoga provide a serene environment to explore this gentle yet powerful practice.