Would you define yourself as an active, always-on-the-go person? Do you prefer to be engaged in one task or the other instead of taking a leisurely walk? Does taking a break feel like a waste of time for you? If you answered yes to any of the questions, you probably need Yin Yoga right now!
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga is a passive style of yoga with long-held stretches that give physical, mental and emotional benefits. With its roots in Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin Yoga was founded by Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers in the late 20th century to achieve optimum health and holistic wellness.
Yin yoga is characterized by the long holding of asanas for three to five minutes. These stretches are held without too much muscular engagement to allow the stress to deepen into the connective tissues. Once we enter a posture, we focus on finding an edge that is uncomfortable but safe. Then we proceed to be entirely still physically, which lets the breath soften, followed by a profound stillness and calm to take over the mind.
Benefits of Yin Yoga
- Improves joint mobility: Our physical body comprises many tissues that play a significant role in our functionality. One such tissue is connective tissue, which consists of fascia, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Connective tissue provides structure and support to the body and plays a vital role in supporting the muscles. As we get older, our connective tissues start to degenerate. Practising yin yoga consistently improves joint mobility, gently stressing these dense tissues.
- Increases range of motion: Limited range of motion causes chronic pain, stiffness, and general discomfort in everyday activities. Lack of flexibility also causes joint compression. Training our flexibility is quite crucial for holistic wellness. Studies prove that nearly 40% of our flexibility comes from fascia, so holding a pose for long can help stretch the deep layers of fascia, releasing tension and tightness.
- Reduces cortisol levels: Cortisol is the stress hormone in the body that drives the functions of action-taking, motivation, focus and productivity. It rises when you exercise, hike, or anticipate something challenging. Contrary to popular belief, cortisol isn’t inherently bad. Consistently high levels of cortisol are problematic for the body and mind, leading to symptoms of high blood pressure, heart conditions, shortness of breath, digestive problems, anxiety, etc. The mindful nature of yin yoga brings down cortisol levels in the body, allowing the mind to feel calm and composed.
- Regulates nervous system: The lifestyle of modern times has normalised being ‘switched on’ all the time. We are constantly operating in the sympathetic nervous system, which is the body’s ‘fight/flight’ response. While very useful when activated occasionally, a prolonged state of high-stress levels dysregulates the nervous system. We must train ourselves to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, our healing/digesting mechanism. This is the stage at which healing and repair takes place. It is a mark of a healthy nervous system to switch from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic based on the environmental stimulus. Slowing down is the easiest way to calm your mind, precisely what you will do in yin yoga.
- Builds emotional health: The state of our physical health very closely correlates to the state of our emotional health. Experiencing emotional turmoil, an inability to cope with intense feelings, or not having the tools to express and release emotions safely causes long-term health problems like the manifestation of autoimmune disorders. Practising yin postures is a beautiful way to gently release these stuck emotions, especially from the lower body- hips, lower back and legs.
- Enhances mindfulness: Yin Yoga is a slow-paced, passive form of yoga that allows us to centre ourselves in the present moment. It is a meditation that cultivates bodily awareness through various sensations, connecting with the breath through observation and building a stronger mind-body connection. You get a chance to discover your rich inner world safely and meaningfully.
- Circulates chi energy throughout: Free, unblocked channels of chi flow are vital for a healthy body, mind and spirit. According to Daoism, Chi is the life force energy through which this human life comes into existence. Vhi becomes stagnant or out of control due to various factors such as genetics, environment, stress and personal habits. Yin yoga massages the channels conducting chi, known as meridians, resulting in adequate circulation.
- Improves organ health: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Organ Systems are equivalent in their potency to chakras. They store and transmute energy, which is essential to our holistic wellness. Each organ system not only has its functions, but it also supports the functions of other organs. Thus, the health of one organ affects that of others. Organ systems are also believed to store emotions; for example, an imbalance in the stomach and spleen organs can result in worry and anxiety. Yin asanas that target the abdominal area can help improve the chi flow of these organs.
- Prepares for meditation: Yin yoga reduces stiffness and compression, allowing you to sit long in meditative postures. Paired with strength and endurance, you will not have to worry about painful back, hips, or knees. As you travel inward in every pose, you also prepare yourself to transition smoothly into deeper meditative states.
- Bring balance in life: We need yin and yang energies to experience harmony and contentment. When there is too much yin, one becomes too passive and unenthusiastic. When too much yang, one becomes hyperactive and seeks excessive control. A mid-point is where we should aim to be. Balancing the outward yang with the inward yin will improve your life!
Yin Yoga is the other side of the coin. Pair it with your yang routine and experience profound transformation and joy through the law of balance.