Ancient Chinese philosophy teaches us that all of nature is made up of two opposing but harmonious principles: yin and yang. Yang is the principle of masculinity and symbolizes qualities such as movement, fire and activity. To balance yang, we have yin: the feminine principle of stillness, water and passivity.
Anything in life, including yoga or other forms of movement, can be classified as yin or yang according to their inherent qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their focus on strength and heat-building, dynamic movements. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with an emphasis on long-held poses done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and inner peace. I have found yin yoga to be a truly transformative practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a try:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Most forms of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and gym work-outs can be considered yang in nature due to their focus on dynamism, strength and endurance. While necessary for health and fitness, they may also lead to joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas. Yin yoga release these tight areas and further reduce the risk of injury by improving both flexibility and your natural awareness of your body and it's limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
Anything in life, including yoga or other forms of movement, can be classified as yin or yang according to their inherent qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their focus on strength and heat-building, dynamic movements. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with an emphasis on long-held poses done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and inner peace. I have found yin yoga to be a truly transformative practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a try:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will help you to shift gears from "doing" to "being".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will balance other exercise programs.
Most forms of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and gym work-outs can be considered yang in nature due to their focus on dynamism, strength and endurance. While necessary for health and fitness, they may also lead to joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas. Yin yoga release these tight areas and further reduce the risk of injury by improving both flexibility and your natural awareness of your body and it's limitations.
5. It will change your attitude to life for the better.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a qualified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try her short "taster" yin yoga class and experience the benefits of yin yoga for yourself!
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