The Growing Practice of Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is an ancient form of yoga that is thought by some to be the oldest form of asana practice. Unlike many of the popular forms of yoga today, yin practice focuses on slow and deliberate postures that stretch and strengthen the connective tissues and muscles that are often neglected during other more fast-paced forms of exercise. This ancient practice is becoming a more popular addition to yoga practices as more and more yogi embrace the slow yet challenging workout as a supplement to faster flow-style classes.
Yin Yoga is named after the Taoist yin symbol which represents soft, slow and passive elements, in contrast to the active yang symbol representing all that is fast, focused and aggressive. In terms of asana practice, yin describes a form of yoga in which the movements are slow and deliberate (like the yin symbol) in opposition to other more active practices. This style of yoga originated as a way for practitioners to prepare for long periods of meditation which required a strong lower back and flexible hip joints.
If you plan on adding Yin Yoga to your practice, there are a few things to know before you go. Although some yoga studios provide large mats to accommodate the numerous positions that require an outstretched body, it is always best to call ahead or bring your own traditional mat, just in case. Yin yoga uses a different set of muscles than other activities, so students can expect to be a bit sore after their first practice. The asanas are typically held for anywhere from three to ten minutes, and students often work to deepen their stretches, activating more muscles. As with any yoga, breathing plays an important role, but it is especially necessary for students to have full control of their breath during yin yoga in order to deepen stretches upon exhaling. Students should also bring a bottle of water because stretching these unused muscles can often make you feel dehydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water during and after a yin session.
Yin Yoga can be an invigorating addition to an experienced yogi's practice as well as a challenging first class for beginners. All of the positions can be modified with the help of a good teacher, making Yin Yoga accessible to practitioners of all levels. For these reasons, yin yoga is becoming an increasingly popular class at yoga studios across the country.
Yin Yoga is named after the Taoist yin symbol which represents soft, slow and passive elements, in contrast to the active yang symbol representing all that is fast, focused and aggressive. In terms of asana practice, yin describes a form of yoga in which the movements are slow and deliberate (like the yin symbol) in opposition to other more active practices. This style of yoga originated as a way for practitioners to prepare for long periods of meditation which required a strong lower back and flexible hip joints.
If you plan on adding Yin Yoga to your practice, there are a few things to know before you go. Although some yoga studios provide large mats to accommodate the numerous positions that require an outstretched body, it is always best to call ahead or bring your own traditional mat, just in case. Yin yoga uses a different set of muscles than other activities, so students can expect to be a bit sore after their first practice. The asanas are typically held for anywhere from three to ten minutes, and students often work to deepen their stretches, activating more muscles. As with any yoga, breathing plays an important role, but it is especially necessary for students to have full control of their breath during yin yoga in order to deepen stretches upon exhaling. Students should also bring a bottle of water because stretching these unused muscles can often make you feel dehydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water during and after a yin session.
Yin Yoga can be an invigorating addition to an experienced yogi's practice as well as a challenging first class for beginners. All of the positions can be modified with the help of a good teacher, making Yin Yoga accessible to practitioners of all levels. For these reasons, yin yoga is becoming an increasingly popular class at yoga studios across the country.
