Benefits Of Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slower type of yoga in which we hold a posture for a long period of time (usually between 3 - 10min). The idea is to sink deep into the posture and stretch deep tissues in the body. It is suitable for everyone.
I remember the moment I realized Yin Yoga is truly special. I was sitting in a Yin posture in one of the first Yin classes I attended. I arrived at my “threshold” – which is the point in a posture in which we feel a strong sensation, but no pain. I then immediately realized that my mind was thinking “I hate this, get me out of here! How are you gonna stay here for a long time!” Instead of listening to that voice and getting out of the posture, I accepted the sensation, breath through it, surrendered and let it take me deeper. Once I did that, the resistance in my mind also disappeared. It felt as though I had passed and dissipated a huge block; both in my mind and my body. A big release. Not only did this release feel amazing but it made me realize how the resistance in the mind and body are so closely interrelated. As we release tension in one it releases tension in the other.
It also gave me the opportunity to sit closely with sensations in my body. In all honestly, I had barely done that before this moment. Not so deeply and so intimately. We stay with sensations in our bodies but never for a very long time. We don’t familiarize ourselves with sensations in the body. Staying with it for a longer period of time helps you build a closer relationship with yourself.
The relaxation and peace I felt in my body and mind after just one session also made me realize how deep this practice goes. Even though I am a very Yin person in general I am also part of this hectic world, in which we are constantly stimulated, and even if you are the most yin person on earth, these factors influence you, your nervous system and inner-balance. And Yin helped me to push reset.
These are some of my personal experiences. I’ll share 5 general benefits of Yin Yoga:
1. Deep Relaxation–Reduces Stress & Anxiety
We live in a world that is constantly in motion, stimulation, action… a very Yang world. This lifestyle and energy makes it so that we spend most of our time in the sympathetic nervous system; activates the fight or flight response in our body during a threat or perceived danger. Yin Yoga activates our parasympathetic nervous system; restores the body to a state of calm. We don’t spend enough time in our parasympathetic nervous system and it is crucial to restore all our internal organs and systems. It is crucial simply to operate at our best and be connected to our truest self. Yin leaves us feeling restored, recharged and back to our balanced, connected state.
2. Increases Flexibility & Deep Tissue Massage
The active physical activities we usually pursue (such as running, gym, dance…) target muscles but few activities target the deep connective tissues connecting those muscles (ligaments, tendons, fascia). Although, lubricating and lengthening those tissues is key to increasing longevity and keeping joints safe and healthy. So one type of activity without the other is not safe, we need both and this is why Yin yoga is the perfect complement to your usual more “Yang activities”. Yin stretches and targets both the deep connective tissues between the muscles, and the fascia throughout the body in the safest way possible and it also prevents potential future injury.
3. Teaches Resilience–Sitting With Discomfort
Usually, when we notice any type of discomfort we run away from it. Yin is a practice that invites us to sit with the discomfort and sink deeper into it. Ironically, when we go through the discomfort we find a sense of ease on the other side of it. This happens by not resisting the sensations and the discomfort. When you first enter a yin pose it can seem impossible to hold this posture for a long time but before you know it you have surpassed your threshold, sinked a little deeper and fully surrendered to the posture. In general, this builds mental, physical and emotional strength and teaches us an attitude toward hardships on and of mat.
4. Releasing & Restoring
Yin postures help to release physical tension and unblock stuck energy in the body. Our bodies are incredibly powerful vessels. The cells deep in your tissues hold all of your memories, fears, anxieties, tensions,… So when you go deep into a Yin pose it helps release all of these. Some Yin poses might bring up intense memories and emotions for some. Yin is a vulnerable practice of letting go. It is always up to you whether to stay with those emotions or if it’s too much and you want to get out of it. Yet essentially, it helps you to let go of things that don’t serve you anymore and that you have been holding onto for too long. Some people have really transformative experiences during a Yin class.
5. Intimate Practice of Self-Love & Awareness
Yin is a moment of self-care and self-love devoted to yourself and your body. First, we rarely take the time to just sit “still” in a focused way for an hour; this is a true gift for your body, mind and nervous system. Second, we rarely take the time to really listen to our body and its needs. Yin is like a dialogue with the sensations in our body. We dedicate a whole session to feeling and giving it exactly what it needs. Its an intimate moment with ourselves, in which we give our body the love and care we usually don’t take the time to do.
To conclude,
Yin Yoga is all about giving ourselves a moment to take a break from the intensity, and TRULY be with ourselves and give ourselves the right environment and love to restore our body, mind and emotions. One session is enough to experience its magic. Yin is a practice that is rooted in ancient Eastern philosophies that have been practiced for thousands of years and it’s my joy to practice and teach it today as I am passionate about slowing down and creating inner-peace and balance as we take on the noise of the world.
If you are interested in trying your first (or not) Yin Yoga Class– contact me ✨🫶
