Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a gentle, slow-paced style of yoga that accesses the deeper tissues of the body. Energetically speaking, yin is considered the more passive practice of yoga, while its yang opposites include more active styles like vinyasa and Ashtanga, which quickly flow between postures.
In a yin class poses are held from one minute to up to twenty minutes. Although this sounds challenging, props like blankets, bolsters, and straps are used to modify the postures so that they can be practiced without effort. Students are encouraged to 'find their edge': bringing the body to a place of challenge without pushing too far. Once they find their edge, they're invited to melt into stillness. Yin yoga facilitates a meditative state that keeps the mind alert and present.
One of the greatest benefits of yin's long holds is that they allow the release of internal tissues. These ligaments, tendons, fascia, and bones don't usually receive much nurturing attention. Yin makes for gentle stretches that open the body as connective tissue is elongated. For the most part, these postures target the area between the lower spine and the knees.
Yin draws its philosophy from Chinese medicine. Postures are used to enhance the flow of chi (life-force) through the body's subtle channels. Although it shares many of the same poses as other styles of yoga, yin yoga takes a more relaxed muscular approach.
Is yin yoga for you ?
If you want a grounding yoga practice that works deep within the physical body, then yin is for you. It also compliments yang styles perfectly and adding in a yin class here and there can balance a potentially overactive yoga practice.
Yin postures can be adapted to nearly every body type through the use of props. Even if you're out of shape or working with an injury, your teacher will help you to modify poses accordingly. Yin is a perfect practice for athletes like runners and bikers who want to open the hips and bring more flexibility to the joints.
Mentally speaking, yin allows you to release not only the body tissues but pent-up emotions as well. It can be very healing for those dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, or trauma. While not necessarily an easy path, yin teaches you to let emotions arise so that they can finally be released.