Have you ever had those days when you feel like your body is wrought with tension? Yin yoga could be the answer. Yin yoga is a posture, practice, meditation and philosophy that has been around for centuries. This type of yoga focuses on being passive, both in practice and in deep thought. It encourages surrender, pure acceptance and mindfulness.
The philosophy
Yin yoga works the connective tissue that lubricates the joints, bones and muscles. It strengthens weakened areas and helps to limber and energize both the body and mind. This kind of yoga is all about accepting what is and observing rather than judging.
The practice of Yin yoga stimulates the energy lines of the body, allowing for better emotional and spiritual clarity. In order to promote balance of the two energies of Yin and Yang, during Yin practice we hold poses for a longer period of time than we would for regular practice.
The poses
The poses in Yin yoga vary. There are gentle yet powerful seated, supine and prone postures that help to strengthen the lower back, spine and hips while improving overall flexibility. Some postures also target the shoulder joints, throat and neck.
The use of props
Yin yoga poses are often held for a lot longer than traditional yoga poses, which is why using props such as bolsters, blocks or blankets is encouraged. This helps to ease the intensity of the postures and make them more comfortable.
Other benefits
Other benefits of Yin yoga include reducing stress, calming the mind and the body, cultivating self-awareness, improving circulation and relieving pain. The philosophy behind the practice is also one of compassion and acceptance, helping us to let go of attachments.
Yin yoga is just one of many forms of yoga. It is not as strenuous as other practices but it can help to energize the body and mind. It is also a great way to relax, stretch and create space in our lives.
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