Yin Yoga, a therapeutic yoga

Yin Yoga is a gentle yoga that involves performing still postures held long enough to work the deep muscles of your body. This type of yoga promotes relaxation, letting go, flexibility and health of the body. It focuses mainly on the body, but more particularly on the skeleton and connective tissues such as ligaments, joints or cartilage. It is complementary to more intensive and dynamic yoga practices such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa .

What does “Yin Yoga” mean?

First, let's go back to the symbol of Yin and Yang . This symbol represents the two fundamental principles of Chinese philosophy . Yin and Yang are complementary and designate two extremes. Yin (in black on the symbol) corresponds to what is passive, lunar, night, interior, water or even feminine. Yin is associated with autumn and winter. Yang (in white on the symbol) is equivalent to its opposite, and therefore is masculine, active, solar, light, exterior, day or even fire. It joins summer and spring.

Yin Yoga offers nowadays the opportunity to be in the present moment. Indeed, our current lifestyle is particularly stressful. Everything is based on speed and efficiency. We do not take the time to take a break! Yin Yoga therefore helps to balance the scales which tend much more towards the Yang side.

Where did Yin Yoga originate from?

Yin Yoga is a recent yoga created about twenty years ago. It comes from Taoism and Chinese medicine . Despite explanations about its founder that tend to get mixed up, here is the most plausible information that emerges: it would be Paulie Zink (master of Monkey Kung Fu) who would be the recognized inventor of Yin Yoga.

But, it was Paul Grilley in the 1990s, who trained Paulie Zink in Taoist yoga , who would have developed it and made it known. He published in 2001 " Taoist Yoga " which was renamed " Yin Yoga ". Paul Grilley also trained in anatomy and studied the meridians and chakras. Currently, most teachers are trained in Yin Yoga transmitted by Paul Grilley.

Yin Yoga occupies a large place in yoga classes today. It is very successful despite being considered a complementary discipline.

The main principles of Yin yoga

In Yin Yoga , the principle is to hold yoga postures for as long as possible (3 to 5 minutes), but this can go up to twenty minutes in a row! Be careful, the goal is not to force, but on the contrary to always remain comfortable.

This aims to work your body, your heart and your mind in depth. You will literally learn to " let go "! In the same way as an acupressure session, Yin Yoga has benefits on your body and in particular on your lower body. It will "cleanse" the energy channels of your body. But, Yin Yoga remains different from restorative yoga . It is a therapeutic yoga , but also very relaxing.

Who is Yin Yoga for?

Yin Yoga is a gentle yoga . It is aimed at beginners as well as more experienced yogis and yoginis. It is a yoga accessible to all , no matter what level you have. It invites calm and relaxation and is particularly recommended for people with hip or back pain.

How does a Yin Yoga class take place?

A Yin Yoga class includes yoga asanas held over time, as well as long stretches. In addition, slow and deep breathing is to be done during the postures. A Yin Yoga class lasts about 1h30 where the student will only perform 8 to 10 positions.

Despite the intense sensations and asanas that can sometimes take a long time to hold, Yin Yoga also plays on the mind and its control. Consequently, an increase in concentration will be felt. More experienced Yogis will have no trouble staying in a position for 10 to 15 minutes. As for beginner yogis, they will start by holding the postures for 3 to 5 minutes. The maximum not to be exceeded is 20 minutes.

What is the ideal equipment for practicing Yin Yoga?

For Yin Yoga , the most important thing is to invest in an eco-friendly yoga mat . The ideal cushioning is 4 to 6 mm to ensure better comfort necessary for your Yin Yoga practice. It is a gentle Yoga where asanas are held between 3 to 5 minutes on average or more. This requires a dense and comfortable yoga mat so as not to hurt yourself.

The Chakra EQ Love yoga mat is perfect for Yin Yoga , or the Yoga Mad Evolution yoga mats , sold in 4 or 6 mm. Do you want a yoga mat with a lifetime guarantee for regular use? The Manduka PROlite mat will delight you! If you want to practice at home, the Manduka MatPRO yoga mat will provide you with all the comfort you need thanks to its 6 mm thickness. Like the PROlite yoga mat , it is also guaranteed for life! However, in Yin Yoga , the possibility of using accessories to help and support yourself in the postures is possible. Mainly bricks , straps , bolsters and blankets .

What are the benefits of Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a yoga with multiple benefits.

This is a gentle yoga that will initially promote release and relaxation. It will improve the overall flexibility of your body. It will play a major role in the health of your body (joints, internal organs, connective tissues, etc.). Due to the long-term holding of the postures, it will aim to reach the deep tissues. Finally, it will be an excellent complement to all other forms of dynamic Yoga or active sports.

However, if you want to take full advantage of all these benefits, there are a few principles you should follow:

• Don't try to exceed your limits (at the risk of injury),
• Take your time and stay as calm as possible, trying not to move (calming and controlling your mind which can wander),
• Finally, stay in the postures as long as you can!

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