What is Japanese Do in Yoga?

Japanese Do in Yoga promotes the circulation of vital Qi energy.

Do in, a yoga practice that is still too little known today, but oh so beneficial. Despite its Chinese origin, it is indeed a Japanese technique centered on self-massages, stretching and breathing exercises do in to circulate the vital energy Qi (Ki in Japanese and Chi in Chinese). This discipline can be practiced at any age and by everyone, because it is simple to perform. It is often confused with Shiatsu, another massage technique.

The Chinese origin of Japanese Yoga do in

Although the do in method is a Japanese Yoga, it originated in Central China. However, the word ''Do in'' is Japanese meaning extension. ''Do'' could be a deformation of ''Tao'' and ''In'' evokes the idea of ​​assimilation.

The name Do in first appeared in the ''Book of the Yellow Emperor'', one of the greatest Chinese works. It talks about the relationships between the individual and his environment, the rules, the non-respect of these as well as the effects on the circulation of Qi energy.

What does the do in session consist of?

''Do'' means opening your meridians and awakening the Qi energy that circulates there. ''In'' means the deployment of your bones, tendons and muscles. The practice of do in brings together self-massage, breathing, pressure, flexibility and stretching to allow the circulation of vital energy in your body. It is a practice based on the stimulation of acupuncture points in order to clear the meridians. The do in technique is performed standing (in Seisa position or cross-legged) and on the ground for some flexibility.

Self-massage is performed on yourself by you, while being dressed. You favor the massage of the belly which is the center of your fleshly envelope and the energetic body. Breathing exercises, a true internal massage, allow the evacuation of tensions which obstruct the circulation of Qi. Do-in stretching and pressures are the means of harmonizing the flow of vital energy.

What equipment should I use?

To practice do in , you need:

• A yoga mat ,
• A meditation cushion or zafu ,
• A meditation blanket ,
• Loose fitting clothing like yoga clothes .

The benefits of Japanese Yoga for circulating Qi energy

Do-in yoga is an ideal practice to alleviate the dysfunctions of your body and mind originating from poor circulation of vital energy Ki. Japanese Yoga helps you to strengthen and regenerate your organs, but also to unify your body and mind, that is to say:

• Evacuate toxins,
• Increase tone,
• Relax your muscles,
• Limit fatigue and stress,
• Provide well-being,
• Develop your flexibility and self-confidence,
• Increase your memory and concentration,
• Increase your motivation.

Practicing in the morning helps wake up your body by activating vital energy. On the contrary, before going to bed, do in exercises help promote sleep by reducing tensions accumulated during the day.

Another form of yoga promotes the circulation of Kundalini energy: Kundalini Yoga .