Most of us are familiar with the ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang - two opposing forces in harmony and balance. Yang symbolizes the masculine principle and qualities such as movement, heat and activity. Conversely, the feminine principle of yin represents stillness, coolness, passivity and simply "being".
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will complement your other workouts.
Most types of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and lifting weights can be classified as yang in nature due to their focus on strength, stamina and repetitive movements. While certainly important for muscle tone and cardiovascular health, they can also cause joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas, such as the hamstrings for runner. Yin yoga can deeply stretch these areas out and minimise the risk of injury as well as assist in developing an understanding and deeper awareness of the body's inherent limitations.
5. It will benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
All things in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classed as yin or yang according to their basic qualities. There are styles of yoga (Bikram or Ashtanga for example) that are more yang-like, with their emphasis on strength and heat-building, dynamic poses. Yin yoga however, is totally different, with an emphasis on longer-held poses primarily done on the floor and the cultivation of mindfulness and surrender. I have experienced yin yoga to be a truly life-changing practice, here are 5 reasons to give it a go:
1. It will help you to cope with the stresses of modern-day life.
Western culture places a lot of value on yang-like qualities such as productivity, working hard and achieving external success. This can certainly help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will dissolve physical stress and tension.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will cure your addiction to "doing".
Each pose in yin yoga is held from a minimum of 3 minutes up to 8 minutes, so you are spending long periods in stillness, focusing on the breath and the sensations in the body. This can seem strange if you are not used to slowing down, but gradually you will be able to shift gears and surrender, and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a great introduction to more formal types of meditation as well.
4. It will complement your other workouts.
Most types of exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging and lifting weights can be classified as yang in nature due to their focus on strength, stamina and repetitive movements. While certainly important for muscle tone and cardiovascular health, they can also cause joint damage, injury and tightness in certain areas, such as the hamstrings for runner. Yin yoga can deeply stretch these areas out and minimise the risk of injury as well as assist in developing an understanding and deeper awareness of the body's inherent limitations.
5. It will benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Arguably the most wonderful effect of a regular yin yoga practice is how it can gradually improve your attitude to your life in general. You will develop patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body during the class, and these same qualities will also arise in your daily life more as well. From becoming more understanding with difficult people who normally irritate you to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your way of seeing and being with the world.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a certified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try her short "taster" yin yoga class and enjoy the peace of yin yoga for yourself!
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