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 assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
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 change your attitude to life for the better.
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 assist us in realizing our goals and desires - however, when out of balance it can cause stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. We must remember to balance this with yin qualities also, such as taking time to slow down, relax and appreciate the present moment. A regular yin yoga practice is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
If you have ever spent too long at your desk and felt pain and stiffness in your neck and back afterwards, then you know what physical tension is! We often think these kinks arise in our muscles, but really, they form in the connective tissue or fascia. One of the number one boons of yin yoga is that it works specifically on the fascia and the long duration of the postures enable a deep release of any contractions in the fascia and a feeling of looseness and spaciousness in the body.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
Every "asana" or posture in yin yoga is held from 3 to 8 minutes, which is a significant period of time dedicated to being still and aware of the breath. This can feel difficult if you are not accustomed to "doing nothing", but over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to relax deeply. It is a good segue into traditional forms of seated meditation also.
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 change your attitude to life for the better.
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 qualified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try a short introductory yin yoga class and enjoy the peace of yin yoga for yourself!
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