WHAT IS YIN YOGA?
Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that targets the connective tissues of the body (tendons, fascia, and ligaments) through slow and long-held stretches. These poses, which are generally held for 3-5 minutes, assists in increasing circulation to the joints and improving flexibility. Due to the stillness in the poses, we see this as a great opportunity to focus on the Breath, thus activating the meditative side of the practice.
ORIGINS OF YIN YOGA
The roots of Yin Yoga originate from India and China, and some consider it to be one of the oldest forms of yoga due to it's significance in the traditions of Hatha Yoga from India and Taoist Yoga from the Greater China area. In India, the embodiment of the energy systems within us are referred to as "Prana/Nadis" (Energy/Pathways), and in China, the Taoists refer to it as "Qi/Meridians", which was founded on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Shiatsu is also founded on these TCM principles. In the western world, however, it began being taught in the late 1970's.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CLASS?
If you are familiar with the concepts of Yin and Yang, you will know that the majority of us live in a "Yang" type of lifestyle - fast, quick-paced, and busy. "Yin" on the other-hand is quite the opposite - slow, relaxing, releasing, and restorative. This is exactly what you can expect from a class. Slow and mindful movements, carefully thought out to promote healing for the body, while also speaking to those stagnant/sore areas within the body, and allowing those areas to release. It is a wonderful antidote for stress of the body and mind! Within a 1-hour class, we flow through 4-8 different sets of postures, always ending in Shavasana. Students are provided with props to support comfort on the mat, and hands-on adjustments to "fine-tune" and allow for a deeper engagement.
WHO SHOULD GO TO A CLASS?
Anyone and everyone! All experience levels are encouraged to go to this class. Much as each of us has our own individual goals outside of yoga, the same is to be said within the yoga practice. For those who are experienced, it can provide a meditative and therapeutic experience; for those who are new to yoga, it provides a slow and gentle ease into the practice; for those who are athletes, it provides a form a therapy for the connective areas of the body; and for those who are new to a fitness regime, it provides a opportunity to get into better health and wellness. Whichever of these body types you are - there is no doubt that you will benefit from this practice. Come. Feel nourished in your Body, Mind, and Soul.