YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga is a simple and intense practice that teaches how to relax the body deeply, calms the emotions, stimulates the life energy of the meridians( similar to the nadis) and organs, and prepares the mind and body for meditation.

Sin yoga is inspired by the Taoist concept of yin and yang, the proper balance between opposing and complementary forces of nature. Everything that is light, mobile, warm, flexible, soft and active is yang in nature. In contrast, what is dark, quiet, cold, rigid, hard and passives yin. Within our bodies, muscles are yang in nature because they are soft and elastic, while connective tissue (fascia, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones) is stiff, hard or inflexible and yin in nature.

Correspondingly, the muscles respond well to yang-tipe activities that are rhythmic and moving (Vinyasa) and the connective tissue responds better to a yin practice of slow, deep movements.

The purpose of yin yoga is therefore to relax the muscles and stimulates the connective by applying optimal tension to it for a time  and maintaining deep breathing. In this way, the tissue slowly stretches, strengthens and open, creating more space between the joints, improving their movement and making them firmer, more stable and stronger. In addition, according to the meridian theory of Chinese medicine, connective tissue houses the crossing points of channels ( meridians according to Chinese tradition or nadis according to Indian tradition)through with vital energy, also called Prana or Ki, flows.

This energy flow slows down and stagnates, especially around the joints ( pelvis and lower back, following the knees and shoulders), in the absence of proper physical activity. In such cases, to balance the meridians, a slow and mindful yin practice, in which each posture is held passively for a few minutes, is particularly useful to open and stimulate the joints and increase energy flow.

Sin yoga as already pointed out , helps to increase agility by acting on the deep connective tissues. Therefore, it is practiced by maintaining individual asanas longer and relaxing the muscles.

 The exercises offered in a Yin yoga class are slow, gentle and relaxing, so as to promote meditation. Important note: Yin yoga classes always focus on self-observation and listening to the self. Each practitioner must recognize his o her limit, respect the body and be aware that pain during practice is not an integral part of asana. 

The meditative aspect is strengthened because whenever a posture is taken up, thoughts must be abandoned in order to bring attention to the present moment. This develops the ability to perceive the sensations of the body and to listen to the deep breath.