The practice of yin yoga is based on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles which believe there are pathways of Qi (energy) that run through our bodies. By stretching and deepening into poses, we’re opening up any blockages and releasing that energy to flow freely. By holding the various poses, a yin yoga sequence can help restore the healthy flow of Qi in our bodies. Here, the goal isn’t to move through postures freely. Postures can be typically held for anything from three to seven minutes at a time. A yin practitioner is trying to access the deeper tissues, and many of the postures focus on areas that encompass a joint (such as the hips, sacrum, and spine, to name a few).
Whilst yin yoga is for everyone! It is particularly a perfect balance for those who enjoy high intensity exercise, providing a slower, more meditative counterpart is a great way to round out your workouts. It is is a great way to relax, restore and rejuvenate, who doesn't need more of that right? Yin yoga is also for anyone who is dealing with injuries or a chronic condition like arthritis or osteoporosis as this style in particular is a more restorative practice than other forms of exercise.
Yin can also be a great starting point for anyone interested in meditation as it has such an internal focus.
The best thing to do is give it a try!
