Yin yoga is based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang, opposite and complementary principles in nature. Yin is the stable, unmoving, hidden aspect of things; yang is the changing, moving, revealing aspect. Other yin-yang polarities include cold-hot, down-up, calm-excited. 
In the body, the relatively stiff connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia) is yin, while the more mobile and pliable muscles and blood are yang. 

Yin yoga works on the Yin tissues - also known as the connective tissues. Connective tissue responds best to a slow, steady load. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a yin pose for a long time, the body will respond by making them a little longer and stronger—which is exactly what you want. Remember the principle of exercise is to stress the tissue so the body will respond by strengthening it.

Note: Yin Yoga requires the muscles to relax around the connective tissue in order to get a stretch, so not all yoga poses can be done safely or effectively when practicing Yin style. Thus Yin asanas have different names

 

Yin yoga and the mind

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Becoming still in a pose and staying for a while creates those gaps that I was talking about earlier. Keeping the gaps empty creates the space for anything that wants to come up. Anxiety, happiness sadness, boredom, for example. Anything you suppress with all the on-the-go busyness in your life. Yin yoga gives you the time and space to allow those feelings to be there. Emotions, thoughts, feelings you have kept in the shadows.

Generally speaking, during a Yin yoga class the teacher will encourage you to allow all those feelings to be there, but not identify with them. The teacher will guide you to become the observer of everything that arises in that space. All those stored away emotions, feelings and sensations now have a chance to come out. You have no idea how much energy it costs the body to keep all that suppressed. So the release you get from letting it all come out can also be just as big.

 

These stories usually have to do with why we feel such and such, whose fault it is etc. Just observing these physical sensations, without giving juice to the stories allow those emotions and physical sensations a way out of your system. You open the door in a way of speaking.

This way you clear the mind of these often unconscious emotions, and you give your system an opportunity to work through the blockages they have caused in the body. What a wonderful and much-needed process!

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Yin yoga and the body

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Yin yoga works on the yin tissues - also known as the connective tissues. Connective tissue responds best to a slow, steady load which is why we hold the poses for longer. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a yin pose for a long time in this way, the body will respond by making it a little longer and stronger - which is exactly what you want. Remember, the principle of exercise is to stress the tissue so the body will respond by strengthening it.

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Different Yin yoga poses stimulate and remove blockages in the myo-fascial meridians in the body. This has the effect of balancing the body’s internal organs and systems. Yin yoga requires the muscles to relax around the connective tissue in order to get a stretch, so not all yoga poses can be done safely or effectively when practicing Yin style. Thus Yin asanas have different names when practiced in a Yin style.

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When practicing Yin yoga these principles should be employed:
1) “Find an appropriate edge”: Move slowly and gently into the pose, and look for an appropriate amount of intensity, never stretch so far as to cause pain;
2) Stillness: consciously try to release into the pose, and to remain still, without shifting position;
3) Hold the position: beginners hold for 1-3 minutes, advanced hold for 5 minutes or more.
4) Release with care.

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What to expect in a typical Yin yoga class

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A Yin yoga class usually consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses that mainly work the lower part of the body—the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine. These areas are especially rich in connective tissues. In a Yin yoga class, the poses are held for up to five minutes and possibly longer. Yin yoga is almost entirely passive, although some Yin asanas contain some Yang elements. During the asanas, muscles are relaxed to avoid muscle spasm, which could result from engaging muscles for long periods.

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Benefits of a regular Yin yoga practice

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• Increase circulation and improves flexibility

• Stillness: calms and balances the mind and body

• Stress and anxiety reduction

• Fascial release

• Deeper relaxation

• Greater joint mobility

• Meridian stimulation brings balance to the organs

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How it works 

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Sessions are held in Yoga Teacher Trainings in which you will be certified either by the Yoga Alliance or the Government of India  .During our group sessions you'll receive strategic recommendations and actionable plans, as well as instructions into how to transition from one asana to another one, contraindications as well as structuring of a class, and cueing recommendations  in order for you to find that inner peace that you are looking for .

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Investment: Depending on the Teacher Training and in which country  is being held 

(includes video & material, welcome kit, food & accommodation, airport transportation  as well as recommended reading list  ).

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