Most of us are aware of the ancient Chinese principles of yin and yang - two opposite forces in harmony and balance. Yang represents the masculine principle and qualities such as dynamism, heat and action. On the other hand, the feminine principle of yin represents stillness, coolness, passivity and "being".
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
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 help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
In yin yoga, the poses are held for quite a long time, from between 3 - 8 minutes. This allows you to rest deeply in the pose, and to observe the breath in a very mindful way. While it may feel difficult at first, over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to slow down and find a sense of inner peace. It is a good preparation for meditation and mindfulness practice as well.
4. It will enhance 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 benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
Everything in life, including yoga or other forms of exercise, can be classified as yin or yang depending on their inherent nature. Ashtanga and Bikram yoga for example, are considered to be yang forms of yoga, due to their emphasis on strong, dynamic poses that require fitness and endurance. Yin yoga however, is completely different, with a focus on long-held 'asanas' done sitting or lying on the floor with a calm, mindful attitude. Yin yoga may appear simple on the surface, but it is a deep and rich practice than can slowly enhance all areas of your life. Here are 5 reasons to try yin yoga today:
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 help us to achieve our goals - but when out of balance it can lead to burn out, restlessness, anxiety and depression. We must remember to honour yin qualities as well, such as the ability to slow down, take it easy and enjoy what we have in the present. One way to counter-balance our chronic addiction to being busy, it to practice yin yoga.
2. It will release knots and ease aches in your body.
Sitting at desks for too long, too much driving, lack of exercise or even too much exercise can cause stress and tension in the body. These knots of contraction occur in the fascia, and yin yoga works directly on the fascia of the lower body to deeply release any built-up tightness. Fascia is connected in one long sheath, and simply by working on a few areas where the fascia is dense (such as the lower back and hips), allows it to start to loosen up all over.
3. It will shift you from "doing" mode to "being mode".
In yin yoga, the poses are held for quite a long time, from between 3 - 8 minutes. This allows you to rest deeply in the pose, and to observe the breath in a very mindful way. While it may feel difficult at first, over time you will be able to simply surrender and just "be", and your body and mind will be able to slow down and find a sense of inner peace. It is a good preparation for meditation and mindfulness practice as well.
4. It will enhance 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 benefit your life "off the mat" as well.
Definitely the most powerful benefit of an ongoing yin yoga practice is how it can slowly change your attitude to, and experience of, life in general. As you begin to cultivate patience, acceptance and compassion towards your body in the long-held poses, these same qualities will also arise in your daily life as well. From becoming more tolerant with difficult people who would normally drive you nuts, to being more compassionate and accepting of yourself, yin yoga will transform your outlook on life for the better.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a certified naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher. Try a short introductory yin yoga class and enjoy the benefits of yin yoga for yourself!
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