Yin Yoga Anyone?
Seriously, Yin Yoga?
I started doing Yin Yoga regularly (with sound healing) in 2021. I had taken a few restorative classes over the years but I always felt a class where it wasn’t 105 degrees or I wasn’t doing a million chaturanga, was not the best use of my time. However, after 2 years of working from home sitting at my desk hunched over my laptop for 12 hours a day my body was a mess. I needed to make a change and I was pretty much open to trying anything. Plus the studio was a two minute walk from my apartment and this class was at 7:30pm, which was perfect for my schedule at the time.
Sound healing yin yoga had such a profound impact on me, my mind, my body, my entire being that I wanted to go deeper. Initially, I had no desire to teach a class, I did however think these added tools would be useful to add another layer of depth to my coaching (I was coaching girls varsity lacrosse at the time). This was just going to be for me. I ended up working with a teacher who enabled me to customize my training. I paired sound healing, yin yoga, and Reiki together.
Today, I love sharing the combination of sound healing yin yoga with all of you! The best part of my day is when everyone comes back into themselves, starts to sit up on their mat with a 3,000 yard stare and looking so relaxed in their physical bodies.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga has its roots in ancient yoga practices, particularly in the Taoist concept of yin and yang, opposite and complementary principles in nature.
It is a slow-paced and meditative practice that targets the deeper tissues of the body, such as the connective tissues, joints, and bones. It involves holding passive poses for extended periods, typically ranging from 3 to 10 minutes to allow the connective tissue time to release, utilizing gravity instead of forcing your body deeper into the pose. On average it takes at least 90 seconds for the tissue to start relaxing. The benefits of yin yoga are numerous and can be categorized into physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
The Benefits of Yin Yoga
Physical Benefits:
Increased flexibility: Increases flexibility by targeting the deeper tissues of the body, such as the ligaments, joints, and bones.
Relaxation and release: Yin yoga helps to relax and release tension in the body, which can lead to a sense of calm and relaxation.
Improved circulation: Helps improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the deeper tissues of the body.
Reduced pain: Yin yoga can helps reduce pain and discomfort in the body by releasing tension and improving circulation.
Mental and Emotional Benefits:
Mindfulness and meditation: Yin yoga encourages intentionality and meditation, which can lead to a greater sense of calm and inner peace.
Reduced stress and anxiety: By promoting relaxation and calmness, it reduces stress and anxiety..
Improved mood: Improves mood by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of well-being.
Increased self-awareness: Yin yoga can help to increase self-awareness by encouraging introspection and self-reflection while you are holding the poses longer.
Other Benefits:
Enhanced energy flow: Energy flow can be in enhanced by targeting the flow of chi in the body.
Improved digestion: Yin yoga can help to improve digestion by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Better sleep: Improves sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Yin yoga is a holistic practice that can bring numerous benefits to the body, mind, and spirit. By targeting the deeper tissues of the body and encouraging mindfulness and meditation, yin yoga can help to promote relaxation, reduce pain and stress, and improve overall well-being.
Hope to see you in a class soon!
