Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slow-paced, contemplative style of yoga where poses are held for extended periods (often 3-5 minutes) to target deep connective tissues like ligaments and fascia, rather than muscles.
The practice is based on Taoist philosophy, aiming to calm the mind, improve flexibility and joint mobility, and release physical and emotional tension by encouraging stillness and awareness.
Key Principles
Long Holds:
Poses are held for several minutes, allowing gravity to stretch and work on the deeper tissues.
Stillness:
After finding an appropriate edge in a pose, practitioners settle into stillness to allow the body to adapt.
Passive Movement:
Unlike active or dynamic yoga, yin yoga is a passive practice where you relax into the pose without muscular effort, letting gravity do the work.
Focus on Connective Tissues:
The practice targets fascia, ligaments, and joints, improving flexibility and range of motion, which complements more active, muscular (yang) yoga practices.
