Benefits of Yin Yoga
~ Why Practice Yin ~
Written by Becky Khalil
Yin Yoga presents the opportunity to connect with the physical, mental, emotional and energetic body, using the posture and breath. It has been reported that when one takes their Yin Yoga practice seriously, diving deep inside the connection to their consciousness and the self, their overall well-being within the 5 dimensions of their body (physical, mental, emotional, energetic) has a profound positive effect on their life.
Yin Yoga is the gentle application of tension and compression to the body which can induce a healthy phase change in the tissue. Yin Yoga practice is characterised by longer, softer, static holds, using floor-based asanas for muscle relaxation, myo-fascial release and inducing for a meditative focus. The slow, gentle and consistent stimulation of the connective tissue, as opposed to the muscle rhythm and repetition in Yang styles of Yoga, gives Yin Yoga its particular benefits of holistic well-being.
Yin Yoga is becoming an increasingly common style of Yoga practice due to positive benefits on the body, mind and spirit. Yin Yoga incorporates a mix of Yogic, Taoist and Buddhist practices and can be broken down into four parts:
1) Physical
2) Energetic
3) Mental
4) Emotional
5) Spiritual
Each dimension of the body receives different benefits that are effective individually, as well as together, supporting holistic wellness of body and mind.It is important to note here that the way in which one practices and teaches Yin is not dogmatic. There is no set philosophy, school, god or goddess that one should follow.
furthermore, it is also important to note here that nothing is a definite. Some people may receive some benefits and other people may receive completely different benefits. This is natural and is dependent on a variety of things such as lifestyle stage of Yin practice, stage of meditation practice, overall health and well-being, physical habitual patterns, emotional habitual patterns, exercise in general, exercise that day, diet and mindset….just to name a few.
Ok so lets take a look at some of the benefits within the 5 dimensions of the body…
Myo-fascial release – Decreases tightness in myo-fascia
Parasympathetic nervous system activation (Physical relaxation)
Encourages increased joint mobility
Gentle stimulation of connective tissue
Stimulates flow of blood and lymphatic drainage
Allows myo-fascia to slide and maintain functionality
Slows heart rate
Promotes detoxification through deep breathing
Energetic Dimension
Subtle acupressure on energy pathways can stimulate the flow of qi
Bring you more into the present moment
Harmonises energy flow
Naturally restores the body’s energy system
Mental Dimension
Bridge to mediation & conscious awareness
Dharana (concentration)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Facilitates a meditative focus
Practice to detach with want and desires and accept what is
Facilitates connection with the self
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system: Calms and balances the intellectual mind
Body & mind unison
Gives space
Develops Mindfulness
Induces calm mind ready to sleep >> increases cognitive functioning
Emotional Dimension
Emotional connection, awareness & release
Reduces stress
Reduce anxiety
Generate calmer coping mechanism
Increase emotional intelligence
Facilitates a safe space emotionally
Can improve sleep
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Yin yoga in its entirety is known as a ‘functional approach’ to yoga. It is how you feel, not how you look. There is no body or mind that completely matches another. There is no ‘one size fits all’ in yoga. We are all different. Yin Yoga facilitates space for this difference. There are four principles that help promote this functional approach to yoga.
We have a variety of Yin Yoga training’s that keep topping up your heart, mind and soul:
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Online:
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence
Residential Yin Yoga Teacher Training:
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 200 hour 5 Bodies Approach
Locations:
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Bali
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Thailand
Yin Yoga Teacher Training India
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Spain
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Australia
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Guatemala
We also have a variety of Yin Yoga Retreats and Yoga Holidays:
Yin Yang Yoga Retreat Spain: Rest and Revive Retreat
Yin Yoga Retreat Bali: Sacred Space Yoga
