Yin Yoga

What is Yin Yoga?

The mental, emotional and physical stresses of modern living tighten up the soft tissues of the body. We have to coax our bodies to open every day.

Our muscles will respond to the repetitive movement of our regular yoga classes. They will become stronger and more elastic. It is a wonderful benefit of yoga, and everyone should take advantage of it.

Now forward looking yoga teachers from all over the world are making us aware that our connective tissues (ligaments and fascia) which are more dense and less supple don’t stretch like muscles. They don’t respond to brief stresses.

To “exercise” connective tissue we have to hold simple, modest postures for a long time in a non-aggressive stretch. THIS PRACTICE IS CALLED YIN YOGA.

As you hold these postures for extended periods and allow your muscles to relax, you are putting gentle corrective tension on the deep connective tissues in your body.

The therapeutic stress is very gentle. In Yin Yoga the stress is not with force, but with time. This is what coaxes the connective tissue to yield.

“Yin Yoga postures gently stretch and rehabilitate the connective tissues that form our joints. . . . it is not muscular strength that gives us the feeling of ease and lightness in the body, it is the flexibility of the joints, of the connective tissue.”

Paul Grilley, Author
Yin Yoga, Outline of a Quiet Practice

Another important benefit of Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga will also teach you how to “exercise” your awareness and sensitivity by slowing down, paying attention and involving yourself mentally in what you are experiencing. This skill quickly reduces stress. The practice of Yin Yoga also brings you a deep sense of peace and well being because it awakens your awareness to the vital life energy called Prana or Chi.

Click here for a schedule of our Yin Yoga Classes.