Why Yin Yoga is such an important practice for women
We know we should practice Yin more regularly, but what is it all about and how can it benefit us mentally & physically?
Yin Yoga is a slow paced class, made up of passive floor based poses. It’s a more meditative practice, allowing us to turn inwards and tune into what is going on in our head. It encourages us to slow down & let go and is particularly beneficial for women.
It’s a simple, grounding practice but don’t let that fool you! Yin Yoga isn’t an “easy” practice, some of the poses can feel uncomfortable (but should never feel painful), but by working with our breathing and allowing our body to soften, the magic starts to happen!
We live in a Yang world – we rush from one place to another, we are constantly active and even practice dynamic Yoga classes. Yin Yoga is the perfect balance to this Yang world.
Yang is hot, active and masculine energy, whilst Yin is slow, stable and feminine.
Yin Yoga targets the deep connective tissues in our body – think the ligaments and fascia. Getting older & some lifestyle choices can cause this fascia to become stiff & dehydrated, but Yin Yoga can help change this.
A regular Yin Yoga practice can increase elasticity in your fascia, and more elastic fascia = increased flexibility, stronger muscles and increased range of motion.
In fact, Yin Yoga is one of the most effective ways of improving flexibility & releasing tension in the body, due to holding the poses for longer.
How can Yin Yoga benefit me?
Reduces stress, anxiety and can lower the risk of depression
Calms the body & the mind & slows your heart rate down
Boosts circulation – deeper breaths bring more oxygen to your muscles, which can increase blood flow & circulation
Improves your sleep, by allowing you to let go of tension in your body & mind
Improves joint mobility & is particularly beneficial to those suffering from arthritis & osteoporosis
Promotes self-care & self-love, by allowing us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level, in a gentle and compassionate way
Helps to balance out our hormones
My Yin Yoga Top Tips
Work to find stillness in each pose, we don’t get much time to just “be still” in everyday life, so saviour it and enjoy it!
Breathe deeply & practice Mindfulness by focusing on the present moment using the breath
Use props – the more supported your body is, the easier it is for your body to relax
Focus on relaxation
Wear plenty of layers – including a blanket, thick socks etc. Your body cannot relax if it’s feeling chilly!
Embrace the “Yin Brain” – don’t plan anything too strenuous after a Yin class, you may feel a bit spacey or zenned out, so relax and enjoy it
Yin Yoga is for you if you are feeling burned out, stressed out or exhausted. If you are feeling a bit “stuck” emotionally and looking for a release or maybe you are looking for a way to deeply heal yourself with self-care and loving-kindness.
Please get in touch to find out the next date for our monthly Yin classes on Zoom.