Yin Yoga is a great way to unwind and de-stress. The perfect remedy if you are tired, or your mind is overactive and you need to shut off from your day. We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded 24/7 from social media and television, our phones, tablets, laptops are always running and it is not easy to shut off anymore. Our minds need process whatever information we have thrown at it. We need down time, and to just be. We need a healthy outlet, and yin yoga provides that. It helps to balance the mind and body and works the muscles at the same time.
So what is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga focuses on the Yin tissues-or connective tissues. The long slow movements of yin yoga, help to gently stretch the connective tissue, making them longer and stronger. These different yoga poses will help to promote balance all over the body.
Yin Yoga and the mind
During Yin yoga classes, positions are held for long breaths, which allows space in the mind for feelings to come up. Any anxiety, boredom, sadness, happiness, or any feelings that we may have suppressed during our busy day-to-day life, will slowly rise to the surface so we can then observe these thoughts and emotions. You will be guided to start to observe everything that arises in that space, without getting caught up in the actual thought, but just noticing it there. The release of energy and emotion here is extremely powerful and beneficial. In this way, you can clear your mind of these unconscious emotions, and allow your body to work through the blockages they have caused.
Key benefits of Yin Yoga practice
• Calms and balances the mind and body
• Alleviates stress and anxiety
• Increases circulation
• Improves flexibility
• Improves joint mobility
• Balances the internal organs and improves the inner flow of the body.
