Yin Yoga: the Art of Stillness
All forms of yoga offer a myriad of benefits; nourishing our bodies, souls and minds, calming our nervous system and restoring balance. We often associate yoga with movement, but in truth the practise is more about the mind.
I discovered yin yoga over a decade into my yoga journey. Originally captivated by the more dynamic Ashtanga practise, yin yoga arrived in my life just when I needed it most: when I became a mother.
Craving yoga, but often lacking the energy required for the more dynamic styles, yin offered a nurturing alternative; a space where I could simply be. The stillness was a welcome contrast to the busyness of life as a new mum.
The restorative practise of yin yoga is based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang; opposite and complementary principles in nature. Yin is the still, hidden, stable aspect, whilst yang is the moving, changing and revealing aspect of things.
Yin works deeply into our bodies with passive poses, held for around 1-3 minutes, increasing as you become more familiar with the practise. The longer holds work deeply into the body, targeting the thick connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia connects the body’s muscle and when it stiffens, it limits blood flow. A regular yin practise helps to improve circulation, which is essential for overall health and vitality.
Yin yoga improves the flow of qi (or chi), the subtle energy that runs through the meridian pathways of the body. These pathways of vital energy are often referred to as ‘prana’ in Ayurveda.
The benefits of yin yoga are vast but here are some reasons to practise this (if the blissful feeling at the end isn’t enough!):
activates parasympathetic nervous system
helps restore range of motion, increasing flexibility
enables us to slow down and find clarity
teaches us to be patient with our emotions
helps us become resilient to anxiety
teaches gratitude
boosts energy
The stillness practises of yin yoga are a powerful antidote to the constant movement of our busy modern lives. This nourishing, nurturing practise with an emphasis on rest make it a particularly beneficial and restorative practise for mothers.