Yin Yoga

A Yin Yoga class begins and flows with a series of long-held, passive poses that are held for up to 1-5 minutes (sometimes longer). Many of the poses target the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine but can also include neck, shoulders and upper spine. These areas are rich in connective tissues – tendons, ligaments and fasia, in which Yin asanas target. Connective Tissues respond best to a slow steady load. If you gently stretch connective tissues by holding a yin pose for a long time, the body will respond by making them a little longer and stronger. We will use various props such as blocks, blankets, straps and bolsters to support our bodies in each pose.

Benefits to Yin

• Increase Circulation and Improves Flexibility

• Calms and Balances the Mind and Body

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety

• Releases Fascia

• Encourages Deeper Relaxation

• Improves Joint Mobility

• Brings Balance to the organs through meridian stimulation

 

Philosophy and Principles of Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga practices have been around for centuries in China and Taiwan as part of Daoist Yoga, which is sometimes known as Dao Yin. Taoist priests taught this knowledge along with breathing techniques to Kun Fun practitioners around 2000 years ago. Daoist Flow is a unique movement practice that fuses the ancient Eastern traditions of yoga and qigong. Philosophies are drawn from Yoga, Daoism and Buddhism to create a unique approach to movement & spirituality.

 

Understanding the Yin and the Yang

Yin and Yang are opposite and complimentary principles in nature. Yin is stable, supported, unmoving “hidden aspects of things” while Yang is the changing, moving, revealing aspects. In the body, the stiff connective tissues such as tendons, fascia and ligaments are yin and the more mobile muscles and blood are yang.

 

Qi

Yin Yoga poses are also designed to improve the flow of qi (or chi) that is the subtle energy (according to Traditional Chinese Medicine – TCM) that runs through the meridian pathways of the body. TCM believes the improved flow of qi benefits organ health, immunity and emotional wellbeing.

Things to Remember when practicing Yin Yoga

• Find an appropriate edge or tolerable resistance. Move slowly and gently into the pose and settle into a safe amount of intensity. Never stretch so far to cause pain.

• Find Stillness – consciously try to release into the pose and remain still and breathe without shifting out of the position. Use your props for support when needed

• Hold the position for 1-3 minutes gradually progressing to 5 minutes or more.

• Come out of the pose slowly and gently

• Remember to give your body rest and time to restore

 

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is an ancient art and science of conscious rest or “Yogic Sleep”. It is a guided meditation for deep relaxation and inner awakening. All you need is to settle comfortably on your mat, bringing anything you need for comfort or using studio props and blankets so you may feel supported during your practice.

Yoga means union of body, breath, mind and spirit, while Nidra means sleep. In normal sleep, both the body and mind are sleeping as the physical body relaxes and consciousness fades. In Yoga Nidra, the body lies still but we remain “awake” described as a ream we touch the subconscious and unconscious mind.

Benefits Include:

• Relieves Stress & Anxiety

• Enhanced Sleep – 15 minutes of Yoga Nidra = 2 hours of sleep

• Cognitive Function

• Emotional Regulation

• Profound Ease and Openous