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What is it all about?

While often thought of as a modern form of yoga, it is actually a practice rooted in Chinese and Taoist principles, and inspired by the long-held passive stretches undertaken in traditional Indian Hatha yoga, dating back over 5,000 years!

It feels somewhat new in the western world because of the new anatomical research that has been undertaken in recent years where it has been discovered that the body contains a collagenous connective tissue network that penetrates and surrounds our whole body. One bodywide fascial network. A membrane connected throughout the entire body without end points or separations. It holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. The tissue does more than provide internal structure; fascia has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin. When stressed, it tightens up. To release this tightening and thereby provide greater movement, we need to practice Yin Yoga.

The largely floor-based practice is undertaken by performing long-held passive stretches with the aid of various props to enable deactivation of our muscles in order to access deep tissues. It provides time to listen to the body and to connect to your breath and your body. The quiet mindful practice of a yin class is nourishing, relaxing and peaceful.

Yin Yoga's intention is to add stress to our body and mind in a good way, called eustress. Eustress is a positive type of stress which is needed for rejuvenation of our tissues, thoughts, energy and the like. With a mindful application of Yin Yoga poses, we stress ourselves in a beneficial way which encourages the body's healing properties to mend us. We can become stronger, healthier and more resilient.

In Yin Yoga, you will hold poses for 3-5 minutes each. Entering a shape, finding stillness and holding for time. You will be guided to 'find your edge'. The place of sensation where you are at an optimal level of stress on your tissues. This optimal place can bring with it intense sensation. But never pain. In Yin Yoga we seek to rid ourselves of the Western idiom 'No Pain, No Gain' and replace it with a greater Eastern philosophy of 'No Pain, No Pain!'

So why practice Yin Yoga?

The benefits of including the practice of Yin Yoga within your regular self-care and wellbeing programme are numerous.

• Increased flexibility: Yin yoga targets the connective tissues, such as fascia and ligaments, which surround and support the joints. Holding poses for longer durations in yin yoga helps to gently and safely stretch these tissues, leading to increased flexibility and mobility over time.

• Improved circulation and energy flow: By holding poses and applying gentle pressure on specific areas of the body, yin yoga stimulates the flow of blood, lymph, and energy (often referred to as chi or prana) in the meridian lines of the body, which are believed to be channels that carry life force energy. This can help to improve circulation, release tension, and balance the body's energy flow.

• Stress relief and relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. This helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, and promotes deep relaxation and a sense of calm.

• Enhanced joint health: Yin yoga can help to maintain and improve joint health by promoting flexibility, mobility, and circulation around the joints. It can also help to reduce joint stiffness and discomfort, making it beneficial for those with joint issues or arthritis.

• Mental clarity and mindfulness: Yin yoga encourages mindful awareness and deepens the mind-body connection. As you hold poses for longer durations, you become more present and attentive to sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise, promoting mental clarity, self-reflection, and mindfulness.

• Release of emotional tension: Yin yoga is known to help release emotional tension and stress that may be stored in the body. As you hold poses, you may experience emotions arising and being released, helping you to process and let go of emotional blockages.

• Balancing to other yoga practices: Yin yoga complements other more active forms of yoga, such as vinyasa or hatha yoga, which focus on building strength and flexibility. The passive nature of yin yoga helps to balance and counteract the effects of more dynamic practices, providing a well-rounded approach to overall physical and mental fitness.

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