For the longest time, I have wanted to include Yin in my Yoga practice. And this lock-down has allowed me to integrate it with my existing practice.

What is Yin yoga?

Yin is a slow, soothing, and meditative style of yoga that targets the deep connective tissues, bones, joints, fascia, and ligaments in the body.

The practice of Yin Yoga is based on Acupuncture (ancient Chinese philosophy).  There are pathways of Qi (energy) that run through our bodies. By stretching into poses, we open up any blockages and release the energy to flow freely.

10 Reasons to Practice Yin Yoga

1) Train  the Fascia

Connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments are trained in Yin Yoga. Since these tissues work hard to support and stabilize muscles and joints. They inherently resist changes from dynamic physical exertion. However, connective tissues lose elasticity due to aging or sedentary lifestyle. Thus, yin helps in stretching, hydrating the fascia. Which improves flexibility and supports the joints better.

For flexible students, instead of making their already supple tissues weaker. Yin encourages their fascia to become stronger and more resilient. The key is to set up in yin poses in a way that creates a gentle, sustained sensation rather than a deep stretch.

2) Collagen Synthesis

Yin poses include compression, rotational force and stretching. This seems to stimulate specialized cells within the fascia, called fibroblasts. Which lays down additional collagen fibers in the direction of the stress. Collagen fibers give our soft tissue its structure, strength and capacity to connect the parts of the body into a unified whole.

3) Restores range of motion

For healthy range of motion, layers of connective tissue must allow muscles to glide over each other. But injury, habitual posture in daily life and aging; can bind these connective tissues together. Holding poses that gently lengthen the muscles and fascia helps break up these bindings. And applying mild stress to joints and connective tissues can increase their range of motion.

4) Hydration

Collagen synthesis produces hyaluronic acid. Water-loving hyaluronic acid attracts a rush of water molecules from surrounding tissue back into the fascia. Thus, initiating a process of re-hydration. Example: A water filled sponge is stretched, twisted and squeezed. This removes residual fluid and creates space for fresh fluids.

Hydration allows for free movement and circulation between body surfaces and structures. Thus, reducing the potential for irritation and adhesion.

5) Relaxation response

Our fast-paced, competitive lives stimulates the Sympathetic nervous system. Whereas, yin poses allow us to rest and activate the Parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the heart rate and blood pressure to lower. While our immune, digestive and reproductive functioning improves.

6) Improves energy flow

We often store our emotions and trauma in the physical and energy body. Holding poses for a longer duration helps in improving the flow of energy is fascia that has been lengthened. Also, focusing on the breath and stretch improves the prana levels.

7) Slow Down

Yin poses offer us a chance to be still and slow down. When you allow yourself to stay present and experience the small shifts.

8) Prepares us for Meditation

When we meditate we observe the breath and the body without any emotional response or judgment. Similarly, in yin practice, we have the opportunity to breathe, be mindful and expand our awareness. This gives us a peek into meditation, while preparing us for it.

9) Becoming Comfortable with Discomfort

Managing stress, anxiety is being comfortable with perplexed thoughts, emotions or situations. Thus, being comfortable in topsy-turvy asanas and being aware of the breath; helps us become more resilient in life.

10) Cultivate balance in yoga practice

We practice Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga yoga, i.e, Yang styles. Thus, to facilitate balance in one’s practice add Yin or restorative yoga.

Adding Yin to your practice can lead to greater physiological and psychological well-being.

Iti Jain

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