5 BENEFITS OF YIN YOGA
To practice Yin is to relinquish control. It is to surrender into gravity, allow the mind to quiet, and the body to unwind. Yin is a gentle yet powerful practice that restores the body and mind to a more peaceful place. It allows us to “come home” to find our ground, our center, and our heart.
Poses in Yin Yoga apply moderate pressure to the connective tissues of the body — the tendons, fascia, and ligaments — with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, its goals are awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.
While the rewards of a Yin Yoga practice are limitless, here are 5 of the ways you can benefit!
1. Yin Yoga Allows Us to Slow Down and Find Balance.
Since poses are held for 3-5 minutes, time feels as though it is slowing down. It is an unspooling. In Yin Yoga, we can marinate longer in a pose, be more present to what arises in the mind, and explore sensations in the body. It is a temporary antidote to a busy world. This creates balance.
2. Yin Yoga Reduces Stress & Anxiety.
The deeper breathwork and practice of slowing down causes our body to completely relax. When we are fully relaxed, anxiety melts away. Yin reduces stress by activating our parasympathetic nervous system’s function of rest & digest.
3. Yin Yoga Cultivates Gratitude
The simplicity of a Yin practice allows us to return to our bodies and to see clearly just how remarkable we really are. Journeying into the deeper layers of ourselves, we tune into our inner workings. Connecting with our breath and body sensations allows us to feel a greater sense of gratitude and contentment.
4. Yin Yoga Increases Range of Motion.
For healthy range of motion, layers of connective tissue must allow muscles to glide over each other. But injury, habits, and aging can bind these connective tissues together, restricting movement between the sliding surfaces of the muscles. Like a traffic jam, adhesions block the flow of nutrients and energy through the body, causing pain and limiting mobility. Holding poses that gently lengthen the muscles and fascia helps break up adhesions. Applying mild stress to joints and connective tissues can increase their range of motion.
5. Yin Yoga is meditation for beginners.
During a Yin practice you may find yourself with what feels like a lot of time on your hands. This is an opportunity to begin a gentle meditation practice, to slow your breath, and quiet your mind. Your teacher will guide you through the practice, offering ways to keep your mind focused and to stop your body and thoughts from wanting to escape. You may find that after a few sessions you can start to do this on your own.
Looking for a Yin Yoga practice at home? Wherever you are, you can experience the many benefits of Yin Yoga for yourself through Sisters in Motion’s Virtual Classes. Join Jennie and the Sisters in Motion Community every Sunday at 8pm PST for Virtual Bedtime Yin Yoga and Meditation and take class from your living room!
