What makes Yin yoga ‘yin’?
Perhaps you attend Yin yoga classes and have experienced the numerous benefits linked to cultivating a regular yin practice first hand. But have you ever wondered what makes Yin yoga so ‘yin’?
We can explore this by looking at the origins of Yin yoga in relation to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. In this philosophy, "Yin" and "Yang" are complementary and interconnected forces that represent the dualistic nature of existence. Simply put, we can’t have on without the other. Yin is associated with qualities such as passivity, coolness, darkness, dampness, internally focussed and more feminine in nature. Yang is associated with activity, assertiveness, heat, light, dryness, externally focussed and considered more masculine.
The philosophy of Yin and Yang emphasises the importance of balance and harmony between these co-existing forces, complementing one another rather than being in conflict. The Yin/Yang symbol (known as the Taijitu) represents the idea that within Yin there is also the presence of Yang and vice-versa, illustrating the interconnected nature of all aspects of life. This balance of yin and yang is believed to be essential for our optimum health and wellbeing, along with the harmonious functioning of nature and the universe. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), imbalances between these forces are often seen as the root of physical and mental ailments.
Yin yoga is deeply rooted in the principles of this yin/yang philosophy. We live in a society that is very ‘yang’ in nature…busy, fast-paced, noisy with an emphasis on constantly striving, achieving and pushing. Yin yoga is a wonderful practice to counterbalance the overabundance of ‘yang’ in our lives, allowing us to deeply connect with the peaceful centre within us all, albeit often buried underneath layers of conditioning and experiences.
By practising Yin yoga we can begin to move towards a more balanced state of being, both on the mat and in our lives off the mat. Yang activities such as more dynamic styles of yoga, intense physical exercise, stressful work and busy lifestyles can be counterbalanced by consciously incorporating more yin activities into our lives. This could be in the form of slower yoga practises, meditation, and simply finding time to prioritise rest over constant action and performance. Yin yoga provides us with the opportunity for more introspection; the chance to slow down and connect with stillness, tune into our breathing and observe our thought patterns, emotions and physical sensations in a way that life, with the constant bombardment of stimulus, often doesn’t allow us to do.
On a physical level, yang activities normally indicate the engagement and strengthening of our muscles. Yin yoga, in contrast, specifically targets the deeper layers of the body: the connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, fascia), joints and bones, through releasing muscle activation and holding the poses for extended periods. This allows our tissue to be passively stressed, promoting increased flexibility and the movement of energy within the body.
Yin yoga, which many of us find very meditative in nature, can be particularly beneficial for those that experience high levels of stress. The emphasis on slowing down, relaxing and releasing tension can not only help reduce the accumulation of physical stress in the body, but also help create a more calm and peaceful mind. Over time the practice can lead to more presence, increased self-awareness and the exploration of the more subtle aspects of our inner experience and being.
By recognising the dualistic nature and unique balance of yin and yang in our lives we can start to observe more easily which way the pendulum is falling for us at any given moment and respond accordingly. This could be either by incorporating more movement based yang activities into our lifestyles if we find ourselves more sedentary, or by choosing more yin activities if we experience greater levels of yang in our day to day. Ultimately it’s all about creating balance and exploring the yin/yang philosophy can guide us towards a more harmonious and healthy existence.