Yin Yoga

Many of us perceive the times we live in as uncertain and challenging.
In order to be able to master our daily lives in these yang-influenced times and to create a fulfilling life for ourselves, self-care is vital.
I recommend practising Yin Yoga, for example, to counter the Yang with the Yin.
A continuous practice of the asanas also supports the giving of tantric massages. By stretching and strengthening our bodies, we become more flexible and stronger, making it easier for us to give massages on the floor.

Developed in the 1980s, Yin Yoga is a style that focuses on stretching and strengthening the deep connective tissues of the body such as fascia, ligaments and joints. The asanas are characterised by long holding, usually three to five minutes. Blankets and blocks can promote flexibility and relaxation, indeed are considered more meditative than other forms of yoga.

The difference between Yin Yoga and other yoga styles

Yoga is a broad term that encompasses many different styles and practices. In general, yoga is a physical and mental practice that includes a combination of postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation. Yoga aims to improve physical strength and flexibility as well as mental and emotional well-being.

In contrast to the calm, meditative and balancing Yin Yoga, yoga styles such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Power Yoga are considered more Yang Yoga. They are more active and dynamic and focus on building strength and also stamina. They mostly involve more movement and faster transitions between the asanas.

Popular Asanas in Yin Yoga

Here I would like to introduce you to a series of seated and lying postures, asanas, which are taken for several minutes each:

• the Child’s pose: helps you stretch the hips, thighs and ankles,

• the Butterfly: stretches the hips and inner thighs,

• the Caterpillar: with this asana you stretch your spine and shoulders,

• the Seated Forward Bend: this posture stretches your hamstrings,

• the Bound Angle Pose: while lying down, this exercise opens your hips and chest and can help release tension in the inner thighs and groin,

• the Supported Fish: this asana opens your chest and shoulders,

• the Dead Body Pose: this is the final resting pose and helps the body and mind to relax.

With Yin Yoga you achieve:

• Increased flexibility: Holding the poses for longer can help stretch and open up the connective tissues in the body,

• Stress reduction: The slow, meditative nature of Yin Yoga can help promote relaxation,

• Improved circulation: The deep stretches and long holding of the asanas can help improve circulation throughout your body,

• Balance of mind: The longer holds also allow you to focus on your breath and observe emerging thoughts and emotions,

• Healing: Yin yoga can help you release tension in the body and improve your overall well-being.

For whom Yin Yoga is suitable

Yin Yoga ist für Menschen jeden Alters geeignet. Besonders sinnvoll ist Yin Yoga für diejenigen, die viel Stress oder Verspannungen in ihrem Körper spüren. Auch für Menschen, die unter Steifheit in ihren Muskeln und Gelenken leiden, können diese Übungen hilfreich sein, da sie die Flexibilität und Mobilität verbessern.
Empfohlen wird Yin Yoga auch zur Regeneration nach Verletzungen oder Krankheit, um die Heilung des Körpers zu unterstützen.

Practice Yin Yoga alone or under guidance?

I recommend practising Yin Yoga with qualified teachers. This can have the following advantages:

• They can guide you through the correct alignment of the individual positions. This way you avoid injuries.

• You will receive tips and practical corrections that will help you, for example, to find the right degree of stretching and to deepen your practice accordingly.

• You will be guided in which positions to inhale and exhale and when to relax.

• Teachers can offer you modifications and adjustments to compensate for physical limitations.

• In a safe and supportive space, you can explore your physical and emotional limits in a protected way.

In addition, practising in a group can also be beneficial in that it gives you a sense of community and motivates you to continue your practice. Alternatively, there are of course numerous videos and instructions available online that can guide you through the yin yoga practice. Please take care of your body to avoid injuries.

Have fun and enjoy!