Yoga, but probably not as you know it…
The more I learn about the body, the more I realise I don’t know and maybe nobody really knows! There are many myths and half truths about exercise and especially yoga - Yin Yoga has been blowing my mind on account of the very different way it approaches the body.
For example - more is not better, there is no ‘advanced’ and you can (in fact should) exercise ligaments and tendons.
Ok, with that in mind, are you ready?!
What is Yin Yoga?
A relatively modern form of yoga which takes a different approach to ‘exercising’ the body. It’s slow and supported but often strangely intense. The postures look similar to the classic Sanskrit ones we are most familiar with, but the approach is quite different to allow us to focus on joints and tissues other than muscle.
What isn’t it?!
It isn’t the same as restorative yoga and it isn’t random lying around on the floor with cushions. It isn’t dangerous for any body. You might even say it’s less ‘risky’ than a power vinyasa class because of the slow pace!
What is it useful for, why might I want to do it?
Yin is primarily different to other types of yoga because the focus isn’t on cardiovascular fitness or muscle strength. A Yin practice is great for releasing tension and building strength in ligaments and tendons. So, if you have chronic tension, back/neck/shoulder pain, very ‘tight’ joints or an old injury then Yin is an excellent practice for you! Static stretching isn’t always the answer to tightness because a lot of this ‘tight’ feeling isn’t due to contracted muscle fibres as we usually assume. If you suffer from stress, anxiety or are fatigued, the slowness and depth of Yin will probably be extremely good for you.
Or, if you are somebody who likes to work out hard, sweat, run up hills (yours truly) or who has a heavy physical job, I can testify that Yin really is a great complement to these things. Moving slowly isn’t my natural preference but Yin gets to places in my body that no other practice does and encourages proper relaxation for better recovery.
Ok, but is there any science behind this?
Yes, too much to explain here but these are some key points:
All parts of our bodies need to be moved and exercised - a healthy stress on bones, joints, ligaments and tendons is just as necessary as it is for muscles/the cardiovascular system. If a tissue isn’t stressed, it slowly degenerates and we lose its contribution to our movement and health.
Stressing a tissue tells the body that this part is required, important and must be maintained. It also may tell the body to strengthen this part because it is being tested. Compressing and decompressing a tissue encourages it to stay hydrated and active - moving waste substances out and allowing nutrients in. Yoga of any kind and most forms of movement are great at stimulating this!
But, Yin Yoga reaches the ligaments, tendons and fascia in a way that other exercise doesn’t because these tissues respond to slow, gentle pressure not repetitive or aggressive movement.
In the same way that we use different types of activity to train different physical aspects - running for cardio, weights for strength, dance for co-ordination - we use Yin to reach tendons, ligaments and fascia (primarily but not exclusively) to maintain their health and in turn the health of the whole body.
In conclusion - Yin isn’t better than any other form of yoga or exercise, it’s different and has its own function.
How would I describe Yin?
A unique way of experiencing my body; ‘stretching’ in an intense (but pleasurable) way, totally different to any other movement practice or exercise that I do. Also, a way of experiencing my mind a bit like meditation. The sensation afterwards is a little similar to having had a massage…
The benefits I have experienced from my Yin practice so far:
relief from chronic ‘tightness’ around my hips, knees and side body
greater relaxation of my whole body for better sleep and recovery from exercise
a deeper understanding of how my body works and what it needs
I encourage you to try it out with a qualified and experienced teacher who can guide you to understand how to really ‘do’ Yin! When you really engage with the full experience you will have a great adventure into your own body (and maybe mind).
My sources of information are mainly from my teacher training plus the following books:
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga - Bernie Clark
Your Body, Your Yoga - Bernie Clark
You can find more information about Yin Yoga here:
https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/yin-yoga-2/