Yin Yoga gentle recharging of life force

Yin yoga is a deeply restorative modality of yoga where passive postures are held between 3 and 5 minutes. However, beginners might hold the postures for a few breaths only  before getting used to longer holds. I have been spending between 10 and 30 slow breaths in the postures and feel the benefits almost immediately.

Anyone, from  any age and ability can experience the benefits of yin yoga, which has been likened to an acupuncture session without needles. If the flexibility of the student does not allow for full postures,  modifications can be easily offered by a competent teacher. Forcing the body into shapes is not advisable as this might put extreme pressure in joints such as hips and knees. I.e. pigeon posture might feel quite uncomfortable for someone who has knees issues or have undergone hip surgery.

So what are the Benefits?

The theory is that holding the postures stimulates the nadis , or the meridians  in Chinese medicine. When these channels are gently pressed for some time they ease tension and blockages. The result at a physical level are greater flexibility, improved circulation inthe joints and tissues around it. At a psychological level a greater ability to investigate and cope with uncomfortable emotions. When one holds a posture in stillness  for more than a few seconds, negative thoughts and emotions might surface on the fabric of the mind. By learning to stay in the posture/present and not  to react to the thought, yin yoga serves as a meditation session where one learns to observe the activity of the mind without getting involved in it.

The residence of Yin and Yang

The kidney-bladder organ-meridian pair, "the mansion of fire and water,  the chanel of life and death" have been my favorite recently and I include below a few postures that work in this chanel. Most students will need modifications and props  to be comfortable in these postures. Any sensation of discomfort or pain means that more harm than benefit will be the result of the session, so always be careful and ask a qualified teacher to guide you through the practice.

Supta virasana,Upavistakonasana, Balasana, Janu sirsasana,Paschimotanasana. See them  at http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories

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