Benefits of Yin Yoga When it comes to Yoga, people think about practicing challenging and impressive yoga poses and asana. Yin Yoga works on the principles that are just opposite of any other yoga form. Yin Yoga explores the stillness within the body while working on the connective tissues - the ligaments, joints, bones, and deep fascia networks. Whether working with simple props or not, a series of passive floor poses in Yin Yoga has various physical as well as emotional benefits. Holding the poses for longer duration combines lengthening and stretching the muscles in a gentle way and releasing tension through deep breathing. Reduces Stress and Restores Energy In today’s busy and restless world, it is important to practice Yin Yoga for a balanced body and mind. Based on the ancient Chinese and Taoist philosophy of channelizing the energy of the body, Yin Yoga brings positive changes to the whole body. Regular practice of Yin Yoga sequences helps restore a healthy flow of Qi in our bodies. When there is conscious effort to remain silent in a pose, it allows the body to let go and the mind relaxes itself. Yin Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system which calms the body and reduces the risk of depression. Yin Yoga Improves Flexibility From physically active people to those working in a sedentary environment, everyone has gained better flexibility from Yin Yoga. The meditative nature of this Yoga breaks the monotony of muscles that may have become stiff due to inactivity. Working on gentle stretches helps to open the contracted muscles allowing flow of oxygen and improving mobility. The slow stretches of Yin Yoga works for people of all age groups and varying health conditions. The simple props used in Yin Yoga support the joints that avoid overstretching and injury. Stronger Bones and Joints One of the most important principles of Yin Yoga is holding the pose or asana. The duration of an asana can be from 1 minute for beginners to 5 minutes for advanced level practitioners. Every minute is a challenge to understand the asana in a deeper and different way. This affects the connecting tissues and ligaments of the body, strengthens the joints, and makes everyday movement comfortable. Yin Yoga is especially effective on the lower part of the body - the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, knees, and lower spine. Any stiffness in the neck, wrist, ankle joints, that are also susceptible for overuse can be gently restored to its normal functionality through Yin Yoga. Boosts Blood Circulation Moderate stretches are the best way to engage the connective tissues for better blood circulation. Yin Yoga promotes slow transitions that helps focus on understanding each asana along with deep breathing. By breathing into each pose and targeting deeper ligaments brings easy flow of oxygen throughout the body. The combination of physical activity and mental concentration makes Yin Yoga a restorative and therapeutic practice. Taking time to practice Yin Yoga daily is the healthiest habit to add in our modern lifestyle. Shifting focus from the competitive and complex trends, Yin Yoga provides an emotional outlet to release anxiety and restore harmony of body and mind.
