Yin yoga
Origin
The origins of Yin Yoga can be traced back centuries to India where it was practised for long periods of time in one yoga pose as a preparation for long meditations in Padmasana (Lotus Pose).
It was in the 1970s that this style of yoga was further developed in California by Paulie Zink, a practitioner of Eastern martial arts and Taoist yoga. From his knowledge of different forms of physical movement he developed his own yoga style consisting of traditional Chinese and Indian techniques combined with asanas (yoga postures) developed by Zink.
In the 1980s Paul Grilley, one of Zink's students, introduced Yin Yoga to Europe. He further developed Paulie Zink's style from his knowledge of anatomy and Chinese medicine. Sarah Powers, a student of Grilley's, added to this style of yoga the focus on breathing and the meridian system. Paulie Zink's practice was a combination of Yin and Yang, in the form of Grilley and Powers the Yin aspect received more and more emphasis. It is the version of Grilley and Powers that we know today as Yin Yoga.
In the 1980s Paul Grilley, one of Zink's students, introduced Yin Yoga to Europe. He further developed Paulie Zink's style from his knowledge of anatomy and Chinese medicine. Sarah Powers, a student of Grilley's, added to this style of yoga the focus on breathing and the meridian system. Paulie Zink's practice was a combination of Yin and Yang, in the form of Grilley and Powers the Yin aspect received more and more emphasis. It is the version of Grilley and Powers that we know today as Yin Yoga.
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What is Yin yoga and for whom?
In Yin Yoga, postures are held for longer periods of time, ranging from 3 to 5 minutes. It is a quiet and gentle form in which the Yin aspect is fully present. In this form of yoga the muscles are not used to get into the postures, but gravity is allowed to do the work.
Staying in one position for a longer period of time stimulates connective tissue and joints on a physical level. Relaxing the muscles as much as possible has a greater effect here.
In this style of yoga, you turn completely inwards. By holding a posture for a longer time, there is time and space to observe and feel what is happening in the body and in the mind. Connection to and focus on the breath is present in every posture
Yin Yoga can be practised by both the novice and experienced yogi. Yin Yoga is suitable for people who want to work on a more supple and relaxed fascia and connective tissue. It is a suitable yoga style for people who are looking for more peace within themselves, have a need to slow down and are willing to turn inwards. Yin Yoga students dare to listen to the limits of their bodies and are open to exploring what is going on mentally and emotionally. They take time for themselves and practice accepting what is.
Being in an uncomfortable position for a long time can be very challenging, physically and mentally. This style of yoga is also a nice addition for people who practice a style of yoga in which the Yang aspect is mainly present, like Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga.
Staying in one position for a longer period of time stimulates connective tissue and joints on a physical level. Relaxing the muscles as much as possible has a greater effect here.
In this style of yoga, you turn completely inwards. By holding a posture for a longer time, there is time and space to observe and feel what is happening in the body and in the mind. Connection to and focus on the breath is present in every posture
Yin Yoga can be practised by both the novice and experienced yogi. Yin Yoga is suitable for people who want to work on a more supple and relaxed fascia and connective tissue. It is a suitable yoga style for people who are looking for more peace within themselves, have a need to slow down and are willing to turn inwards. Yin Yoga students dare to listen to the limits of their bodies and are open to exploring what is going on mentally and emotionally. They take time for themselves and practice accepting what is.
Being in an uncomfortable position for a long time can be very challenging, physically and mentally. This style of yoga is also a nice addition for people who practice a style of yoga in which the Yang aspect is mainly present, like Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga.
Yin yoga
Watch a preview of a Yin yoga practice here
Effects of Yin Yoga
- Experiencing well-being and balance;
- Perception that you are more than just your body and your head
- More self-confidence;
- Emotional and me take stability;
- Balance;
- Inner strength;
- Connection with compassion, forgiveness and unconditionality and self-love
- Improvement in concentration;
- Access your intuition.
- Sleep better
- Understanding and knowledge of what yoga is and how it works;
- Physical and mental relaxation;
- Cleansing the energy system;
- Harmonising emotions;
- Mental rest;
- Spiritual connection with your own essence;