BENEFITS OF YIN YOGA

A lot of different types of yoga practices have evolved over the last few decades. Yoga has gained international prominence and attention with millions all over the world experiencing the benefits of this magical mind and body practice. Because of the popularity that yoga has garnered, the 21st of June every year is celebrated as International Yoga Day all over the world.  

The classical or traditional form of yoga involves moderate to complex bodily movements and stretches which can be difficult for beginners. One of the recent buzzwords in the field of yoga is Yin Yoga which is a part of the traditional style of yoga. It mostly involves holding the passive poses for about two to five minutes as they work into our connective tissues. It is a slow and meditative style of yoga that stresses on the connecting tissues in the muscles, our bones and joints, and other ligaments in the body. The traditional Chinese method of applying pressure called acupressure is also used in this form of yoga.

Yin Yoga focuses on stretching and stimulating our stiff muscles and targets different parts of our body. It is also said that Yin Yoga slows down the aging process as it involves movement and stretching of the fascia muscles. This is one of the most important benefits of Yin Yoga. Loosening tight muscle tissues can be a difficult and uncomfortable task, but practicing to focus on breathing during this time forms a major part of Yin Yoga. This also outlines one of the many benefits of this practice.  

When we experience any kind of stress or discomfort, it is the natural tendency of our bodies to use a fight or flight response. However, with regular practice, Yin Yoga helps reroute our minds and slows down the heart rate during moments of duress. Due to age, our bones begin to weaken which affects our mobility, tightens our fascia, and slows us down physically. With continuous practice, Yin Yoga assists in getting our mobility back and reduces the pain in the body as gentle, healthy stress, along with some mild pressure is applied to our joints and other tissues. 

Yin Yoga should be the ideal practice against the physically-demanding Yang discipline. It helps reduce stress, increases the blood flow in the body, maintains equilibrium in the internal organs, improves the flow of prana, increases flexibility and mobility, synergizes the mind and body with the help of mindfulness and meditation.  

Ultimately yoga is about finding the balance in life with the help of exercises, stretches, and meditation. It should make you feel whole and complete. If you’ve never tried Yin Yoga or are a beginner, please check out Arhant Yoga and their different yoga programs and offerings.