In order to understand the benefits of Yin & Yang Yoga – it is important to know a little about the Yin & Yang Dynamic.

Part 1 – Yin Yoga

Part 2 – Yang Yoga

Originating in traditional Chinese Medicine, the concepts of yin and yang can be thought of as opposite, yet complementary forces in nature, that interact to form a dynamic system, in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts.

Everything has both yin and yang aspects – one is always ascending while the other is descending – for example shadow cannot exist without light. Either of the two major aspects can manifest more strongly in a particular object; and whilst opposites, yin and yang can’t exist independently. The aim is to unite Yin and Yang energies together to allow for a stronger mind and body connection.

The yin / yang symbol is an expression of this interplay – A circle is divided by an S-shaped line into a dark and a light segment, representing yin (dark) and yang (light) respectively, each containing a ‘seed’ of the other.

Nature’s endless dance is all about maintaining balance in the natural ecosystem and we humans are not exempt from this grand cosmic interplay. Often, we can let ourselves get further out of balance than is healthy at times.  In these instances, it is wise to bring ourselves back into harmony by identifying those areas which are becoming polarized. Stress and illness are nature’s way of telling us that our yin and yang energies are out of balance.

Doing too much or too little, of either will deplete your energy. So, it is all about balance! Take the time to nourish and nurture yourself and find your way back to balance and optimum health – Yoga is a great way of finding and maintaining the balance!

Some common Yin & Yang metaphors include: 

• Female/ male

• Passive/active

• Negative/positive

• Dark/light

• Moon/sun

• Hidden/open

• Water/fire

• North side of hill/south side of hill

Benefits of Yin – Knowing when it’s time to be

• Calming and balancing to the mind and body

• Lowering of stress levels

• Better lubrication and protection of joints

• More flexibility in joints and connective tissue

• Release of fascia throughout the body

• Deeper relaxation and stretch than yang yoga

• Slowing down allows time to connect with emotions

• Become still – Come face to face with yourself

A Yin Yoga class may include: 

Gentle, sustainable, deep stretches to help you find stillness and deep relaxation of body and mind. Longer, deeper, slower stretching, exerts gentle stress on the connective tissues helping to release tension from fascia, lubricate the joints, balance the mind and invites us to slow down and connect with our inner Self.

If you are interested in Yin & Yang yoga, please consider:

• Reading blog post – Benefits of Yin & Yang Yoga – Part 2 (Yang)

• Attend a Yin class

• Attend a Yang class (Flow yoga)

• Register your interest for my Yin & Yang Workshop

Thank you ... Om Shanti