Yin Yoga : What You Need To Know

Today, most of people know practice Yoga makes us healthier and calmer. There are dozen of branches now: some of the oldest is called Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Vini Yoga while some of the newest and smallest shoots have names like Yin Yoga, Acroyoga,  Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Restorative Yoga, etc. And all of the practice emphasizes health and wellness physically, mentally and emotionally.

Most forms of yoga are dynamic, active practices designed to work only half of our body, the muscular half, the “yang” tissues. Yin Yoga is the other half, that it works the deeper tissues of the body like ligaments, tendon, deep fascia tissues.  Yin is not an Indian term, it is a Chinese word. This yoga practice combines traditional Indian Yoga with Chinese or Daoist perspective.  The founder of Yin Yoga teaching is Paull Grilley.  He combined the knowledge he had been given on anatomy, Daoist Yoga, and the meridian theory, and this became the core of his Yin Yoga teachings.

With Yin Yoga, we are not trying to stretch our ligaments or joint capsules. We are trying to stress them. We keep the muscles inactive or very quiet so we can allow the effect of a deep stretch to sink into the joints. Over time, the tissues may become longer, thicker, and stronger.  Three very simple and effective principles of the yin yoga practice are: Come into the pose to an appropriate depth, resolve to remain still,  hold the pose for time (it can be 3 – 10 minutes holding).

The stillness of the body leads to a quieting of the breath.  This emphasizes a meditative way of practicing Asana or postures as the original aim which is  Sthiram Sukham Asanam (to sit still in a long period of time). To sit for long periods of time in deep, undisturbed meditation requires a body that is open and strong. This opening, especially in the hips and lower back, is developed through a dedicated yin practice.

This type of yoga is beneficial for you who are working on flexibility, slowing down, meditation. Perfect for your holiday routine in Kuta Lombok. Come and practice with Almitra Putri 330PM daily at Ashtari Yoga Shala. A combination of great instructors surrounded by nature will bring your yin yoga experience unforgettable.