When comparing Yang versus Yin styles of yoga the practices are relative opposites.
Yin Yoga is more passive in nature, slower, deep, introspective and a relatively still practice. Practicing from an inside to an outside approach. Yin Yoga focuses on the deeper connective tissues of the body; fascia, joints, tendons and ligaments are targeted.
Yang styles of yoga are more dynamic, more vigorous and energizing usually moving in and out of one posture to another. Working and engaging the muscles. Creating heat in the body. Some styles that fit this description, note not a complete list, are Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha, or Power Yoga.
Yin Yoga got its name because it had to differentiate itself from other styles of yoga, and because its rooted from Daosim (Chinese ancient practices) the word “yin” is a descriptive word that truly sums up what the practice has to offer when comparing it to its relative opposite practices.
Yang vs. Yin as descriptive words
Yang is more…
Masculine qualities
Active/Dynamic
Muscle tissue/Muscular Energy
Hot/warm
Sun
Outside
Bright
Upward
Fire
Fast
Earth
Plastic
Yin is more..
Feminine qualities
Passive
Deeper connective tissues (joints, fascia, tendons, ligaments)
Cold/cooler
Dark
Moon
Inside/Introspective
Slow
Solid
Dim
Downward
Water
Heaven
Elastic
Note we need both to live a harmonious life. To truly feel balanced in body, mind and spirit both types of practices are best to do, rather than doing one extreme to another.
We need both “Yang” and “Yin” like activities and things in our life. I know I talk about Yin yoga here, but keep in mind Yang and Yin are relative to each other, so maybe you are a runner and running is your YANG activity, and you use Hatha yoga as your Yin like activity.
Ask yourself what is your “Yang” activity? and what is your “Yin” activity?
Note: when I write about yin yoga I am referring to the practice as taught by Bernie Clark and Paul Grilley. See the link
What is Yin Yoga?
When talking about YIN YOGA it is more PASSIVE as we hold postures, we relax the body, specifically the muscles in the targeted area....but not passive in effort, as we work to become aware of tension we hold.
Breathing through the dull aches we feel from the gentle pressure we apply with poses on specific parts of the body, as we stress the deeper connective tissues. Helping tension release when holding for time. Time is our magic ingredient that will create change within those deeper denser tissues, and again past those muscles.
Yin yoga poses are held anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes, or even longer if you’re a seasoned practitioner.
Any postures held in relative stillness and for longer than about 1.5 minutes is considered more “Yin” like.
Longer holds encourage the deeper connective tissues to release, the need static holds rather than movement to become stronger, and have noticeable change within them.
Yin Yoga is the other half you’re missing in your yoga practice, as my Yin Yoga teacher, Bernie Clark would say!
I would further add to the quote above, that it is not just in your yoga practice, but also in your life in general, especially if you’re busy all the time or do a lot of athletic things that take a a lot of effort, we need something to balance us out. Rest and recovery are key.
One form of practice and only doing that, leads to falling out of balance. For example, if all we do take part in an activity that is very YANG like, like running and only do that, eventually the body falls out of balance, as the muscles get tighter, you’ll probably get overuse injuries from doing the same thing all the time. Its said that once the body is out of balance the mind then gets out of balance too.
Our body isn’t just compromised of muscles, but the activities society focuses on mainly focuses on our muscles. Targeting the deeper connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, tendons, bones) should also be practiced. This way our entire body is taken into account, bringing more balance in.
Bringing harmony into or body and mind is Yin Yoga’s intent, its not to replace any practice you’re currently doing, it’s in addition to.
If you’re a dancer, runner, athlete, hiker, climber or marathon runner, Yin Yoga would be a great way to counter those Yang activities.
Nourish the deeper connective tissues, past those muscles we tend to work a lot.
Have you tried Yin Yoga? If not, why not?
Maybe you do something else that is your “Yin” like practice. Maybe you do light stretching and that is your way to find balance.
If you have tried Yin Yoga and continue to practice regularly, what about it do you like? What keeps you coming back to practice this still, deep, slow, and passive practice.
I would love for you to share below.
Namaste,
Marzena
Other blog posts on Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga Benefits Blog post Click here to read more
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_Yoga
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5037/Yin-Yoga-101-What-You-Need-to-Know.html