What is Yin Yang Yoga?

Yin Yang Yoga, in short, helps balance energy, flexibility, and strength.

Yin Yang Yoga blends two styles of yoga into one practice, bringing together the benefits of passively holding yoga poses with more dynamic sequences and standing postures. Yin and Yang are the Taoist concepts which describe the two relative qualities present in everything. Yin is more internal, passive, cooling and downward. Yang is more external, dynamic, warming and upward.

When these terms are applied in yoga, Yin Yoga is a slower practice where poses are passively held for longer. It works on the deep, dense (Yin) connective tissues and joints in the body. Yang Yoga, in contrast, refers to a more active practice. This works on the (Yang) muscles and blood flow, building strength, stamina, and flexibility. Yang styles of yoga are those with rhythm and repetition, like Vinyasa Flow.

For a balanced yoga practice, we need both Yang and Yin elements. You could try including one or two Yin or Restorative yoga sessions along with more active yoga in your weekly schedule. Or try practising both Yin and Yang aspects in the same class.

The practice of Yin Yang Yoga

A Yin Yang yoga class may start with Yin yoga to calm the mind and to work on the joints before the muscles are warm. Alternatively, the class may start dynamically (Yang) and end with longer held poses to relax and calm the nervous system. The sequencing of the class can have a powerful effect on your energy levels and how you feel after class.

Benefits of a regular Yin Yang Yoga practice

Yin Yoga

Stimulates the meridians (energy channels), bringing balance to the organs in the body

Improves flexibility & joint mobility

Calms & balances the mind & body

Reduces stress & anxiety

Works deeply on the connective tissues (fascia, tendons, & ligaments)

Can prepare the practitioner for meditation practice

Yang Yoga

Strengthens & tones the body

Improves flexibility & circulation

Increases stamina

Calms the mind down by inviting us to synchronise movement with breath

Removes tension & obstacles in the body to allow breath & prana (life force) to flow

Practising Yin & Yang Yoga together

“The practice of yin/yang yoga helps us learn about stillness in movement
and the flow in stillness.” Sarah Powers  

Combining both Yin and Yang elements in one class provides a balanced practice and can have a powerful effect on energy levels. For example, if you are low in energy, starting with some Yin poses can be a good way to get on the mat and into your practice.

Alternatively, beginning with Yang and finishing with Yin will leave you feeling calm and grounded, so it can be a nice practice for the evening. By practising Yin yoga first, we can carry over this very mindful way of practising into our dynamic practice. This is beneficial for those of us who might have a tendency towards competitiveness or striving in asanas.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in and try not to eat 90 minutes prior to our time together.

All Levels welcome, including BEGINNERS.

Yang yoga can be physically challenging for some students,  so if you have any health challenges and are unsure whether these sessions will be suitable for you, please don’t hesitate to call Esther for a chat on 416654.