Yin Yoga is a modern style of yoga which is informed by traditional Chinese medicine.

It can be confusing…
The term ‘Yin’ alone refers to the opposition of ‘Yang’: Yin being the more soft, soothing, feminine and Yang as the more dynamic, active, masculine aspects of being. However, Yin Yoga is a specific style of yoga which incorporates its own meaning. This becomes apparent when considering a Restorative Yoga class which is working with the Yin aspects of being yet is different to Yin Yoga.

So what is yin…
In contrast to a Yang practice such as Vinyasa Yoga where we are working with the muscles, Yin Yoga is specifically wanting the muscles to relax so that we can get into the deeper connective tissues within the body. While the muscles respond to flowing, repetitive movement and warmth, the connective tissue can be accessed through supported stillness and coolness.

What to expect…
When attending Yin Yoga, you will likely enjoy a floor-based, mostly still class. However, Yin Yoga is intense, while we are not pushing ourselves to the limit, we are gently leaning against our perceived limits, testing the waters, and noticing our learned responses to the unknown.

Yin is a powerful introspective practice that allows us to get to know ourselves on a deeper level. We teach Yin Yoga within our regular Bathing in Stillness workshop. Sign up here for our upcoming event on Sunday 28th November to explore this practice for yourself.