Yin yoga - what to expect from a practice?
Much more than flexibility
YIN YOGA is 'the other half' of modern yoga. Influenced by traditional Chinese medicine, yin yoga works with ligaments, joints, deep fascial networks and bones. Through longer and deeper asana holds (typically between 2 and 7 minutes), it balances the internal organs and improves energy flow throughout the body. Other benefits of yin yoga are:
- reducing stress and anxiety
- improving circulation
- increasing flexibility
- fascia release (producing hyaluronic acid, which makes us look younger)
- improving joint mobility.
AUM Jogakozpont, the studio where I teach, already has yin yoga teacher, so if you would like to take yin yoga classes in English with me, you can only have private ones.
- reducing stress and anxiety
- improving circulation
- increasing flexibility
- fascia release (producing hyaluronic acid, which makes us look younger)
- improving joint mobility.
AUM Jogakozpont, the studio where I teach, already has yin yoga teacher, so if you would like to take yin yoga classes in English with me, you can only have private ones.
Typical yin yoga class starts with a short meditation and setting intention for the practice, which is followed by a sequence of yin poses. Rules for the practice are:
- find your edge (the place where you feel uncomfortable but not in pain)
- relax into the pose
- hold the time (using breathing techniques)
Class ends with a few minutes of relaxation.
During the practice students may support themselves with yoga blocks (or thick books at home), bolsters (or rolled duvets / blankets / sofa pillows) and blankets.
You may find more information about yin yoga on the website of Bernie Clark - I recommend checking 'Asanas' section, as you can find true gems of sense of humour hidden within useful info there.
- find your edge (the place where you feel uncomfortable but not in pain)
- relax into the pose
- hold the time (using breathing techniques)
Class ends with a few minutes of relaxation.
During the practice students may support themselves with yoga blocks (or thick books at home), bolsters (or rolled duvets / blankets / sofa pillows) and blankets.
You may find more information about yin yoga on the website of Bernie Clark - I recommend checking 'Asanas' section, as you can find true gems of sense of humour hidden within useful info there.
Yin yoga and meridians
Chinese influence in yin yoga are meridians - channels that distribute vital energy around the body. Yin yoga focuses on the main 12 of them, because they come to the surface of the body and can be easily accessed through asana practice.
These 12 meridians are paired in yin / yang couples, and all (except triple warmer) have a dedicated organ, which condition is affected by the quality of the energy flow in its meridian. Energy flow in the meridians can also influence emotions, so balancing meridians during yin yoga will not only improve the condition of your internal organs, but will help you achieve emotional release as well.
Here is a short summary of balance / imbalance signs in the meridians:
Lung and Large Intestine meridians
Balanced: pleasant voice, healthy skin, person is structured, integrated, able to let go, don't hold grudges, able to overcome grief, lives in the present.
Imbalanced: skin rashes, sinus issues, person experiences anxiety, self doubt, grief, bitterness, guilt, disappointment, is not able to let go, hoards too much stuff.
Heart and Small Intestine meridians
Balanced: healthy digestion, good mood, person is motivated, energized, able to have fun, joyful, self-loving, compassionate.
Imbalanced: sluggish digestion, heart palpitations, person experiences lack of joy, self-pity, insecurity, sadness, feelings of being unheard.
Pericardium and Triple Warmer meridians
Balanced: warm hands and feet, clear eyes, person has balanced energy, feels connected and friendly towards others, relaxed, present in the moment.
Imbalanced: cold hands and feet, red eyes, fatigue, insomnia, person experiences loneliness, depression, despair, addictions.
Liver and Gall Bladder meridians
Balanced: regular bowel movements, person enjoys physical exercise, makes decisions easily, is willing to start new projects, does not get angry easily.
Imbalanced: constipation, person experiences rage, phobias, overprotectiveness, stagnation, impotence.
Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians
Balanced: good hearing, deep sleep, strong bones, courage, will power, person is calm, patient, persistent, fertile, intelligent.
Imbalanced: hearing loss, tooth decay, back pains, person experiences restlessness, fear, lethargy, avoids new projects, has poor short-term memory.
Spleen and Stomach meridians
Balanced: healthy digestion, good muscle tone, person is focused, emphatetic, generous, centered, confident, stable, does not worry about the future.
Imbalanced: digestion issues, weak limbs, person experiences worry, overthinking, lack of trust, shame, blame, mood swings, dislikes sharing with others.
Yoga in English Budapest – contact me: https://www.vimuktiyoga.com/contact.html or WhatsApp 0036303406364
These 12 meridians are paired in yin / yang couples, and all (except triple warmer) have a dedicated organ, which condition is affected by the quality of the energy flow in its meridian. Energy flow in the meridians can also influence emotions, so balancing meridians during yin yoga will not only improve the condition of your internal organs, but will help you achieve emotional release as well.
Here is a short summary of balance / imbalance signs in the meridians:
Lung and Large Intestine meridians
Balanced: pleasant voice, healthy skin, person is structured, integrated, able to let go, don't hold grudges, able to overcome grief, lives in the present.
Imbalanced: skin rashes, sinus issues, person experiences anxiety, self doubt, grief, bitterness, guilt, disappointment, is not able to let go, hoards too much stuff.
Heart and Small Intestine meridians
Balanced: healthy digestion, good mood, person is motivated, energized, able to have fun, joyful, self-loving, compassionate.
Imbalanced: sluggish digestion, heart palpitations, person experiences lack of joy, self-pity, insecurity, sadness, feelings of being unheard.
Pericardium and Triple Warmer meridians
Balanced: warm hands and feet, clear eyes, person has balanced energy, feels connected and friendly towards others, relaxed, present in the moment.
Imbalanced: cold hands and feet, red eyes, fatigue, insomnia, person experiences loneliness, depression, despair, addictions.
Liver and Gall Bladder meridians
Balanced: regular bowel movements, person enjoys physical exercise, makes decisions easily, is willing to start new projects, does not get angry easily.
Imbalanced: constipation, person experiences rage, phobias, overprotectiveness, stagnation, impotence.
Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians
Balanced: good hearing, deep sleep, strong bones, courage, will power, person is calm, patient, persistent, fertile, intelligent.
Imbalanced: hearing loss, tooth decay, back pains, person experiences restlessness, fear, lethargy, avoids new projects, has poor short-term memory.
Spleen and Stomach meridians
Balanced: healthy digestion, good muscle tone, person is focused, emphatetic, generous, centered, confident, stable, does not worry about the future.
Imbalanced: digestion issues, weak limbs, person experiences worry, overthinking, lack of trust, shame, blame, mood swings, dislikes sharing with others.
Yoga in English Budapest – contact me: https://www.vimuktiyoga.com/contact.html or WhatsApp 0036303406364
