Yin Yoga: tranquil, but challenging

Yin Yoga is defined to “complement yang yoga,” or put simply: Yin yoga is for the joints and not for the muscles. If you have never heard of yin yoga, then you would not be aware of the yang style.

The Target Area of the Yin Yoga

Yin yoga also has the same objectives of other schools of yoga: that is to unify the body and spirit. In Yin yoga, however, the target areas are the connective tissues such as bones and ligaments, and also the joints that are not much in exercise. It also specifically targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.

Why should you Practice Yin Yoga?

As this yoga helps in making the connecting tissues aligned and strengthens the joints, so it should be practiced on a regular basis. It helps strengthen the joints, which lowers the risk of injury to such areas. Yin yoga helps in releasing joint tension and opening the body.

When should Yin Yoga be practiced?

It is said that this yoga should be performed when the muscles are not warm, so the ideal time to do this would be immediately after waking up. The reason why warm muscles are not required is that the warm muscles take away the impact of stretching the connecting tissues, and this is entirely the point of this form of yoga.

Connective tissue responds best when it is stretched through long passive holds, and that is what yin yoga does. Instead of going for continuous rhythmic movements, there are long holds in yin yoga, which make these joints stronger and more flexible. Due to this reason, yin yoga is also known as the yoga for the joints.

While there are physical and emotional benefits to yin yoga, there are some psychological benefits as well. This yoga helps develop concentration ability, focus, and awareness of thought. So Yin yoga might be wise to consider.