Yin Yoga is a slow-paced kind of yoga used to increase awareness and develop mindfulness. Yin Yoga is based on Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles. Both believe that by stretching and deepening into poses, we are opening blockages in our bodies, allowing the Qi (energy) to flow freely through our bodies. Unlike other forms of yoga, Yin Yoga is slow-paced, allowing you to sit with your breath and thoughts in one posture. This helps you breathe through any discomfort and body sensations.
Yin Yoga contrasts with other forms of yoga since it’s taught calmly and gently. It involves holding postures for between three minutes to upto twenty minutes. Of course, you’ll find that more advanced yogis are the ones who can hold these poses for up to twenty minutes. Usually, Yin Yoga classes hold poses between three minutes to five minutes. The goal here is to open up your muscles and body and to breathe as you allow your Qi to flow from wherever blockages have been created.
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Is Yoga Suitable for Beginners?
Yes! Yin yoga is great for beginners. Learning a slower type of yoga will allow you to become thoroughly acquainted with the poses. You’ll learn about optional additions to the poses, and you’ll be more familiar with adjustments to the pose. Yin yoga will allow you to pay more attention to your breaths, mind, and movement.
Yin yoga will also allow you to find your edge. You’ll be more in tune with your body and more able to notice when you need to back off of a pose or when you still have room for more. Through guidance from your teacher, you’ll recognize how a pose is supposed to feel and what sensations you should be experiencing. They’ll teach you the warning signs, what to look out for, and what to do if a pose is too intense or painful.
Your teacher will also teach you alternate yoga poses. They give instructions on adjusting your pose to make it easier on your body or more complicated if you need something more challenging. The teacher will also show you that a child’s pose is always available if you need to rest. That is true in any yoga class, whether it is Yin or not.
When you become familiar and comfortable with Yin, move into a form of yoga with more movement. Hatha yoga is a perfect complement to Yin. It’s still slow but allows for more movement and will allow you to try trickier sequences. And, thankfully, you’ll have the basics down pat. You’ll know how to protect your body, and you’ll be able to work more on movement and transitioning through different, more complex sequences.
Remember that in Hatha or a faster or more complicated yoga, like Jivamukti or Ashtanga, you won’t be holding poses nearly as long as you do in Yin.
What should I expect in a Yin yoga class?
You generally don’t work up a sweat in a Yin yoga class, so if you run cold like me, you may want to wear a little more than you would for a vigorous yoga class. You will find that your muscles feel warm after class, even though you haven’t moved much. Not only do my muscles feel refreshed, my mind does as well.
Here is what to expect from a Yin yoga class:
- The yoga studio space will be darker than usual. The music will be slow and meditative, or there may not be any music at all. You’ll be provided with cushions, pillows, and other equipment.
- You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to breathe and move. Remember, you could be in one pose from a minute to even five minutes.
- Besides directing you into a pose, your teacher will offer substitutions, adjustments, or options for the pose.
- The teacher will keep checking in with the class while you’re in the pose. They’ll remind you to breathe, clear your mind, relax your face, etc.
- Don’t expect to move through many poses. An entire hour-long class may only go through five poses.
- Do go into a child’s pose if you need a break.
- Do revel in a clear mind and a feeling of weightlessness after class.
7 Essential Yin Yoga Poses for Beginners
Yin Yoga is perfect even for beginners. One mustn’t worry about the lack of flexibility because this practice helps you build more flexibility. This yoga practice, like every other one, includes props to help support your body in areas where you feel more pain than stretch. Here are some essential Yin Yoga poses for beginners.
1. Child's pose
Start this pose on your hands and knees. Take your knees apart as wide as your yoga mat, and let your big toes touch. Sit back on your heels and lower your chest to the mat. Walk your hands forward and rest your forehead on the mat. You can bend your elbows to release any tension created in the neck and shoulders. You can also choose to reach your arms behind you with palms facing up.
2. Ragdoll or dangling
You start this pose standing, then take your legs hip-width apart. Bend your knees and bend forward deeply so that your stomach rests on your thighs. You can hold onto the opposite elbows and let your upper body hang.
3. Butterfly
Start this pose from a seated position. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. You can let your knees fall to the sides in a diamond shape. You can then lean your arms forward to feel a nice stretch. If you can go a bit lower, you can place a block on your feet and then lean forward to rest your forehead on the blocks. In case of knee pain, place blocks underneath each knee for support.
4. Sphinx
While laying on your stomach, extend your legs behind with the tops of your feet on the floor. Bend your elbows resting your forearms on the mat with your palms flat on the floor, fingers spread wide. Position your elbows a little in infront of your shoulders. Lift your chest and roll your shoulders back and down.
5. Caterpillar
While seated on your mat, straighten your legs infront of you. Bend over your legs, letting your head hang. You can make this easier by sitting on a cushion or placing a bolster under your knees if you have tight hamstrings. Alternatively, if you have tight hamstrings, you can bend your knees to a point where you feel a comfortable stretch.
6. Happy baby
Lying flat on your back, bend both legs (while they’re apart), bringing your feet above your shoulders. Bring your hands to the side of your feet, hold your soles, or even hold onto each big toe. Flex your toes, pushing your soles towards the ceiling, and gently pull your feet to the ground. Keep your lower back and head on the mat, and soften your shoulders away from your ears. You can grab your ankles or calves if it’s a little hard to hold your feet.
7. Spinal twist
Laying flat on your back with your legs straightened infront of you, hug your knees to your chest. You can then open your arms in a T-shape with palms facing down. Relax your knees to the left side. Turn your head to face the right side of the room. Then do the same on the other side.
Where can I learn more about Yin Yoga?
You can find more Yin Yoga resources in Mind is The Master. Whatever it is you need this information for, you’ll get it there. You can look for Yin Yoga teacher training courses; Yin Yoga retreats, and so much more. If you’ve just discovered this type of yoga and are still a beginner, you’ll find all the resources you need for your learning. All forms of yoga are essential for spiritual, physical, and mental development. Yoga is more than just the asanas, and that’s something you’ll learn more as you practice and even study.
