Moving into stillness

What is yin yang yoga?

New year, new challenge! This year, I will be adding yin yang yoga into the weekly schedule, but what is it?

Yin Yang Yoga blends two styles of yoga – starting with the more dynamic practice of vinyasa yoga and then moving onto longer holding yoga poses from yin yoga practice.

Yin and Yang are the Taoist concepts which describe the two respective qualities that are present in everything in the universe. Yin is considered as incorporating the passive, cooling and internal, while Yang is considered as more external, dynamic, heating movements.

Yin Yoga is a slower, reflective practice in yoga where seated and reclining poses are passively held for up to a period of three minutes. It aids in stretching the deep, connective tissues and joints in the body. Yang Yoga refers to a more dynamic practice. This builds strength, stamina and flexibility.

For a balanced yoga practice, we need to combine both Yang and Yin elements, in a Yin Yang class, we begin with warming up the body through Vinyasa sequences and then progress to slower and longer-held poses close to the floor, leading to final relaxation or Savasana.

Benefits of a regular Yin Yang Yoga practice

• Improves flexibility, circulation and joint mobility

• Calms the mind and body

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Improves sleep

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

• Aids in clearing the mind and assists in meditation

• Strengthens and tones the body

• Increases stamina

• Improves respiration

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

Come and try out a Yin Yang Yoga class, every Saturday at 10:00 am CET, Sunshine Language School, Avenida de Mijas 6, Mijas Pueblo.