The benefits of Yin Yoga
There has been plenty of media attention and mainstream popularity with regards to vinyasa yoga and hot yoga. There are many different types of yoga out there and one of the lesser known, and yet incredibly beneficial styles offered at Bonfire comes in the form of Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a beautiful and deep form of yoga. Yin Yoga is a passive type of yoga used to gain flexibility and reduce stress. While many other styles of yoga target the superficial muscles, yin yoga target the deep connective tissues of the body – the ligaments, joints, bones, and deep fascia networks.
There are several benefits of participating in a yin yoga class.
Yin yoga focuses on the mind
Asanas (poses) in yin yoga are held for a much longer period of time compared to the other styles of yoga. It is believed that any emotion or feeling, be it boredom, anxiety, happiness or sadness is suppressed by the sheer busyness of day to day living. The length of time required by each asana in yin yoga create space and time to sit with these feelings and thoughts allowing you to focus and work through them. The truth is that it takes the body a lot of energy to suppress thoughts and feelings. This can be worked out in a yin yoga class.
In this sense, yin yoga is a fantastic method to melt away stress. You may use the time to identify and work through suppressed thoughts and ideas or you may simply use it to switch off and “just breathe.”
Yin yoga is a fantastic way to practice meditation for beginners
With Yin Yoga, you will find yourself with a lot of time on your hands during your class. This provides you with a face-to-face opportunity to slow your breath and calm your mind. Through yin yoga, you can become open to a wonderful meditative experience. If you are new to the idea of meditating, practising yin yoga can help ease you into it. Your instructor will help guide you through mediations during your class.
You can practice yin yoga anywhere
Yin yoga is fully portable. You don’t even need a mat. The only item you may require to integrate yin yoga into your daily living is a cushion. Most Yin yoga poses can be held while sitting at your desk, watching the TV, reading, or lying in bed!
Increased flexibility
Yin Yoga will help to improve your flexibility by targeting both the deep connective tissues between the muscles and the fascia throughout the body. It also helps to regulate the flow of energy throughout the body and improves circulation to your joints. By doing this, you can increase the range of motion in your body that may become affected by injury, habitual posture in daily life, and aging, among other factors. Holding the poses in yin yoga will apply mild stress to joints and connective tissues can increase their range of motion.
Yin yoga is a calming practice that can enhance your body and mind. Give this lesser-known yoga style a try and experience all the wonderful benefits
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