Describing Yin yoga doesn't quite do it justice, it's better experienced to understand the full benefits of the practise.

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 Hatha yoga classes are yang in nature,  regardless of the 'style' of your practise, moving or flowing from one asana

(posture) to another with the breath, holding for a a few breathes, gentle or dynamic they have yang qualities:

movement, heat, lightness, strength, masculinity, logical, sun, positivity, exterior, dryness, summer ( amongst others).

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Yin yoga brings balance and yin qualities:

Stillness, cold, heaviness, softness, femininity, intuitive, darkness, moon, winter, interior, water /fluidity.

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Holding seated and floor based asana (often supported by blocks, bricks and bolsters) for longer periods of time from 90 seconds  to 20 minutes, usually 3-5 minutes per posture. In this time we work towards finding 'the edge' the place where you are challenging the body but can soften into the pose without pushing, finding stillness, and surrendering. Going deep, working with the breath, noticing the subtle sensations in the body, releasing.  This practise allows the deep tissue (fascia) to become more fluid and soften,  promoting mobility in the joints and releasing stress in the body while the stillness promotes calmness in the mind.  While more passive Yin yoga can be challenging physically and mentally but will leave you feeling relaxed, calm and balanced.

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Yin Yoga originated in the 1970s its founder a martial arts, Kung Fu expert and Taoist yoga teacher Paulie Zink, then taught and developed by Bernie Clark and Sarah Powers

( who gave it the name Yin Yoga). Combining elements of philosophies from China ( Taoism-Yin /Yang, meridian system) and India ( Yoga-asana, meditation, breath work) Yin Yoga is nurturing, grounding and an antidote to busy life styles. Find calm with Yin.

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