Practised mindfully Yin Yoga can be a wonderful way to enhance body awareness and relaxation. Yin Yoga is much less about making a 'correct' target shape and much more about finding the right shape for YOU to explore.
Everybody is unique. How far we can go into, and the kind of sensations we experience a yin pose vary widely from person to person. So how do we practise sensitively to get the most from a Yin Yoga class?
Below are 4 key points to keep in mind when practising Yin Yoga to have a safe and beneficial class.
• Start at an appropriate depth – especially when new to the practice it is important to be kind to the body. The idea is you want to feel some stretch/sensation but still be able to walk away after class! Go to a point where you feel a gentle stretch (30%-60% of you maximum depth), stop and wait. I recommend using props to help support you at this point. The long holds can significantly change what you feel during the pose and you can make fine tune accordingly. (see below)
• Stay mindful of the sensations happening in your body as you hold the pose. Notice how they change in intensity or if they travel and make adjustments accordingly. If something starts to feel too much, or you start to feel any numbness/tingling, back off the intensity a bit or ease out completely. Conversely, if you feel your body opening maybe you might like to move a little deeper.
• Breathe with your whole body. Use your breath to help you soften into the poses. Your breath is also a very good indicator if your depth is appropriate. If you find you can’t breathe smoothly and easily the chances are you are in a little too deep and it's a good idea to ease out a little.
• Cultivate stillness in mind and body. This can be the hardest part! Yin teaches you how to stay with something even if it is not totally comfortable. Staying like this helps train the mind to be more focused and allows a deeper awareness of the body to develop.
Wishing you a wonderful yin practice!
By Kate Ryan
263 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7HN
