The Secret Benefits of Yin Yoga for Women
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“Yin” in Chinese culture means feminine, while Yang represents masculine. In today’s society we lean more towards work and hustle culture leaving our energy in an imbalance leaning towards the masculine side. As women, we need to connect to our yin energy to become more in tune with our bodies’ natural rhythm. Yin Yoga is a great way to achieve that balance.
This blog will include:
What is Yin Yoga?
What are the benefits of Yin Yoga for Women?
How Can You Start Your Own At-Home Yoga Practice Today?
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga has a traditional Chinese medicine influence and focuses on lubricating joints/tendons. Yin yoga also promotes the releasing fascia, a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds every part of your body and holds it in place. When it is healthy, fascia is flexible and doesn’t resist when you move. Yin yoga balances your body from the inside out and it’s a very beneficial self-practice for the mind, body, and soul.
In terms of Chinese Medicine, Yin Yoga improves the flow of chi or prana (energy) in your body. This practice instantly has an effect on anxiety and stress, which is one of the main reasons I recommend this style of yoga to women. As women, throughout each month our hormones fluctuate significantly impacting our mood, the way our body feels, and how we react to certain situations.
In my personal experience regarding anxiety, PTSD, and extreme PMS, Yin Yoga has allowed me to look inward and heal myself naturally. I have found that consciously shifting your energy and feelings in a positive way is the most beneficial “medicine” to my anxiety, and Yin Yoga is the gateway into that state of mind.
What are the Benefits to Yin Yoga?
On a physical (asana) level, Yin Yoga reaches your deepest connective tissue and is taught through a series of floor poses (mainly focusing on the lower body), which are long-held (5 minutes), allowing you to achieve deep flexibility.
Connective tissue responds to slow and steady movements. The combination of slow and steady poses will develop a strong response in your tissues and muscles that will help them be able to hold the poses longer. While holding the poses for such a long time, it also allows you to slow down on a mental level and pay attention to your body and thoughts.
It’s important to focus on what comes up during the hold of the pose. Yoga is not about the destination but about the journey. Yin Yoga gives you time to focus on what your body is telling you and to really be doing yoga is when you slow down and listen. Yin creates space and time for emotions, anxiety, fears, and pain to come up to the surface, that would otherwise be suppressed.
How to Start Your Own Practice Today
If you think this sounds like the right type of Yoga for you but don’t think you have enough time for a practice? It’s okay, Yin Yoga focuses on length of the poses being held more so than the diversity and amount.
Yin Yoga can be an hour long or it could be as simple as 15 minutes. It’s a great way for beginners to get an idea of what Yoga really is.
You can start today even without a mat. All you need is a soft and flat surface (can even use a blanket on the floor) and a pillow if you need to make any adjustments during any pose (acting as a yoga block).
If you are looking to start today and want to invest in preparing your space (not required) you can find my curated list of favorite yoga related goodies on my resources page. Yoga is about simplicity but even I like to make my designated space cozy, comfortable, and inviting to all my senses. You can click here to check it out!
Take 30 minutes out of your day to watch my favorite Yin Yoga video to follow along to when I want to decompress. I go to @TheBareFemale YouTube channel. Click this link to go directly to her video “Yin Yoga To Go Inward & Retreat”
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