What Are Yin and Yang Yoga?
What Are Yin and Yang Yoga?
Yoga can be seen as a spiritual discipline based on an exceptionally subtle science that helps balance body and mind. The art and science of living a healthy lifestyle are intertwined.
By practicing yoga, individuals can control their minds, bodies, and spirits. Yoga may sound familiar to you, but what does the phrase 'yin & yang' entail?
The concept of Yin & Yang describes the interconnection and counterbalance of opposing forces in ancient Chinese philosophy. A balance can be maintained when seemingly opposing forces are complementary.
What is Yin Yoga?
The yogic practice of stillness and contemplation. By holding passive poses for long periods, yin yoga works deep into the body.
Our deepest tissues are affected, such as connective tissues such as ligaments, joints, bones, as well as the deeply buried fascia networks in our bodies.
The opposite of Yang yoga is Vinyasa yoga, which targets the muscles. The popular physical and spiritual practice of yoga is slow-paced, more meditative when yin yoga.
What is Yang Yoga?
In yang yoga, you do traditional Hatha or Ashtanga-style asanas that strengthen your body, increase your stamina, and increase your flexibility.
On the other hand, a Yang Yoga practice is an active (warming) practice that improves both strength and flexibility (Yang) by increasing blood flow to the muscles.
As the name suggests, Yang yoga styles emphasize rhythm and repetition like Vinyasa Flow.
Importance of Yin and Yang Yoga
Yin means "dark side," and Yang means "light side," which already tells us it is the opposite of Yin.
Bringing these two energies together is what makes life possible. In a state of good physical and emotional health, life-force energy is properly balanced between Yin and Yang.
It is the very substance of life, and it is essential to all life. Conversely, Yang is the part of any process that is functional, active, and vital. As relative concepts, Yin and Yang always go together.
Yang and Yin do not simply exist as opposites. As opposites, Yin and Yang coexist harmoniously and peacefully. There is a constant balancing of opposites and differences. Yin and Yang are in constant motion.
Difference Between Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are considered universal forces by the Chinese to achieve health and long life.
Yang is the positive or active or masculine principle in nature, whereas Yin is the negative or passive or feminine principle.
Outward movement is known to be associated with Yin force. Yin is associated with outward movement, whereas Yang is associated with inward movement.
Yang is considered a force of expansion, whereas Yin represents contraction. There's an invisible force called Yin that you can't see or touch. Feeling or experiencing it is the only way to know it is there.
Yang is thought to derive from the yin force. Yin, it is believed, is what allows Yang to flourish.
Benefits of Yin Yang Yoga
Yin Yoga
- Balances the organs in the body by stimulating the meridians (energy channels)
- Increases joint mobility and flexibility
- Mind and body are calmed and balanced
- Has a calming effect on stress and anxiety
- Massage that penetrates the connective tissues.
- The practice of meditation can prepare the practitioner
Yang Yoga
- Body tones and strengthens
- Stretches the muscles and improves circulation
- It increases stamina
- Syncing movement with breathing calms the mind
- The body is freed from tension and obstructions so that breath and prana can flow.
Final Thoughts
In the end, you can learn that combining both Yang and Yin forces into one practice balances energy levels and can enhance productivity.
You are likely to feel calm and centered after practicing Yang and Yin together, ideal for the evening.
Yin Yang Yoga is a fusion of two styles of yoga - passive postures and more dynamic standing postures.
