What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a fairly new style of yoga (it was founded and developed in the last 40-50 years, where as other styles go back thousands of years!) which combines the influences of traditional Indian yoga styles with Chinese Daoist practices and philosophy.

The Yin Yang

Yin is the polar opposite to Yang.  When you look at a Yin Yang symbol, you will see that both work together. We cannot have one without the other. The Yang is represented by the white side of the symbol, the Yin by the black side.  And neither is purely Yin or purely Yang, a small amount of the opposite can be found within both parts.

Yin Yoga and Yang Yoga

Yang styles of yoga are the more dynamic and active styles.  They often focus on movement with breath, on strengthening the body and on working with the muscles and outer tissues of the body.  Examples of Yang styles of yoga are- Ashtanga Yoga, Core Strength Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga.

Yin Yoga is the exact opposite. It focuses on coming to stillness, rather than movement. We are more passive in our poses and work on the deeper connective tissues of the body – the bones, ligaments, joints and fascia.  Being developed from Ancient Chinese philosophy, Yin Yoga also works with the meridians of the body (the energy lines of the body).  A Yin Yoga session is comparable to an acupuncture session. We work to stimulate an even and balanced flow of chi around the body.

For more information about Yin Yoga, click here for another article.

Yin Yoga Cairns

Hartig Yoga bring Yin Yoga Classes to Cairns.  We offer these Yoga Classes at two locations, on Palm Cove Beach, and at Drift Resort, Palm Cove, Cairns.

Our morning classes are a mix of Yin and Yang. We often start with some Meditation and Yin Yoga Poses, and finish with some Yin poses and relaxation exercises.

Relaxing next to the Ocean

Our evening classes are more Yin in style. We do offer a some gentle movement, but our evening classes are much more Yin than Yang.  Longer held, more surrendering postures can be expected, with relaxation and meditation as well.  That is not to say Yin Yoga is easy! It is still very effective (at opening and releasing tension from the body) and challenging (staying still for 3-5 minutes at a time is tricky for us in this fast paced society!).  It is a perfect preparation for meditation practices.

To book a place at a yoga class, or if you have any questions about Yin Yoga Cairns, please get in touch.

All the best,

Beth Hartig