The term “yin yoga” comes from the Taoist tradition. Our bodies are made up of yang and yin tissues. Yang relates to repetitive movement, therefore our muscles are yang, so in order to be strengthened they must be subject to yang activity (repetitive movement, creating heat). Shorter holds, dynamic stretching (i.e. sun salutations) target yang tissue – muscles. Longer, static holds enable us to access yin tissue – fascia and connective tissue. We need the combination of yang and yin to keep the joints healthy.

Yin yoga—while being a very effective way to open tight hips and hamstrings—goes hand in hand with mindfulness practices. Yinspiration provides guidance for showing people how to observe the breath and use their breath in a way that invites them to focus on the present moment. This process allows thoughts and feelings to arise and invites us to watch them without getting “involved”, before letting them fade away. The “mind chatter” is then lessened and the “volume” turned down on persistent and negative thought patterns.

On a mental and emotional level, the Yinspiration practice allows the body to drop down into the parasympathetic nervous system, and therefore becomes deeply healing and nourishing. Yinspiration can offer a sense of grounding, calming and revitalising, with profound energetic and emotional effects.