Yin Yoga
Parramatta, Sydney
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced, meditative style of yoga that targets the deep connective tissues of the body—such as ligaments, joints, fascia, and bones—rather than just the muscles. It’s characterized by long-held, passive stretches, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes, allowing you to access deeper layers of tension and encourage release.
​
Unlike the dynamic, flowing nature of practices like Vinyasa or Hatha, Yin Yoga involves finding stillness in each pose, using props like bolsters, blankets, or blocks for support. The goal is to surrender to gravity and allow the body to open naturally over time.
​
Yin Yoga is often paired with mindful breathing, cultivating a meditative state that encourages introspection, relaxation, and a sense of letting go.
Yin Yoga Postures and Breathing
Parramatta, Sydney
Yin Yoga is meant to practice when the body is still cool and the muscles are still "sleepy" so the stretches to the connective tissues, fascia and joints can be achieved better.
​
The room temperature during Yin yoga practice needs to be kept cool too so it is recommended for the practitioners to keep themself warm and comfortable during the practice. This is to ensure that you can find as much stillness as possible when you arrive in your Yin postures.
​
Most of the Yin postures will be lying down or sitting down. This is a passive practice where we don't use any muscles engagement, being grounded to the floor can help to create stability.
YIN YOGA BREATHING
Slow gentle ocean breath (Ujjayi breath) is a ideal breathing technique to use in a Yin yoga class. Make sure that the breath is gentle and not strenuous. Inhale for the count of 4, pause for 1 count, exhale for the count of 4, pause for 1 count. Depending on how your breath is, this could be anywhere from 4 - 6 breaths per minutes. You can exhale using the mouth for the first few breaths and then keep a gentle seal in the lips for the rest of the practice.
Yin Yoga Benefits
Parramatta, Sydney
Physical Benefits of Yin Yoga
​
-
Improves joint mobility & flexibility
By working into the fascia and connective tissues, Yin Yoga helps to restore range of motion in the joints, making it particularly beneficial for stiff hips, shoulders, and spine. -
Enhances circulation
Long holds stimulate the flow of energy (or “chi”) through the body, improving overall vitality. -
Supports joint health & bone density
Gentle stress on the joints promotes bone strength and resilience over time. -
Facilitates deep tissue release
By softening muscles and targeting the fascia, Yin Yoga helps to release chronic tension and tightness.​ -
​
Mental & Emotional Benefits of Yin Yoga
-
Calms the nervous system
Yin Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering a sense of deep relaxation and rest. -
Encourages mindfulness & presence
The stillness of the practice provides an opportunity to tune into the breath, sensations, and emotions, cultivating self-awareness. -
Teaches patience & acceptance
Holding poses for several minutes can be challenging, offering a space to observe discomfort, resistance, and thoughts without judgment. -
​
Energetic & Spiritual Benefits
-
Balances the meridian system (according to Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Yin Yoga is often linked to the energetic body, with poses designed to stimulate specific meridians (energy channels), supporting organ health and emotional well-being. -
Enhances meditation practice
The introspective nature of Yin can deepen meditation, helping you connect with your inner self and intuition.
🌙 Yin Yoga in a Nutshell:
A practice of stillness, surrender, and softness, Yin Yoga complements more active styles by offering a balancing counterpoint—a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect inward.
