Two sides of the same coin - Yin/Yang

In order to exercise in a yin way we need long periods of gentle stress to the harder tissues to allow them to adapt and function appropriately. In the same way to exercise the muscles we need repetition of contraction and stretch to allow adaptation and growth. Hence yin yoga holds the poses for longer periods of time focusing on the joints rather than the muscles.

Now remember the tiny black dot within the white of the yin and yang symbol. Within yang there is yin and the same is true of our muscles. Each muscle has a proportion of fascia within it (up to 30%). Also our yin tissues also contain yang elements – elastic fibres called elastin is buried deep within the ligaments and fascia too. When we are born we are so much more flexible and pliable – we are full of elastin in our yin tissues we are yang like creatures. But as we grow and age we lose more and more elastin and within our yang tissue lay down more and more scar tissue in the form of collagen causing us to become stiffer and stiffer and much more yin like creatures. So in our youth we can exercise very easily in a yang style whilst as we age we should naturally exercise in a yin style. And as we have already said we need the yin to compliment the yang and vice versa so at all times striving towards balance and harmony – the yin with yang - the two sides of the same body! 

For a really good website telling you all you need to know about Yin Yoga follow the link:

http://www.yinyoga.com

This is a website by Bernie Clark, who has written two excellent books about Yin Yoga, Yin Sights and The Complete Guide To Yin Yoga. He was encouraged to write these books by both Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers two of the pioneers of modern Yin Yoga.