Among the many types of yoga that is geared to making practitioners whole is Yin yoga. As opposed to the more dynamic forms of yoga, yin yoga is a slow paced form of exercise that encourages practitioners to hold poses for a longer period than the traditional form in order to achieve the full benefit of the practice. Based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang it is said to have originated in China and the western world was first introduced to it in the 1970s.
Yin yoga’s aim is to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility. With this intent, moderate pressure is applied to connective tissues such as tendons, fascia and ligaments through eighteen yin and five yang poses to be used in combination. These are expected to be held for at least for five minutes each to enable ‘qi’ to move easily through the central pathways of the body. With the increase in achieving the perfect yoga poses flexibility is said to improve exponentially along with immunity, organ health and emotional well being. Other benefits of yin yoga is calming of the mind, regulating energy and lowering stress levels.
Yoga practices usually commences with five minutes of meditation. Many of the poses are floor poses and are of the Yin variety with poses being held for a long period. Practitioners are encouraged to relax while holding these poses. With this more meditative approach, good outcomes can be achieved by practicing a few poses well, rather than rushing through the 18 yin poses and the 5 yang poses. Yoga classes end with a five minute Shavasana. Understanding various concepts in Chinese medicine is the key to getting the full benefit of this yoga practice.
With the increasing popularity of this exercise in Singapore many interested in achieving the total well being guaranteed by the practice are willing pupils while others are interested in being teachers. Many teacher trainers and classes therefore proliferate. Classes are offered by a host of teachers in varied locations for the whole family and are promoted as being fun and nurturing. Students are encouraged to achieve steady progress through practice to notice the differences of this activity is said to do to energy levels and general well being.
COMO Shambhala a holistic wellness regime that combines meditation, exercise and diet have health and wellness retreats in several iconic Asian locations that offer a combination of exercise, naturopathy, massage therapy and nutritional advice under the guidance of expert instructors, targeting total well being. Escape to a COMO wellness retreat to take advantage of excellent holistic programmes and be on the way to achieving total wellbeing.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+