Yin Yoga is based on Chinese Taoist philosophy.

 
We all know the YIN and YANG symbol, which has a black and a white side.

YIN stands for the hidden, cool, dark and calm; YANG for heat, movement and brightness.

We all have both parts in our body - the goal is to keep both parts in balance. There is never just one part, which is why you can see a small part of the opposite in the form of a dot in both parts of the sign.

In our fast-paced world we tend to have an EXCESS of YANG.

That's why this calm yoga style was developed by Paulie Zink. Paul Grilley then began teaching this as an independent yoga practice.
It was Sarah Powers, who learned from Paul Grilley, who gave this yoga practice its current name.

This calm style is characterized by long-lasting passive stretches without working the muscles.

Most traditional yoga styles were originally “YIN”.

It was not until the yoga revolution that dynamic styles such as Astanga, Vinyasa and others developed. Now we come back to the roots, as the need for rest, stress relief and self-reflection has grown.

YIN YOGA is necessary to keep our Yang-heavy culture and way of life in balance!

In Yin Yoga we work with the fascia, the deeper connective tissue. The muscles are relaxed.

Based on traditional Chinese medicine, we reach the meridians (energy channels) and our organs, which are surrounded by the fascia like a network. This network is often matted due to one-sided movement and other factors and we develop problems with our muscles, organs and bones.

The 5-element theory also plays a major role.

According to Ayurvedic teachings, which are associated with India and therefore with traditional yoga styles, there are the CHAKRAS (energy centers) in our body that run along the main meridian on our spine.

The NADIS, energy channels, correspond to the MERIDIANS from TCM and guide the energy in our body.

The long stretching (4-10 minutes) of the fascia makes it elastic again and the CHI (life energy, prana) can flow in our body.
But our thoughts are also asked to concentrate entirely on ourselves.

YIN YOGA is a letting go of physical tension and all expectations of ourselves. It is like a meditation during which we move slowly and mindfully enter and exit the postures.

The goal is to LET GO of everything that shows hardness and tension in us - on all levels!