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Intensity - None
No experience necessary
Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures (shapes) that are held for longer periods of time (usually 3-5 minutes). The poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility while improving the flow of "qi" or energy in the body. These postures also work with the energy meridians of your body to release the tension in your body as you breathe and stretch. In Yin the stretch is 'active' in that you hold for a period of discomfort. This active stretching will increase mobility flexibility, muscle length and strength and release tension and tightness in the body.
Restorative yoga involves the use of props (bolsters, straps, blocks, and blankets) to allow the body to feel totally supported, to allow the body to passively relax and release. The long holds (upwards of 15min or longer depending on need) of these gentle postures cultivate deep mental and visceral relaxation.
What to expect in my class:
First, the room is candle lit and quiet. The music is soft and ambiant. Sometimes I use essential oils to stimulate/soften/difuse the senses. Yogi are encouraged to wear comfortable layered clothing (socks included) for maximum comfort and enjoyability (if we are cold we cannot relax). Most of the practice is done on a cushioned yoga mat on the floor in a supine (lying down) position. For deepened affect, I wrap you up in Mexican blankets for warmth and place an eye pillow on your eyes to silence the visual distractions and take you on a meditative journey that seeps into your nervous system and cells.
However, the best part I feel is the use of hot stone massage therapy and Thai massage techniques.
Yes you heard me correctly, hot stone massage in your yoga class. WHAT??? By strategically placing these hot lava stones upon your clothed body we are encouraging the deepest sense of relaxation with heat as it penetrates the muscles and tissues. The heat helps melt away tension, ease muscle stiffness, and increase circulation and metabolism. Hot stones, when coupled with massage and yin yoga postures, also help to expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body, releases tension and restriction from muscles to allow joints to open. The Thai massage techniques further encourage energetic releases within the muscles of the body.
Benefits of Yin yoga:
Increasing strength and flexibility
releasing strain from joints so they can function freely
Improving your posture
Releasing trauma and emotion stored in the connective tissues of the body
Bringing your negative thought patterns into your awareness so that you can work with them and release them
connecting your breath with your body sensations
deepening mindfulness
Benefits of Restorative yoga:
deepened state of awareness in the body
calms the nervous system by reducing 'fight/flight' hormones
reduces stress
boost immune system
improves sleep
elicits deep relaxation and calmness
encourages connection with the body and calms the mind
Yin Restorative yoga is suitable for all levels and abilities. No experience necessary.