Yoga is classified into two parts: Yin Yoga and Yang Yoga. Yin represents stable, unmoving and hidden aspect of things, which is why yin yoga is more focused on the deep connective tissues and joints in the body and consist of slower movements. It involves holding basic aligned poses and promotes self-awareness. Yang represents changing, moving and the revealing aspects which targets the superficial muscle which involves advance growth in postures, enhanced body positions and controlled inversions. If you are a beginner and not a big fan of quick transitional postures, you can consider Yin Yoga.
Yin Yoga is a slow style of yoga, the postures are held for a longer time than the usual modern yoga. It is more meditative and allows an overall deeper sense of calm while targeting the connective tissues instead of the muscles. Yin yoga focuses on the deep tissues like ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks of the body. For a beginner the postures are held from a range of 45 seconds to 2 minutes, while advanced practitioners can hold an asana for at least five minutes or more. This style of yoga can look quite simple, but it can be challenging due to the long duration of the poses.
Yin yoga is a meditative practice which helps you sit comfortably for longer periods of time and concentrates on the stillness and disconnection. The main purpose of Yin yoga is to be able to relax with no tension held in the body. While it may look like your body is still, the essential work of stretching and hydrating the connective tissue around the joints, spine and knees are engaged. Yin yoga also gently massages the internal organs. The stillness of Yin yoga allows you to better observe your inner self.
Yin yoga improves energy flow and enhances the flow of chi in the organs along with the main mental and emotional benefits. The body feels more open, flexible and at ease. Yin yoga calms and balances the mind and body, while reducing stress and anxiety. When you hold yourself in long poses you feel yourself slowing down and staying in the present. It allows you to rest as deadlines and commitments fade for a while.
Yin yoga effectively releases tautness caused by day-to-day posture habits, aging and other factors. Yin yoga can be accompanied with breathing techniques, which allows the body to naturally release tension and stress. It increases circulation in the joints and improves flexibility.
It helps you to be more intimate with yourself and allows you to tune into your inner operation, connecting to the respiratory and circulatory functions, internal organs, and sensations within the muscles and joints. You can recognize your thoughts and experience them, without letting your mind overrun.
The best part about yoga is that you can practice it anywhere. All you need is a mat and a cushion. You can do yoga at your own convenience, in your home, while watching TV, at the park or anywhere you can take a mat. The flow of water represents Yin energy, which makes Miami beach a great option to practice Yin Yoga.
