I’m thrilled that Lisa Missah will once again be holding her amazing yin yoga classes on my Ibiza retreat and thought it useful to explain what yin yoga is and why it’s so beneficial.
Lisa is an ex-professional dancer who has always looked to keep her body strong and supple, and describes her teaching style as ‘Precise, Fun, Inclusive’.
What is yin yoga?
While yang yoga targets the muscles (such as vinyasa and ashtanga), yin yoga targets our connective tissues, such as the ligaments, joints and deep fascia networks. It’s a gentler, slow-paced and meditative form of yoga during which poses are held for longer than with traditional methods of yoga, and is a fantastic way to boost flexibility and a sense of feeling at ease with yourself.
Most postures are done on the floor. Poses usually focus on areas where there is a joint (hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine) and are held for at least five minutes so that these tissues can be stretched and lengthened and become stronger. This helps increase your circulation and improve mobility, working on a deeper level on the connective tissues/fascia in the target areas.
Ease yourself into the pose with the use of props to feel fully supported. This allows you to switch off muscular activity, come to stillness and hold the pose for the allocated time. You will feel a deep sensation to help stretch your fascia and ligaments.
What’s the origin of yin yoga?
Yin yoga is based on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles and looks to restore the flow of Qi – the energy paths running through our bodies. By stretching and deepening into poses, you open up any blockages and release Qi energy to flow freely.
What are the benefits of yin yoga?
Yin yoga offers many mental benefits as well as physical ones:
Lengthens connective tissue: tissue that is less elastic can result in aches and stiffness.
Increases flexibility: elastic fascia and mobile joints improve flexibility and release tension.
Improves circulation: breathing into each pose allows more oxygen into your muscles and increases blood flow.
Reduces stress levels: as you find stillness in each pose, your heart rate should slow down and you will find calmness. You can focus on your breath and practise the basics of meditation, discovering how to quieten your mind.
Can anyone practise yin yoga?
Yes, yin yoga is ideal whether you want to learn to relax, or are athletic and need to release tension in overworked joints, or if you have an injury, or arthritis or osteoporosis.
Yin yoga in Ibiza
Why not treat yourself to some much needed restoration and relaxation - and a chance to get away from it all? For details of my fabulous retreats in Ibiza for2022, please click here >>
