Yoga
Yin
The 3 principles of Yin Yoga are:
finding your edge,
being still,
holding the pose.
Yin Yoga is not a workout but rather a work-in. We come to an edge in a pose and become still. With this more meditative approach, as we hold a pose we go within.
Yin Yoga is simple, but simple does not mean it will be easy. Poses may be fewer than in a Vinyasa class but we remain in the postures anywhere from one to five minutes.
Yin Yoga is not restorative yoga. If you are injured in any way, allow yourself to heal before resuming your practice. We will be targeting connective tissues such as the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body that are not normally specifically exercised in a more active style of practice.
Here are a few of the many mental, energetic and physical benefits. Yin Yoga poses:
will reduce stress, activate your parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, lower blood pressure, and lead to a healthier and thus happier life,
improve flexibility and range of motion,
improve lubrication through greater hydration of our tissues, encourage the production of collagen which promotes healthy, younger looking skin and allows joints to move and fascia to slide more easily,
stimulate and nourish organs through acupressure via compression of the meridian lines.
Classes may be based on a target area, on a particular chakra, on meridian lines or on a particular theme.
Modifications are given for all poses so everyone is welcome – there is no I’m good or bad at yoga in our classes, there is just listen to your own body and what it tells you.
Ashtanga - Primary Series
The Sanskrit word Ashtanga translates as eight limbs, referring to the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by the sage Patanjali in his renowned text, the Yoga Sutras. He defined yoga as the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. These eight limbs of yoga are:
Yamas (behavioural observances – ethical standards)
Niyamas (behavioural restraints – self discipline)
Asana (practice of physical poses)
Pranayama (practice of breathing techniques to control one’s life force energy)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (transcendence)
Ashtanga yoga is the practice of this eight-fold path in order to experience this calm yogic state. It is a dynamic, physically demanding style of yoga synchronising breath with movement. The Primary Series aims to detoxify and realign the body in moving meditation.The structure of the Primary Series is:
5 Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) A
3-5 Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) B
a sequence of standing poses – forward folds, twists and balances
a sequence of seated poses – more forward folds, hip openers and twists (and…many of the signature Ashtanga vinyasas – a set flow used to link each asana that builds strength, keeps the heart rate up and may cause you to question why you practise yoga!)
finishing sequence – counter poses, backbends, shoulder stand variations and headstand.
In our assisted self-practice, we follow this traditional sequence of poses each time, gradually progressing through the series but modified versions are available.
Also available:
Yoga nidra- a guided practice performed lying down in savasana. It is designed to soothe you into a state of profound relaxation between sleep and wakefulness without losing awareness. Translated as yogic sleep, this meditative and reflective technique releases tension and stress while nurturing wellbeing.
