Yin Yoga, part 1

     Recently, I attended a yin yoga teacher training.  I have taught yin yoga prior to this class but revisiting the information always inspires me.  Most likely, if you have attended yoga classes you may have noticed that the majority of classes that are offered are vinyasa or yang types.  Yang classes move more quickly through poses(asana) and are geared toward lengthening and strengthening the muscles.  These types of classes bring chi to the muscles, working and energizing them.  Yin classes are composed of poses(asana) held for several minutes at a time that work more on our joints and connective tissues.  These classes are done with passive muscles and allow chi to penetrate deeper to the energy conducting meridians of the body.
     Let us define terms.  Here is the "fast and dirty", as my music theory teacher, Professor Goldsmith, used to say.  Chi or qi is defined as primordial energy in Chinese medicine.  This energy is the vital force of ALL life.  Our physical life is animated by chi.  Chi is the underlying force.  How does chi move in our bodies?  Chi moves along invisible pathways called meridians(Chinese system) and nadis(Indian system).  These meridians pass through all tissues and bones.  When chi flows freely the body the body is balanced and healthy.  When chi does not flow freely it can be stagnant or deficient creating an out of balance body yielding an unhealthy state.  We can stimulate chi to flow by practicing yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation and receiving acupuncture, among other activities which enliven the mind and body.
     I am always impressed by the fact that we can move our bodies to create positive change, physically and mentally.  I think that we forget this fact and neglect moving our bodies.  We have the ability to change our state of being.  It is so simple yet elusive when distracted by so many other aspects of our modern lives.  For now, I aim just to scratch the surface on this incredibly complex topic.  Just marinate with the information presented here.  Perhaps tonight you may choose to sit on the floor instead of the couch and experience stretching your body in ways that feel good to you.  Don't worry about doing yoga poses, just stretch what feels like it needs some opening.  Animals stretch all the time and they have not taken any classes.  You know what you need more than anybody.  My only suggestions are to move the spine forward, backward, side to side and to twist to each side.  Move slowly and listen to your body being aware of pain, if it is sharp, stop.  There is no destination only the journey, so enjoy your body!  Stay tuned for more on this topic...