So, what ABOUT THIS "YIN" YOGA?
Are you aware that almost half (47%) of your functional mobility is related to the health of your connective tissues? Did you know that connective tissue is pervasive throughout your physical body found in layer upon layer, superficial to deep and part of your cellular makeup? Connective tissue is everywhere: ligaments, tendons, fascia including bone and joints. What happens with many of us whether we just feel stiff or feel limited by the chronic pain of overuse and perhaps aging, is mostly the impact of dehydration. Water is the vital nutrient for connective tissue health and a yin practice through long held poses at your therapeutic edge, works on your behalf to rehydrate this essential tissue. The outcome, if you stick with the practice (no pun intended): greater resilience from the inside out, improved joint mobility and appropriate rehabilitation for non-inflammatory conditions. Yin yoga is steeped in mindfulness meditation, as we pause at our personal therapeutic edges of discomfort and experientially learn the transience of sensation and thoughts. We come out of a practice, calmer, lighter in spirit and able to be in states of equanimity for longer and longer periods of time. Not a bad remedy for anxious times in the world today. So consider and contribute, make the world a better place: come out, commit to a practice of yin yoga!
Stephanie Needham is a certified Hatha yoga instructor with additional training in Yin yoga. She is a registered massage therapist and Certified Structural integration practitioner with over 500 hours with teacher Tom Myers (Anatomy Trains). She is a connective tissue/fascial geek and has been studying, honouring in awe, and working with fascial tissue for over a decade of her 20 year healthcare professional life. Additionally, she has completed a Certificate in Applied Mindfulness Meditation with the University of Toronto, Continuing studies.