More information about Deep Stretch Yin Yoga

In Deep Stretch Yin Yoga we do not strive to create strength or stability. There are few standing postures. Most of the exercises are done close to the floor, sitting or lying down. Yin yoga is sometimes referred to as “Liquid Yoga”.

In Deep Stretch Yin Yoga we gently stretch and relax the deeper layers of our muscles. We also sollicit our connective tissues, the fascia, ligaments and tendons. That’s why Yin yoga postures mainly concentrate on those parts of the body where a lot of connective tissues are present: the trunc and the (upper) legs. The rhythm is slow, and we hold the postures for a relatively long time, sometimes for up to several minutes. The purpose is to let go slowly. Your flexibility wil gradually improve, not by active stretching, but rather by abandoning yourself and by feeling how your muscles and tendons little by little release their tensions to attain a deeper level of relaxation.

Yin yoga is the perfect opposite of “doing”.

Mental awareness

Keeping up with it with your full attention is probably the biggest task. Yet it is essential in yoga practice. And especially in Deep Stretch Yin Yoga.
That’s why we encourage practicing with our eyes closed. In order to stay focused on all physical sensations in the body more easily.
One can really speak of a true mental effort.

Breathing

In Deep Stretch Yin Yoga, you have the following options for the breathing effort:

• You breathe in slowly and out slowly, with clear emphasis on the exhale
• You work with gentle ujjayi or ocean breathing

Watch the video on ocean breathing here:

Ujjayi Breath

Posture

The physical effort is light, and rather passive. The intensity is created by the duration of the posture.
In Deep Stretch Yin Yoga, the five most important functions of physical yoga are addressed. The tool to support and strengthen these functions is the yoga posture or asana.
The postures in the Deep Stretch Yin Yoga classes are chosen from a basic set of 25 different postures added with numerous postures for the (upper) back, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle and their variations.

How is a Deep Stretch Yin yoga class structured?

The sessions are generally structured as follows:

• We start with a moment where we strive for presence in the here and now and physical sensation of the body.
• Then we concentrate on our breath before starting the posture sequence.
• Next is the varied sequence of postures.
• We end with a deep relaxation, lying on our back or in a resting position of your own choice.

A Deep Stretch Yin Yoga class lasts for one hour.

What is the difference between Deep Stretch Yin Yoga and classical Yin Yoga?

Classical Yin Yoga pays little or no attention to the chest, upper back and shoulder girdle. In classical Yin Yoga, one is limited to about 25 exercises or postures. Deep Stretch Yin Yoga has expanded to include dozens of additional postures that address chest, shoulder girdle, upper back and also the pelvis. Because of that, Deep Stretch Yin Yoga is more complete than classical Yin Yoga.

Do I need anything special in terms of yoga equipment for Deep Stretch Yin Yoga?

If you take the class in full presence in the studio, you don’t need to provide anything extra. All tools are available in the studio. If you are taking the class online, it is useful to have the following items at reach of hand:

• a good yoga mat
• a pair of flat and thicker sitting cushions
• a yoga belt (a classic belt can also serve)
• a pair of yoga blocks in cork or plastic foam
• a stool or a chair
• a few bath towels or a plaid or blanket for extra support