52 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA
In this chapter, we explore the science of yin yoga. When I first started prac-
ticing yin yoga, I knew that I felt better afterward, but I didn’t know why. It
wasn’t until I studied Paul Grilley’s Yin Yoga video that I started to understand
the science behind what happens while holding a yin posture. Throughout my
years as a yin yoga enthusiast, research was conducted into the intricacies of
the human body. Now with endoscopic digital video photography, scientists
continue to make discoveries about the cells and human body tissue. They
can see things that had been hidden until now. Technology is affirming that
there is no greater creation than the human body. Yin yoga has a powerful
effect on our cells, tissues, nervous system, and other structures in the body.
In this chapter we explore these effects, and it is my hope that the science will
inspire your yin yoga practice even more as you find out what’s happening
deep under the surface.ANATOMY BASICS OF YIN YOGA
To understand the bigger picture of anatomy and how it relates to yin yoga,
we start with the basic structures of the human body. For many of you, this
might be a review from your earlier education. If you were like me growing
up, you may have snoozed through your biology, physiology, and anatomy
classes. But it’s important to grasp these basic concepts to fully appreciate
the fascinating scope of yin.Cells
We begin with the cell. All organisms are composed of cells, which in science
are the building blocks of life. It is estimated that the adult human body contains
approximately 50 trillion cells. All tissues in the body are built of cells, and most
of the functions of physiology are performed within the cells. Although there
are many remarkable similarities between cells, they also come in different
shapes and sizes and have different functions. When you study cells under a
microscope, they appear to be like little people. Instead of randomly bouncing
around, they appear to function with purpose like a human being does. In fact,
every cell that contains a nucleus (eukaryote) contains the functional match
of a nervous system, excretory system, endocrine system, muscle and skeletal
system, circulatory system, reproductive system, and even an immune system.
Pretty wild, right? You are a collection of 50 trillion cellular “people.” Then, in
relationships, your 50 trillion little people cells interact with someone else’s 50
trillion cells. No wonder relationships are so complicated!
The cytoplasm is the semifluid substance between the nuclear membrane
and the cell membrane where the organelles (cell’s organs) are located. Exam-
ples of organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum,
and the Golgi body. A scaffolding-like structure called the cytoskeleton gives
the cell its shape and structure, along with holding the organelles in place.
The cytoskeleton also aids in the cell’s movement.