A Journey Into Yin Yoga

68 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA

As you can see, the spine plays a pivotal role in our health and well-being.

If this is the case, then why is it often neglected in many forms of exercise

and fitness? It probably has something to do with the fact that it’s not a vanity

body part. You’ll see people in the gym strengthening their chest and bicep

muscles and toning their glutes, but you don’t normally see people doing

exercises solely for their spinal well-being. Fortunately, the Taoists and the

Yin Yoga and Pregnancy

Although yin yoga is a therapeutic activity for most, a small part of the popu-

lation should proceed with caution. One of these groups is women moving

through pregnancy. I have had the pleasure of being indirectly involved with

the act of giving birth as the father of two beautiful kids: Lantana and Bodhi.

I watched their mother navigate through all the ups and downs of pregnancy

and use yin yoga to help facilitate the process.

Moving through a yin yoga practice with awareness can create a state of

calmness and serenity. When a pregnant woman feels serene, her confidence

is stronger. When she is serene, her stress about the process of childbirth can

be minimized. Practice allows her to become present by attuning to the natural

sensations of the body. Intimacy, compassion, and love are strengthened. It is

beautiful that these same qualities can shift from pregnancy into motherhood.

Before starting a pre- or postnatal yin yoga program, it is important to obtain

your physician’s consent. Approach your practice while pregnant with sensitiv-

ity, respect, tenderness, and care. During pregnancy, the body is changing,

the blood chemistry is shifting, and the miracle of life is growing inside of you.

Probably more than anything, the quiet mindfulness that yin yoga practice

provides is much needed. Keep in mind that the body’s chemistry changes

with a greater release of relaxin. This increases flexibility in the ligaments and

can lead to overstretching. This, along with other important information, is

listed in table 4.1.