A (7)

55

july 2016

yogajournal.com.au

Releasing issues in the tissues
Physical and energetic vitality is tightly
interwoven. TCM attributes each organ to a
corresponding meridian; meaning energy
obstruction contributes to organ
dysfunction. On the upside, it also means
certain yin postures may be implemented to
nourish specifi c meridians. For example;
three main meridians running through
inner thigh region – kidney, liver and
spleen meridians – are affected during
hip-abduction in poses like butterfl y
(baddha konasana).
“Meridians run through the water-rich
phase of connective tissue called fascia.
When we stretch or compress fascia, we
have direct impact on whether chi is
fl owing smoothly through meridians or
not. Chi is best conducted in water, so
where there is lots of water in the body,
such as joints, chi pools in a healthy way
or unhealthily stagnates. Yin yoga is an
amazing opportunity to stimulate chi,”
explains Sydney-based founder of The Yin
Space, Mel McLaughlin.

“As cells and tissues renew and rejuvenate,

we develop greater fl exibility – not through

force, but by rpreatedly bringing our bodies

into furthest range of motion mindfully and

compassionately.”

According to Insight Yoga teacher,

Sarah Owen, yang practices build strength

by exercising musculature of the body. Yin

promotes suppleness by addressing

internalised tissues like fascia, tendons,

ligaments and bones. “As cells and tissues

renew and rejuvenate, we develop greater

fl exibility – not through force, but by

repeatedly bringing our bodies into

furthest range of motion mindfully

and compassionately. When we release

from a pose, it is easy to detect energetic

‘rebound’ – rushing of energy towards

the targeted site after being stimulated

for several minutes,” explains Owen.

In Insight Yoga (Shambhala

Publications, 2008), Sarah Powers

reiterates three principles of effective yin

practice; the fi rst being sensitively coming

into the pose to an appropriate edge to

establish tolerable depth. Secondly,

resolving to remain still and muscularly

soft. Lastly, postures should be held for a

considerable time; ideally one to three

minutes, perhaps fi ve.

“Each pose needs to be held for at

least two minutes to be really effective.

For example; we may initially only feel

hamstrings stretching during a forward-

bend. Two minutes in, we feel gentle pulling

apart of fascia’s strong fi bres as the whole

back body releases,” says McLaughlin.

Breathe and let go

One of the biggest inhibitors of chi

is stress, which is rife as demands of

modern living frequently push the

panic button. Ah, but relax – the good

news is that yin yoga may effectively

re-set ight-and-fl ight to rest-and-digest.

“Dr Motoyama claimed that

the nervous system and meridian

system are yin and yang to each

other. Placing yourself in a mildly

stressful pose and learning to calmly

observe it without tensing against it

slowly develops our ability to tone

down our nervous system and enjoy

being calm,” says Grilley.

Common yin postures could be

Sydney yoga teacher Mel McLaughlin