Why is CBD Yin Yoga a must? – Not Just Yoga x Tom Hemp’s
What are the two most relaxing things you can think of? CBD oil and yoga, of course! THE IDEAL COUPLE. We’ve co-hosted several CBD yoga events with Aleks and Mel of Hotpod Yoga Berlin and are now hosted under their new project Not Just Yoga. And on this lovely autumn moon, we’re excited to introduce a fantastic new pairing: CBD oil and Yin Yoga!
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga was invented about twenty years ago. However, this does not prevent it from taking center stage, alongside the ancestral yoga practices. Like Hatha yoga, Yin yoga is one of the gentle yoga styles.
The practice of Yin yoga is based on 3 elements:
- Chinese medicine, particularly with regard to the meridians
- The slow and soft approach of Taoism
- The asanas of yoga
It is by combining these different elements that Yin yoga was created in 1990, by Paul Grilley. He developed his own method considering not only the anatomical dimensions of the human being, but also the energetic dimensions. Nowadays, the majority of Yin yoga teachers are trained in his Yin yoga method. This gentle yoga practice pairs well with a more dynamic practice.
In yin yoga, you will try to become more aware of the body’s meridians. Each meridian is associated with different organs or areas of the body that aid in the circulation of energy, or chi. This energy circulates in our bodies via the meridians, which, if well-connected, ensure our physical and moral balance.
In yin yoga, we exert a kind of pressure on the fascias to keep them hydrated: with its weight and gravity, your body will gradually melt into the ground and make the action on the fascias very effective. In addition, yin also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the one responsible for regulating our heart rate and digestion. Very complete, in short!
Practicing Yin Yoga
I can already hear the naysayers: paying XX bucks for a class where I don’t exercise, what’s the point? Well, you can practice alone at home, but I have a few teachers in mind that will change your mind, and starting with a real live teacher who will correct your postures and give you variations adapted to your needs is always a plus. You may not lose calories, but you will gain wisdom and your body will definitive feel the benefits, I promise!
In yin, you are not on the mat to build muscle but to relax and work with your breath. On the physical level, due to the Taoist influence, the objective of Yin yoga is to stretch the muscles in depth, until reaching what is called the deep tissues of the body. Deep tissues include joints, tendons, fascias, ligaments, but also bones. Thus, we participate in an intense softening of the latter, while strengthening them.
It is exactly for this reason that the poses are held for several minutes. The objective is to relax your muscles as much as possible, in order to act in depth. In order to stretch you safely, the Yin yoga teacher will guide you gently, inviting you to take your time. The goal here is to avoid as much as possible sudden gestures, as well to enter as to leave the postures.
On a psychic and energetic level, holding the postures for several minutes allows you to unblock certain areas of your body. This can be a blockage due to an injury or an emotional trauma. The goal here is to allow the energy to flow freely through your body, in order to eliminate tension and stiffness.
Combined with deep breathing, the Yin stretches will promote better oxygenation of the body, and provide a sense of release and well-being for the mind.
The practice varies from teacher to teacher, the postures are not titled exactly like yang yoga and are usually not in Sanskrit. You will notice that many of the postures are associated with the hinge joints: the hips (again and again), the sacrum, the spine, etc.
Yin is not always comfortable and requires a willingness to leave your comfort zone. It is truly a meditative practice: yin shows us how the body and mind are connected. In yin, you have to know the difference between discomfort and real pain, which is why I think taking classes is the best option to start.
Yin is perfect as a complement to the dynamic practices of vinyasa and ashtanga, for example. Overall, yin complements any physical activity and sport. The yang activities bring heat to the body, the yin tries to bring freshness.
Benefits of CBD Yin Yoga
Yin allows for both relaxation and stretching and is therefore also a real challenge for the mind. Staying relaxed, calm and still is essential to obtain the effects of yin, and we won’t hide from you that it is not always obvious when you have to stay still for a while. This is why the ultimate Zen yoga class combined with CBD is ideal. Adding CBD to the mix will help reduce anxiety and promote mental calmness.
You can apply CBD oil to any muscle group that requires special attention at the start of the CBD Yin Yoga session. If you’re new to CBD oil and are nervous, there’s nothing to worry about…learn more about our CBD oil!
Because CBD is completely non-psychoactive, it will not alter your perception or behavior. You will simply feel a little more at ease. Also, because CBD aids in muscle recovery, it pairs well with Yin Yoga, allowing you to stretch tired muscles and recover from any injury.
You may feel relaxed or even drained after a yin practice because it allows you to release many stored emotions, particularly in the hips. A relaxing night in with plenty of liquid is recommended. To take attend the class, register at Not just Yoga.
And now check their page out for the event and sign in!
