Exploring the Synergy of Yin Yoga | Western Wellness

Combining Yin Yoga with Other Practices: Exploring the Complementary Nature of Different Yoga Styles

 There are many different forms of yoga, with each one having different benefits. Most yoga styles derive from the same source and are complementary to one another - meaning that you can mix different forms until you find the perfect one that works for you. Some yoga styles won’t suit everyone, and sometimes it’s necessary to engage in a process of elimination to find the right one. Some people may also appreciate the various benefits of different forms and mix different yoga styles together to get the most out of their healing and meditative properties.

What Sets Yin Yoga Apart from Other Yoga Styles?

 Yin Yoga is quite different from other forms of yoga as it’s a slower, more meditative form that focuses on your mental health and allows you to become more in tune with your mind and body. It also benefits the connective tissues in your body like your joints and ligaments, easing muscle pains. Yin Yoga is practised while sitting or lying down and forces you to focus on the present and practice mindfulness.

What Are the Benefits of Yin Yoga?

●      Decreases stress

●      Promotes mindfulness

●      Improves flexibility

●      Calms the nervous system

●      Slows the mind

●      Increases the level of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) which helps the body handle stress

●      Helps you slow down

●      Releases stored emotions

●      Improves sleep

●      Improves breathing

 What Other Yoga Styles Work Well with Yin Yoga?

Vinyasa Yoga (Vin Yin Yoga or Yin Yang Yoga)

 Vinyasa Yoga is one of the most common forms of yoga and focuses on moving through different poses, all while practising targeted breath. As you’re using your breath, it warms up your body. The four main postures of Vinyasa Yoga include the downward-facing dog, moving into plank, upward-facing dog, chaturanga and then returning back to the downward-facing dog.

The benefits of Vinyasa Yoga include:

●      Calms the mind

●      Energising

●      Reduces stress

●      Builds strength

●      Reduces headaches

●      Improves cardiovascular health

●      Releases toxins

Yin Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga

The mix of Yin Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga is referred to as Vin Yin Yoga or Yin Yang Yoga. It’s best to begin your yoga session with Vinyasa for the first half as Vinyasa warms your body up and helps you burn off extra energy. Switching over to Yin Yoga for the second half means your body is ready to slow down and relax.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is the original form of yoga. It focuses on breathing techniques and your posture which channels an energy source. It integrates yoga poses, meditation and breathing which strengthens your body and mind. 

The benefits of Hatha Yoga include:

●      Stronger muscles

●      Improved flexibility

●      Better stress management

●      Improved posture

●      Reduces anxiety

●      Improves mental focus

●      Increases muscle tone

●      Increased energy

●      Improves breathing

Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga

Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga both put a huge focus on the mind and body. They can both be considered ‘mindful yoga’ as they are slower forms of yoga, allowing you to sit with your thoughts and stay in certain yoga postures for longer. They promote well-being and have similar benefits

In such a busy world, yoga is the perfect way to slow down and focus on your body, mind and breath. Some forms of yoga complement each other more than others, like Yin Yoga and Vinyasa and Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga, and can be practised together. Vinyasa Yoga is a more active form of yoga, which is the perfect partner to the more slow and meditative yoga form of Yin Yoga, while Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga are both classified as mindful yoga and can go hand-in-hand.

At Western Wellness, we offer in-person and online training programs from our studio in Melbourne, Australia. Our Yoga Alliance Accredited programs are recognised internationally and by Yoga Allliance. You can find out more here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/yoga-teacher-training

If you’re looking for a friendly, inclusive yoga community, look no further than Western Wellness. Contact us at 0409 248 591 or send us an email here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/contact to find out more!