Firstly, what is Yin Yoga? Yin Yoga is a passive practice which involves holding asana (yoga postures) for longer periods of time (1-5 minutes). The aim of this practice is to gently stress the connective tissues and stimulate the energy channels in the body (meridians). This process creates space in the body to allow chi (nutrients, blood, fluids) to flow, helping to reduce tension while encouraging deep cleansing and healing from within.
What is Restorative Yoga? Restorative Yoga aims to relax, restore and rejuvenate both the body and the mind. This practice helps us to return to our rest & digest state. The emphasis is on deep relaxation, deep breathing and a deep connection to your inner self. This can be achieved by using lots of props to support the practitioner as they surrender into stillness or by using gentle meditative movement to soothe and release negative energy.
So, What is Aerial Yin & Restorative Yoga? Aerial Yin & Restorative Yoga combines the two of these practices with the additional enhancement of a low hanging Aerial Yoga Hammock.
What are the benefits of adding a Hammock?
During Yin Postures the hammock can be used as a lifting support to allow for more space in the body. It gently draws the weight and energy of the supported area of the body upwards while the rest of the body relaxes downwards. Making the release of the body more effective, creating more openness and allowing us to delve deeper into the pose while still feeling supported.
During Restorative Postures the hammock can allow us to feel lighter, to float and to feel cradled yet supported. The nature of being in a hammock can help us to delve deeper into ourselves as we feel cocooned and safe, away from the outside world.
More Benefits of Using A Hammock
Due to the floating, lifting nature of the hammock it allows us to express subtle movements in the body. Gentle rocking & circling the body, helps us to calm our central nervous system, just as you might gently rock a child to calm and relax them. It helps us to calm our minds, to release tension in the body and to feel safe and nurtured.
Enclosing & supporting ourselves in the soft silk can help us to draw our attention inwards, to reconnect with our inner selves.
The feeling of floating allows us to experience a sense of freedom. To let go and disconnect from our physical weight on the earth can give us a sense of letting go of anything that is holding us down. Whether that might be a physical or a mental stress, the experience of lightness that you feel when suspended can have a huge impact on bringing a deep sense of peace into both the body and the mind.
In conclusion: I can honestly say that Yin & Restorative Aerial Yoga is one of the most beautifully transforming holistic health practices that I have experienced so far.
If you would like to experience this amazing practice for yourself, check out the events page for our upcoming group workshops or contact me directly to arrange a private session for yourself or up to 6 people.
Please also feel free to drop any comments or questions below.
Warmest Wishes, Tania x