Review of Yin Yoga: Time, Tissues, and Tempered Patience

Overview
Yin invites you to linger in low‑to‑moderate intensity shapes for 2–5 minutes, targeting the deeper, slow‑to‑change elements—fascia, joint capsules—whilst cultivating a quieter nervous system. Props are encouraged; effort is internal.

Best for
- Stiff hips and backs that respond to time more than tugging.
- High‑charge minds that benefit from stillness as practice rather than goal.

Benefits
- Gentle stress on connective tissue may improve tolerance to length.
- Breath‑led patience can reduce baseline tension and improve sleep.
- Offers rare space to watch thoughts without chasing them.

Cautions
- Not for acute injury or inflamed joints.
- Hypermobility needs extra care; depth isn’t the point, sensation is.
- Tingling or sharpness? Back off; numbness isn’t noble.

Try this mini‑practice
- Caterpillar (seated forward fold, supported) 3 minutes.
- Sleeping swan (pigeon, propped) 2–3 minutes each side.
- Reclined twist 2 minutes each.
- Savasana 4 minutes, blanket under knees.

Final word
Yin is less about stretching and more about staying. If you treat time as a teacher, not a test, the practice rewards you quietly and deeply.

-lois