Poses beyond Yin Asanas

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AhimsaNirata
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:59 am

Poses beyond Yin Asanas

Post by AhimsaNirata »

Bowing to all of you, I wonder if you can satisfy a burning question that I currently have. I happen to use the "Threading the Needle" pose to relieve shoulder tension from sitting at the desk all day. It works very well and I've integrated into my daily Yin and meditation practice. (this pose is not to be confused with another pose named Eye of the Needle, where one is lying on your back, cradling your shin pose).

Can anyone share their insight on why this is not considered a YIN pose? Or it is and isn't listed...or something else?

Thanks so much! I'm delighted to break my long-time lurker status!

Danielle :)
Bernie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:25 am
Location: Vancouver

Post by Bernie »

Hi Danielle -- can you describe the version of Threading the Needle you mean? I am not familiar with it. In any case, there are certain many poses that can be done in a yin-way: long-held, static stress with muscles relaxed. There is a sequence of yin postures for the upper body described in this Newsletter from 2011. Normally, yin yoga poses target the area from the navel to the knees, but this doesn't mean other areas can benefit from yin stresses. However, the less stable an area is, the shorter the holds, in general.

Cheers
Bernie
AhimsaNirata
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:59 am

Post by AhimsaNirata »

Hi Bernie!

Wow, thanks so much for your reply! I feel like a gushing fangirl, so I have to share with you that I honor and treasure your teachings via your books and online classes (Gaia.com) - you have changed my practice into something I lovingly call home. Thank you so much for all of your compassionate effort and guidance you impart to the world. You have certainly enlightened my world for the better.

The pose in particular that I do is this one:

https://www.gaia.com/article/thread-nee ... a-balasana

Thanks so much again!

Bowing to you,

Danielle :)
Bernie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:25 am
Location: Vancouver

Post by Bernie »

Thanks for the kind feedback, Danielle.

Yes, that pose looks like a great candidate for a yin practice. Not everyone can rotate their chest as far as the yogi in the picture, which means some twisting will have to happen in the neck, and for many people that may be too much. For those students, I would suggest shorter holds: maybe 2 minutes to start.

Cheers
Bernie
AhimsaNirata
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:59 am

Post by AhimsaNirata »

Ah, I see!

Thank you so much for your insight into this pose and the yin practice. I appreciate your time!

Namaste!
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