Yin Yoga has its basis in Chinese Meridian Theory. The practice, using mindful breath, explores long-held floor stretches while muscles are relaxed for the physical release of tendons, ligaments and fascia which form the network of connective tissue of the body. This connective tissue corresponds to the energetic meridians through which chi flows, as well as the energetic channels in the yogic system called nadis through which prana flows. The Indian yogis and the Taoist Chinese, independent of one another, identified the same energy system running through the body. Chinese medical practitioners and yogis believe that blocks to the flow of vital energy (chi or prana) throughout our body eventually manifest in physical problems. A consistent practice of Yin Yoga supports long-term health by appropriately taxing connective tissue thereby enhancing bone strength, density and joint flexibility, while simultaneously stimulating the flow of vital energy throughout the body. Specifically, Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine and balances the more active (Yang) styles of Yoga which work muscles in rhythmic, repetitive movement. With practice, joints become more flexible leaving the body feeling light and unencumbered. This yoga practice was designed for meditators. However, most anyone can benefit to help alleviate tight hips, knee, and low back pain. Yin Yoga is a class designed for all level students.

Yin and Yang
The terms Yin and Yang come from the Chinese Taoist philosophical construct of viewing all of life in terms of the balance between two seemingly opposing forces. Everything in the world can be described, explained and further divided into the Yin-Yang phenomena. The basic properties of heat, brightness, activeness, outwardness, upwardness, hyper function belong to Yang. The basic properties of coldness, darkness, stillness, inwardness, downwardness, hypo function belong to Yin. Yin and Yang oppose each other and at the same time have an interdependent relationship. Without Yang there is no Yin, without Yin there is no Yang.

In the human body, the upper part of the body, the exterior part of the body, and the back are all Yang. The lower part of the body, the interior part of the body, and the abdomen are all Yin. Yin can be viewed as the substance aspect and Yang can be viewed as the functional aspect. The internal organs of the body are Yin relative to the exposed skin and muscle, which are Yang. Muscles, being soft and elastic are Yang, whereas connective tissues of the joints are Yin because they are inelastic and stiff. The lower part of the body is in contact or rooted to the ground, Yin, whereas the upper body is able to move freely, Yang, even when the legs are rigid. The front of the body is protected by folding the arms and legs to enclose the chest and abdomen, whereas the back of the body is relatively exposed. Hence the front is more Yin relative to the back, which is Yang.