Yin & Yang Practices

 

In addition to understanding yin and yang as relative and inseparable, which is useful when making comparisons or observing natural cycles, we can also use the words as descriptors and categories. 

When we use the term yin or yang as a descriptor it is spelled with a small “y” and when it is referring to the style of yoga called Yin Yoga it has a capital “Y”. You can develop and nourish your yin-side through more than just Yin Yoga. 

Below are some complementary practices to Yin Yoga, which means that they enhance yin energy. These complementary practices can be woven into a Yin Yoga class or experienced separately to nourish your yin-side.

Complementary yin practices

  • Yin Yoga

  • Yoga Nidra

  • Aromatherapy

  • Listening to calm music

  • Listening to a dharma talk

  • Listening to a book being read aloud

  • Receiving a massage

  • Receiving acupuncture

  • Receiving or self-applied acupressure

  • Restorative Yoga

  • Exploring Rasa — the Sanskrit word for flavor or taste

  • Yin Breathwork

  • Mindfulness

  • Earthing

  • Forest bathing

A common thread with yin practices is that they promote receptivity. 

Complementary yang practices

  • Art responses

  • Gentle Yoga

  • Mild Yang breathwork

  • Intuitive movement

  • Joint release exercises

  • Holding simple yang postures for 5-10 breaths

  • Simple yang flows or pulses

  • Visualization

  • Sound vibrations

  • Chanting/singing

  • Walking meditation

  • Journaling

  • Gardening

  • Mandala making

These are considered yang practices because they generate something — whether that be movement, sound, writing, imagination or art. They are complementary because they enhance the quality of yin within us and are not exclusively generative. Consider how each of these activities also involves receiving.

Just as a chef constructs a well-rounded dish, we can consider what practices combined will promote our wellbeing. We may add “ingredients” to a Yin Yoga practice to enhance the depth of experience.

Oftentimes, Yin Yoga is sought as a balance to yang activities. Yin practices are much needed to replenish the body from exercise and physical work. Yin practices are also therapeutic for the mind and help people suffering from over-working and over-stimulation. Hopefully, we can find balance and healthy cycles of yin and yang throughout our day, week and seasons of our lives.