In this section we are going to explore a couple of dozen asanas (an exact count depends upon whether or not one wishes to include variations and options). This selection will suffice to work all the yin areas of the body normally targeted in a yin practice. Note: the asanas that are red also have video descriptions!
- Anahatasana (aka Melting Heart)
- Ankle Stretch
- Bananasana
- Bridge
- Butterfly
- Half butterfly
- Camel
- Cat pulling its Tail
- Caterpillar
- Child’s Pose
- Dangling
- Deer
- Dragons
- Frog
- Happy Baby
- Reclining Twists
- Saddle
- Shavasana
- Shoelace
- Snail
- Sphinx and Seal
- Square
- Squat
- Straddle (aka Dragonfly)
- Swan & Sleeping Swan
- Toe Squat
Traditionally, Yin Yoga works the area from the navel to the knees, but the principles of Yin Yoga can be applied to all areas of the body. We know that the yin tissues that we are targeting are the denser, deeper, more plastic/less elastic tissues, such as the ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage, bones and fascial networks of the body, but these tissues are found in the upper body as well as the lower body. We can apply the principles of Yin Yoga all over the body. Normally we focus on the lower body because as we age it is this area that tightens up the most. But we can, indeed, do Yin Yoga for the wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck.
To check out a few asanas that target the upper body, check out YinSights Newsletter #6. There you will find poses for the wrists, arms, neck and shoulders. Also, check out the article on using props during your Yin Yoga practice, or watch the video below.
(Next: Yang Counter Poses )