Yin yoga has its origins in China. The language used in class is about
the flow of Chi. The yin practice is a slow and deep form of yoga, where poses
aim at us discovering an appropriate edge of no pain, but rather a "sweet
discomfort". Poses are held for several minutes, with comfortable props if
necessary to maintain the pose, and mindful commentary. This sweet discomfort is a gently applied mechanical stress, pressure or gentle
pulling that release blockages and promote the Chi energy flow through the
whole body along the meridians to all organs and tissues, whilst also
stretching and transforming the connective tissue in a Yin manner. Muscles are
not warmed up11, blood flow and cardiac activity are not stimulated - these are
yang activities that belong to other necessary complementary practices. Yin
completes the whole.