O n a physical level the most relevant difference between yin and yang yoga is the elasticity of muscles and connective tissue. Muscles are considered yang because they are soft and elastic. The connective tissue (primarily fascia and ligaments) is yin because it is stiff and inelastic.

Most styles of yoga practiced today are yang and emphasize muscular movement and contraction and focus on improving the flexibility and strength of muscle (yang) tissue. Yin yoga uses long passive holds (muscles released) to safely mobilize, rehabilitate and energize the deep connective tissue and joints which may be damaged by the rhythmic contraction and release that best stretches muscle.

Because practicing yin style requires muscles to be relaxed around the connective tissue being stretched, poses are in a seated or reclining position and primarily focus on releasing deep pockets of tightness in the legs, hips, pelvis and lower spine.

On an energetic level Yin/Yang Yoga helps to balance our tendencies toward either being too active (yang) or too passive (yin). In addition, yin yoga is a Taoist form of yoga that is based on Chinese acupuncture theory which proposes that the meridians (energy pathways) are found in the fascia (yin tissue). Practicing yin style yoga stimulates these pathways, increasing the flow of prana and improving the health of the organ systems in the body.

For many, the yang (active) practice tends to be externally focused with the primary concern being perfecting the form of the pose with an attitude of striving and competitiveness.

Yin, a simple, quiet meditative practice, allows the cultivation of mindfulness, inward focus and surrender. With consistent practice, the level of mindfulness and ability to surrender developed in yin can carry over and deepen the yang practice.

The yang practice in Yin/Yang is vinyasa style which is a dynamic sequence of traditional poses linked by breath. It integrates awareness, alignment, strength, flexibility and grace. It evolved from the 3 main forms of classical yoga taught today; ashtanga (Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar (BKS Iyengar) and viniyoga (TKV Desikacher).

To quote international teacher Sarah Powers regarding the practice of yoga, “The goal is a sattvic (pure) balance of tamasic (passive) and rajasic (active) energies, a beautiful marriage of yang and yin, effort and surrender, ha (sun) and tha (moon).”