Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet Practice [Book]

Overview

Yoga as practiced in the U.S. is almost exclusively Yang or muscular in nature. The Yin aspect of yoga (using postures that stretch connective tissue) is virtually unknown but vital for a balanced approach to physical and mental health. Paul Grilley's Yin Yoga outlines how to practice postures in a Yin way.



Grilley includes an explanation of Modern Meridian Theory, which states that the meridians of acupuncture theory are currents flowing through the connective tissues of the body. Yin Yoga is specifically designed to address these tissues.



The two major differences between a Yin and a Yang yoga practice are that Yin postures should be done with the muscles relaxed and should be held a long time. This is because connective tissue does not stretch like muscle and will not respond well to brief stresses. In addition, Yin Yoga better prepares people for meditation.



For yoga practitioners looking for something beyond physical postures. Yin Yoga addresses the deeper spiritual dimensions of yoga, with helpful sections on chakras, breathing exercises, and meditation. Illustrated with thirty-five black and white photos of Yin Yoga postures and six color illustrations of the body's connective tissue and meridian lines.

Details

Chapters in this book include:

• Chapter 1: Meridian Theory
• Chapter 2: Designing Your Practice
• Chapter 3: Postures
• Chapter 4: Sitting
• Chapter 5: Chakras
• Chapter 6: Breath, Mind, Meditation

Buyer's Guide

• Audience: Suitable for all yoga students
• Focus: Theory and Practice of Yin Yoga

Media Reviews

"Yoga as practiced in North America is almost exclusively "yang" in nature, meaning that it relies upon postures that aggressively stretch the muscles. Paul Grilley offers his book Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet Practice as a counterbalance to this trend. Yin yoga, he says, should only be done when muscles are already relaxed, and postures should be held for long periods at least several minutes. Yin yoga can be used to unwind, and is particularly appropriate for the end of the day. Anyone who thinks that yin yoga sounds wimpy should gaze hard at the 35 photographs in this book, which illustrate some pretty challenging poses. Grilley's technique offers a unique blend of yoga meditation and Taoist principles."

About Paul Grilley

In the summer of 1979 Paul Grilley was inspired to study yoga after reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. After two years study of anatomy with Dr. Garry Parker, he relocated from his home in Montana to Los Angeles to continue his studies at UCLA.

During his thirteen years as a yoga teacher in Los Angeles, Paul studied Taoist yoga with martial arts champion Paulie Zink. He also had the opportunity to study with Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama in Japan, as well as host seminars with him in the United States. Paul also has a Master's Degree from St. John's College in the study of the Great Books of the Western World. Paul enjoys reading in esoteric subjects and science, continuously looking for bridges between these two fields of study. He lives in Oregon with his wife Suzee.

Find more information about Paul on his website, www.paulgrilley.com.

You can learn more about Paul in our exclusive interview: Paul Grilley on Meridians and Cadavers.