One important distinction of Yin yoga: it isn't simply "deep stretching." Our goal is not to force our body to open or simply create greater flexibility (although that's definitely a perk!) These poses are prolonged, we stay for time (2-5 minutes) and we give our body permission to release long held tension slowly. It's a practice of "allowing." It targets tissues throughout the body that create dysfunction and pain when they are in compromising, or compensatory, patterns. These tissues include fascia, connective tissue, joint capsules and musculature.

For Pelvic Health, Yin is especially helpful because the pelvic floor is part of a larger fascial and muscular system involving the hips, inner thighs, glutes, diaphragm, core and spine. Slow supported positions combined with breathing can encourage pelvic-floor release and awareness, especially for those who are hypertonic. In addition, because these poses can sometimes be a little intense, especially in areas of the body that are "really tight," we are literally training our brain to be "ok" when things become uncomfortable. This is conditioning our emotional brain to react slower to things off the mat like everyday stress. Think of it as neurological reprogramming with physical perks!