If you’re asking yourself if yin yoga is even “yoga”, you’d be right in making that inquiry.

We generally think of yoga as having origins in India, deep in history. Yin is a Chinese term, and so slightly displaces our thoughts when we think of “yoga”. Yin yoga is a relatively new practice (1970s) and it actually originated from a Taoist martial artist - Paulie Zink. It incorporates animal movement and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This type of yoga is designed to support our joints, by holding poses for a long time (mostly unsupported). Once you release and allow movement, the body re-lubricates the joints, allowing them to function more fluidly with regular practice.

This is also why often times you hear the names of poses being different than traditional Sanskrit or asana names you’re familiar with. Some schools of thought feel yin yoga should not really be called “yoga” so some teachers steer away from using “yoga” terminology. What do you think? Same same or different?