Yin Yoga (Paperback)

by Paul Grilley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
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.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
How to balance Yoga practice. As Yoga matures in the U.S., this is a new approach to balance physical and mental health, for serious students and beginners. All yoga forms emphasizing either muscle (Yang) or connective (Yin) tissue. Today, all popular Yoga forms are Yang--muscular. Yin Yoga is unknown, but vital, as a balanced Yoga practice has many benefits, including better preparation for meditation. Yin Yoga focuses upon connective tissue, which does not stretch or respond to brief stresses as muscle will, so Yin postures are held a long time, with the muscles relaxed. Acupuncture meridians are also in connective tissues and Yin Yoga is specifically designed to stimulate them.

Divided into two sections, the second part of the book deals with chakras, breathing exercises and meditation, and is • fully illustrated • with clear, concise descriptions of Yoga postures

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: White Cloud Press; 1 edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883991439
• ISBN-13: 978-1883991432
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,702 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, easy to follow, December 24, 2003

By	"powerpuffgirl" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

No words are wasted in this book, its brief and to the point. Paul Grilley covers the meridians/nadis in the body and how they are affected by this simple yet deep practice.

In my opinion, yin yoga is much needed in our vinyasa-focused Western vision of hatha yoga. I am an ashtanga teacher and the practice of yin yoga has increased my understanding and awareness of my physical body. It is a welcome compliment to the yang aspect of my personal practice. Almost all the postures in this book are seated since yin yoga focuses on the area from the hips to the knees. What I love about this particular style is that you can do it first thing in the morning when you're cold and stiff or after a heated vinyasa practice.

I recommend this book because out of my numerous yoga texts, this is one that I constantly reach for.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yin Yoga Stretches more than tissue, January 17, 2003

By	Susan Koch "milrev" (Hillman, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I took a Yin Yoga workshop from Sarah Powers and that's how I came to connect with Paul Grilley's book. I use this in my yoga classes and after spending the summer working on my "yin" yoga I have noticed a marked increase in my flexibility. This book is full of very valuable information. Paul covers all the bases! I have a number of students wanting to purchase this book. You won't be disappointed with this book. You can read it ina couple of hours but will find you keep refering back to it because there is so much information in it.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lifetime of yoga, February 10, 2005

By	K. M Merrill "justine" (Forest Grove, OR, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I started yoga over 20 years ago for an injury. Yoga was like this, slow, calm and peaceful. I have done starter level yoga for all these years, and have watched yoga become "Power, Hot, Strength" and many other unfun things. New yoga requires the perfect body type and hip alinment.
So I am back to YIN Basics, my hip pain is under control again. In two weeks I can get twice as deep into the postures, pain relief now lasts 24 hours. I like being a perpetual beginner, and I am really enjoying YIN yoga.
If you do not have a yoga block, I suggest you get one.I highly recommend this and Yamura Body Rolling if you interest is pain control, increased flexability, not ultra yoga.