What is Yin Yoga?
In simple words, it is a new style where certain passive yoga poses are held for a longer duration of time. The poses can be held for a duration of 3-10 minutes. Contrary to the belief that Yin Yoga is from China, this concept is actually taken from the ancient practice of Classical Hatha Yoga – where the poses were held from 3-10 minutes. It is important to know that originally Hatha Yoga was practiced by monks who were practicing yoga as an austere practice.

In Yin Yoga, only the passive (yin) poses are used. The use of muscles is kept to a minimum, so the muscles are gently engaged to hold the posture without any extra effort. As the poses are to be held for a longer duration, the use of props like cushions, bolsters, etc., is encouraged.


When we hold a pose for a longer period, we bring the stretch to the yin tissues, which are the deeper tissues such as the tendons, fascia, ligaments, and the other connective body tissues. Our yin tissues are less vascular (supplied with blood) and less elastic, and therefore need more time to stretch. When stretched regularly, it increases the overall flexibility, circulation, and range of motion in the joints and ligaments.

Breathing pattern
Conscious, controlled breathing is a central aspect of yoga. The way we regulate our breathing affects how our muscles and minds respond to a particular pose. In Yin Yoga, the emphasis is on relaxed belly breathing. Long, slow, and, deep breaths are vital for letting the body relax and be in a pose for longer durations.

Rasa Yoga is fusion of both form and flow. Using leading edge biomechanics, functional anatomy, and creative patterns of movement to support optimal strength, flexibility, and vitality in the body temple.

Rasa Yoga is a modern yoga school that honours the roots of yoga and is committed to the equity and inclusion of all. We are dedicated to the Alchemy of Yoga and the Artistry of Life.

Rasa is a Sanskrit word that means “essence, juice, taste, nectar and fulfillment of the soul.”

Rasa Yoga is a soulful fusion of asana, mantra, mudra, myth, pranayama, meditation, functional anatomy, Tantric yoga philosophy, shadow work, and soul alchemy.

To learn more about Rasa Yoga , here is the link : https://www.rasayoga.com

To comply with government guidelines ,please arrive no earlier than 19:30 and enter the hall one by one . I will be in the hall setting up in readiness for us to start around 19:35 . The door handles will be cleaned and sanitized beforehand by the previous teacher . I have hand sanitizer and mat spray available for you to use . Due to the current situation , please make sure you take a lateral flow test before the class & be prepared to show it to the instructor in case you were asked .


Cancellation policy:
Any cancellation made within 24 hours will be FULLY charged & will not be refundable or transferable .
If for any reason the class is cancelled by the teacher , you will not loose your class credit , this will be automatically adjusted.
Thank you for your understanding .


Regards
JC Yogi

Rasa Yoga - Emotions & the Body

Both the Indian yogis and the Daoist yogis in China noticed a correlation between particular emotions and certain areas of the body: fear is centered in the kidneys, anger in the liver, worry in the stomach, fright in the heart, and grief in the lungs.
These associations make a lot of intuitive sense, even to us Westerners: when we grieve, our lungs go into spasm (called crying); when we are frightened, suddenly our heart skips a beat (or we suffer a heart attack and become ‘frightened to death!’); when we fret, the rate of ulcers rises; when our liver becomes damaged, we may subject our loved ones to bouts of extreme rage (as most families of alcoholics are only too aware); and when we are afraid, our adrenal glands activate readying to run away or fight that which confronts us.
Fortunately, we are also beneficiaries of positive emotions as well: the home for beauty is in the lungs, joy in the heart, creativity in the stomach, kindness in the liver, and wisdom in the kidneys.

Through the practices of yoga , we can work through various movements with the hips. This ensures the joint stays lubricated, and maintains flexibility in the muscles and tissues surrounding it.

As you practice body awareness through yoga, you become mindful that there isn’t just physical tightness in the hips, but emotional. It’s where we store our emotional vulnerabilities leading to blocked energy.

When you practice a hip opener sequence on a regular basis you notice an improvement in your range of motion, reduction in tightness and that wonderful emotional release. You’ll also see improvement in the rest of your practice, improved circulation and increased energy levels.

Yoga can help us become more consciously aware of our posture. This enables us to stabilize and revitalize our hips by working the correct muscles around the joint to bring us into alignment.

Balancing the two sets of muscles, the abductors and glutes, will help stabilize the thighbone in the hip

Hatha Yoga

Emotional, mental, and physical stress can lead to the collection of tension in the mind and body. Yoga for Tension Relief is a cooling and calming practice created specifically to help relieve this accumulation of tension.
Become present with what’s happening this very moment. A gentle reminder to call upon the breath, body awareness, and to find stillness. This practice can be used as preventative care or to address current tension and stress.

Whether it is from sitting at the computer all day, a difficult workout routine or just day-to-day activity and stressors, many people hold tension in their shoulders. It may feel like the side of the neck is actually getting shorter. In fact, it is often the levator scapulae, the muscle that attaches the shoulder blades to the neck, tensing up and pulling in an uncomfortable manner.

However, this tension can be alleviated and eliminated through a Yoga routine. This class is dedicated to release the shoulders and decompress the lower back by strengthening and lengthening .

During this class , we will focus on Shoulders & Back.
By strengthening our back , we build the backbone of our bodies & by strengthening our shoulders we minimize the risk of injuries caused by the mobility in our shoulder joints .

This class is intended to release any tensions that we build around the neck , shoulders and the lower back & to bring more breath to the back of the body .