Prenatal Yoga - Yin & Tonic
You will need:
- Lots of blankets, pillows or a bolster.
Energy level - Low
Stage of pregnancy -Suitable for all, recommended for all
Yin Yoga is a style of Yoga that is a passive, inward practice, it involves variations of seated and side-lying poses supported by props and pillows, typically held for 3 to 5 minutes, used to access deeper layers of fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones. It is a slower and more meditative form of Yoga, giving you the space to turn inward and tune into both your mind, breath, baby and the physical sensations of your body. Because you’re holding poses for a longer period of time, we support the body with props and don't go as deeply into the postures as you might in a more dynamic practice, helping you gently lengthen those rarely-used tissues while also teaching you how to breathe through discomfort and sit with your thoughts.
We begin in a seated side-body stretch and then transition to a glute opener in double pigeon or seated cross-leg. We then move through three forward folds, bound angle pose (Baddha konasana), wide-legged (upavistha konasana) and traditional forward fold (paschimottanasana). Forward folds help to stretch the hamstrings and calves and may also help to relieve tension in the back, relieve headaches, insomnia, and reduce fatigue. Emotionally, forward bends are a really nice way to go inwards and withdraw from the distractions around us.
We then focus on the upper body and come to all fours with a shoulder stretch and then slowly transitions into side-lying for a really gentle thoracic rotation and chest stretch. Both of which prepare the body for feeding, baby holding and relieving any tension from growing breasts and changing posture.
We finish in a restorative child's pose, supported by a bolster or propped up by pillows and blankets.