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Writer's pictureClaire Dean

Yin Yoga and Zen Shiatsu: Heaven Made Match

Updated: Jun 6


Know Yourself: Yin Yoga with the Touch of Zen Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu and Yin Yoga

The foundation of Yin Yoga and Zen Shiatsu is primarily the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the ancient art of maintaining good health and healing. The joining of these two modalities seemed like a natural pairing to Diane, who is a Yin Yoga teacher, especially after experiencing a couple of Zen Shiatsu treatments from Adrian. You can experience the restorative healing of these two modalities paired together at Vitruvian Wellness on Saturday, November 26th from 3:00pm - 6:00pm by booking here.


Diane

Yin Yoga is a practice that has always left me feeling good. Ever since the first class I attended many years ago. I could tell that I was changing physically through this practice, and becoming increasingly aware of my body, my breath and my essence. Aches and pains that were with me for a long time, were no longer a problem. A general calm stayed with me through regular practice. I love this practice and what it can bring to so many people. So in order to share the benefits of Yin Yoga, I learned to teach it.


Adrian

My introduction to Zen Shiatsu was at least 20 years before I began to study this art. I knew from the first time I received a treatment, that this is something I would learn. The supportive nature of this practice, for physical and psychological imbalances, works in a way that is in accord with our minds and bodies, it doesn’t fight them. The technique of Shiatsu, guides and assists the healing process, this is what drew me to becoming a Zen Shiatsu practitioner.


When you look at these two arts, Yin Yoga and Zen Shiatsu in isolation, they are entirely different, but at the heart of them they have something in common. They both promote a healthy flow of Qi through your channels (meridians) which creates a balanced circulation that contributes to your wellness on many levels. Most of the time we are unaware of our bodies, unless there is something wrong, then we become very focused on what doesn’t feel right.


Through the combination of Yin Yoga’s postures, slow meditative

aspect and with elements of Zen Shiatsu’s holding, Pressing along

channels and body manipulation, you can relax and expand your

awareness of your body in your every day life. Improving the connection to your physical form, opens you up to your potential and your connection to the environment.


FAQs


What is Shiatsu?


Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork therapy, helping to restore physical, psychological and emotional balances. The translation of Shiatsu is finger pressure, but during a treatment a practitioner would also use their palms, elbows and knees. Working along your meridians and on Acupressure points, to facilitate the healing process.


What type of Yoga is Yin Yoga?


Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative style of Yoga practiced mainly on the floor. Postures are held for several minutes at a time so practitioners can access deep tissues, such as the connective tissue and fascia.


Will i be exhausted practising 3 hours of Yin Yoga?


Postures are gentle, relaxing and aim to alleviate tension, enhance breath awareness, and develop mindfulness.


Will there actually be touch involved?


Yes! There will be elements of Shiatsu incorporated. with a maximum of 10 participants and 2 practitioners working hands on with you, there will be plenty of soothing touch.


What does "Zen" Shiatsu mean?


The Zen in front of Shiatsu does not imply the practice of Zen Buddhism. Although some aspects are retained such as meditation and breath work, for self cultivation, and the mindfulness of being present in the here and now, free of judgement. Zen Shiatsu is a phrase that has been adopted and represents this is "compassionate, positive regard."


How does Shiatsu work with Yin Yoga?


Various techniques used in a Shiatsu treatment are applied during a Yin Yoga session, while a person is holding a posture. This could be working along meridians, bringing awareness to parts of your body and helping tension to release. This is not a full Shiatsu treatment, there is no diagnosis, only parts of the system are used.


What will i experience from Yin Yoga and Zen Shiatsu?


The 3 hours will be paced in a way that you will be comfortably working, and deeply relaxed in good measure. Every body will experience this slightly differently, we look forward to hearing how it felt for you.


“To know others is intelligence, to know yourself is pure wisdom. To

conquer others is strength, to conquer yourself is true power”.

- Lao Zi


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