The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga Paperback – January 10, 2012

This is a sensational book for those interested in exploring a different avenue of yoga, the yin path. Primarily focused on opening up and stretching joints, ligaments and passively stretching muscles through holding certain poses for longer periods of time (3-5 minutes or longer), yin yoga is a very meditative and deep practice that also has a physical side. The author makes reference to "going deep" numerous times in the text.I have been practicing various forms of yoga for several years, mostly what is described as "yang yoga" in the book, namely Hatha and Kundalini. As I age and notice my pelvis and legs still could use a lot of work in terms of opening the joints and increasing flexibility, I found this book and realized it was the perfect antidote to the more active poses that tend to be held for less times in order to create a set that contains many poses. A 1 hour Yin Yoga set may only have 5-6 poses depending on how long you stay in them.What really sets this book apart, however, is the thoroughness and directness with which the author presents the material, which is surprisingly engaging and entertaining. The introductory chapter is very fascinating and informative, the next two chapters provide very specific and instructive information about the actual practice including many asanas, with clear pictures and a thorough mini-lesson on how to perform each asana, providing suggested variations and counter-poses (poses that balance the body after a long time in a particular position). When reading the second chapter, I really felt I had a clear idea of how to perform this type of yoga thanks to Clark's presentation of the material and his very insistent focus on not pushing yourself and his advice on the appropriate intention and focus to bring to this practice.Chapter 4 provides suggested flows with varying levels of expertise and time-frames, while chapter 5 is just a short exploration of a few common special conditions that require a modified form of practice. The final three chapters are equally as fascinating, informative and engaging as the first two chapters, providing information on the physical benefits, which includes a very thorough presentation on physiology and anatomy as it pertains to the practice. The second to last chapter on the energetic benefits is very interesting, as it presents a succinct exploration of the energetic systems of the body from the yogic, Daoist and Western medical perspectives, which is very interesting to read about in this context. It was a unique pleasure to see this information presented in one place back to back, giving one the opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of these systems of science and philosophy about the body and how it functions energetically. The last chapter is very short, speaking to the "heart and mind" aspects of the practice, which is really more like a summary and final advice and reflections section.Overall, this book was a joy to read and provides one with a great deal of information and instruction. While it is always recommended that a yoga practitioner attend classes and seek guidance from experienced teachers, for anyone who is already familiar with yoga and has some measure of practice beneath their belts, this book is an indispensable introduction that provides ample information that would allow one to begin an at-home practice of this beautiful form of yoga without risk of injury or complication, provided one follows the author's very specific advice. Highly recommended, especially to people aged 30 or older who have stiffness in the pelvic joints and legs.

If you are new to Yoga or Martial Arts, this book may appear no different in the sea of self help books available. But it is different. Buy the book, put it on your shelf, and after you've been practicing whatever else you do for a bit longer, go back to it. Bernie's wisdom is apparent in his writing. His book is written with lots of footnotes (he's well read) and you can tell he's been practicing and training for years himself. He's not writing about what other do - he's writing about what he loves and does.In Bernie's world I practice a "Yang" style because I've done a traditional style of Tae-Kwon-Do (way, way, way yang) for 30 years. As a TKD student, the stress on joints & muscles is greater the longer your practice (you are better at the move), but you are physically less able to handle the torque as you age. Because of this, a few years ago I came across "static QiGong" and added some of that in. It's been helpful. Static QiGong, or any QiGong, is an excellent pairing to an active lifestyle. With Yin Yoga, I have another way to help develop and protect connective tissues, with the hope of avoiding a serious injury in something I do that is active.After age 40, if you haven't found Yin Yoga, you likely should have. Practice any Yang/hard martial art style for a decade, and you too will say, "what's that Yin Yoga about?" Highly recommended, particularly for those with traditional martial arts practices and backgrounds, and for those who have practiced for a great number of years.The new/young student may choose to read this Yin stuff later in life. As you age, I've found there is less of a choice if you want to continue with a hard style workout. I am using this to counterbalance and recuperate from a very intense workout - not to replace it.

Pictures are great especially if you're dumb like me. Photos of poses are great. A lot of step by step and contraindictions for each pose to include counterposes. I'm a total yoga amateur, I've taken one yin class/seminar which opened my eyes to the benefits of yin in general but specifically to my martial arts practice. Hat tip to Yin Yoga Founder and Monkey Kung Fu Sigung Paulie Zink.I really like the organization of the book and the sample flows to include beginner flows. Book has 8 x chapters:Ch 1: Yin Yoga DefinedCh 2: The Practice of Yin YogaCh 3: The Asanas of Yin Yoga (25+)Ch 4: Yin Yoga Flows (beginners, spine, hips, legs, etc)Ch 5: Special Situations (hip and knee issues, lower back disorders, having babies)Ch 6: The Physical Benefits (stressing tissues, fascia, connective tissues, joints)Ch 7: The Energetic BenefitsCh 8: The Heart and Mind Benefits

It actually took me awhile to appreciate the breadth and depth of this book. I think the block initially was that the photographs of the various yin poses presented in Chapter 3 are shown without the use of any props. The yin yoga classes I take use many props to assist in sustaining a long-held pose to benefit the body's connective tissue. Having said that, there are many good restore yoga books that will show the reader how to use props for these yin poses--if that is an issue.Clark's book is well-organized with good explanations of the philosophy and practice of yin yoga and how it has been influenced by Indian Yoga and Chinese Medicine. The Chinese Daoist view is interwoven throughout the book so that the reader will have a much greater understanding of yin/yang, chi, the organ systems and meridians. Moreover, Clark has integrated the Indian yoga and Western science perspectives to show how the three views complement each other to support the healing nature of yin yoga.Of course, I recommend this book for those interested specifically in yin yoga, but consider this book if you teach or practice restore yoga. This is definitely a worthwhile purchase.