Om Som Yoga + Ayurveda Podcast by Aaron Petty + Paige Taylah

April 06, 2025 How Does Yin & Yang Relate to Yoga?

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On this week's episode: Yin/Yang

What Is Yin/Yang?

The concept of Yin and Yang originates from Taoism, a philosophy rooted in ancient Chinese thought.

It is a representation of polarity, interconnectedness, and balance in the universe.

Etymology:

Yin (陰): Darkness, shade, receptivity, the moon, water, rest, and the feminine.

Yang (陽): Light, brightness, activity, the sun, fire, energy, and the masculine.

Symbolism of Yin/Yang

Represented in the Taijitu (yin-yang symbol):

The black and white halves demonstrate duality and unity.

The dots within each side show that each contains the seed of the other.

Symbolises the constant flow and transformation of energies.

Influence of Taoist Practices on Yoga Tradition

Wu Wei (Effortless Action)

Wu Wei, or effortless action, mirrors the principles of surrender and ease found in yoga, particularly in practices like Yin Yoga.

In Hatha Yoga, practitioners are encouraged to work with balance and awareness, finding effort without strain and release without collapse.

Yin/Yang and the Energetic Body

Polarity in Taoism and Yoga

Taoism’s Yin/Yang mirrors the dualities found in yogic philosophy:

Ida (feminine, cooling) and Pingala (masculine, energising) nadis.

Solar practices (Yang) versus Lunar practices (Yin) within Hatha Yoga.

Both systems emphasise finding harmony between opposites.

Elements and the Energy Flow

Taoism links Yin and Yang to the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, Wood).

Yoga relates the energy centres (chakras) to elements, such as Muladhara to Earth and Manipura to Fire.

Practices like Yin Yoga use these elemental principles to balance energy and restore equilibrium.

Textual Sources for an Expanded Understanding of Yin/Yang

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (circa 6th century BCE):"The Tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name."

Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 4, Verse 10):"Yatpingalā ca idā caiva susumnā madhyamāṅgamā."Translation: "Ida and Pingala merge into Sushumna, balancing all energies."

Zhuangzi JUANG TSU (Chapter 2):"To flow with the Tao is to move with the rhythms of the universe, neither pushing nor pulling, but aligning with its natural course."

Practical Applications

Integrating Yin/Yang Principles into Daily Practice

Yin Practices:

Yin Yoga: Long holds and surrender-based asanas (e.g., Butterfly, Dragon, Sphinx).

Restorative yoga for deeper grounding and receptivity.

Yang Practices:

Dynamic Hatha Yoga practices for energising and activating.

Sun salutations to build heat and vitality.

Balance Practices:

Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) to harmonise Ida (Yin) and Pingala (Yang).

Finding a balance between active and passive practice

Final Thoughts