Yin Yoga is a relatively modern style of yoga that emerged in the late 1970s in the United States. Its origins can be traced back to the teachings of martial arts expert and Taoist yoga teacher Paulie Zink, who incorporated Yin Yoga principles into his practice.
The term “Yin Yoga” was first coined by Paul Grilley in the 1990s, who developed the practice further and introduced it to a wider audience. Grilley was influenced by the teachings of Chinese medicine, particularly the concept of yin and yang, and developed a style of yoga that focused on the yin aspects of the body, such as the connective tissues and joints.
In the early 2000s, Sarah Powers, a student of both Paul Grilley and Insight Meditation teacher Jack Kornfield, popularized Yin Yoga through her teachings and workshops. She developed a fusion style of yoga that combined the principles of Yin Yoga with the mindfulness practices of Insight Meditation.
Since then, Yin Yoga has gained popularity and is now widely practiced in yoga studios and fitness centers around the world. It is often used as a complementary practice to more dynamic styles of yoga and is particularly popular with athletes, dancers, and those seeking a more meditative and introspective practice.