Yin Yoga Poses

The functional approach

There are seven main positions in Yin Yoga, which can be called archetypes

These 7 "asanas " of Yin Yoga target the 10 the main myofascial groups of the legs and torso as well as the skeletal 14 skeletal segments of the body.

The seven archetypal poses target the following muscle groups:

  • For the legs - Hamstrings, Glutes/Rotators, Adductors, Quadriceps and Hip Flexors.

  • For the torso - Abdominal rectus, Oblique/Lumbar Spine, Thoracic-Lumbar Group, Cervical, and Upper Body Muscles.

You can easily create your own Yin Yoga sequence by using the archetypal positions and exploring all possible variations to adapt the poses to your unique range of motion .

We have highlighted how each posture stimulates specific myofascial groups and skeletal segments, as well as some energetic and emotional benefits. For injured or recovering practitioners, we have highlighted movements to avoid and also included helpful tips to support you in the posture as well as how long each posture should be held and how to exit the posture. 

The 7 Archetypal Poses

Appreciate the benefits of Yin Yoga and create your own Yin Yoga sequence.

By clicking on the posture, you'll discover the different benefits and variations to suit each practitioner's needs. By examining the 7 archetypal poses , you'll be able to target all the different muscle groups and skeletal segments of the body, through the tension and compression applied.

The Dog Pose

Dog Pose

Saddle Pose

Shoelace posture
Saddle Pose

Twisted Roots Pose

Dragonfly pose

Shoelace Pose

Dragon Pose

Dragon pose
Caterpillar posture

Caterpillar Pose

Creeper pose

Dragonfly Pose

Bernie Clark

"Paul Grilley has developed the functional approach to Yin Yoga. With just 7 poses "archetypes" you touch key areas of the body deeply in this approach to the practice. You also don't need to have a lot of poses to create your sequence, as we hold poses longer than in a traditional yoga practice. Sebastian & Murielle offer us an easy way to learn the main poses and variations used in Yin Yoga, with this page from poses of Yin Yoga and their superb poster. "

Bernie Clark - Author of "The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga

Murielle Burellier & Sebastian Pucelle

Sebastian Pucelle and Murielle Burellier have been involved in yoga since the early 90s.

They have both trained and taught in different fields such as Martial Arts, Shiatsu, Natural Medicine and Meditation.

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