Learn about Yin Yoga

Are you contemplating doing a 100hr Yin Yoga TTC but not sure which course to join?

Have you seen Yin Yoga classes advertised at your studio but not sure what to expect?

Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that was developed as a slower, deeper practice. Designed to target areas of the body that more dynamic Yoga practices don’t address.

Think of a dynamic Vinyasa class. These classes are designed to keep your heart rate elevated, transitions from asana to asana are at a brisk pace. Surya Namaskar, also referred to as your flow sequence or Vinyasa is used to connect postures and layer into longer sequences.

In a Yin Yoga practice, each posture is held for anything from 1min to as long as 15min. An average of 8-10 postures will be performed in each class. There is no use of Suyra Namaskar but rather counter postures between asanas. Popular themes include hip and heart ‘opening’ asanas.

The style has even changed the more familiar posture names. For example a hip opener referred to as Lizard in a ‘Yang’ style is referred to as Dragon in a ‘Yin’ class. Another example is Bound angle pose becomes butterfly.

Fundamentally we understand Yin as a soft, slow, complimentary practice to Yang.

Following the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we should never work Yin in isolation to Yang. 

Basic Principles of Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are in opposition. Think of opposite forces such as hot and cold. They are interdependent, one cannot exist without the other. Inter transformational is another key aspect, think of seasons changing. Certain limits and conditions are reached which creates a dynamic of mutual consumption. This means as one part gains, the other part loses. Ultimately they are always striving to create balance.

Yin and Yang can be excess or deficient, pressure points can be Kyo or Jitsu. You are either drawing or dispersing energy into a point.

External and internal factors will determine if something is full cold or full heat, empty cold and/or empty heat. For example menopause versus poor circulation.

When Yin and Yang are in balance there will be no signs and symptoms of dis-ease. The body is then neither too hot nor too cold.

Find your zen

Briefly unpacking TCM

There are 5 elements in TCM. Each element works with specific organs, emotions, characteristics, seasons, chakras and ‘senses’ .

FIRE – Heart and Small intestine, Pericardium & Triple burner
EARTH – Spleen and Stomach
METAL – Lungs and Large Intestine
WATER – Kidneys and Bladder
WOOD – Liver and Gall bladder

Each element has a Yin and Yang meridian line with several pressure points used to tonify or disperse energy.

Meridian lines commonly used in Yin Yoga:

Upper body : Heart, pericardium, lungs
Lower body : Spleen, Liver and Kidneys

Yin lines run on inside of body, Yang to the outside.

Traditional Chinese medicine would work with 2/3 elements when treating a condition.

Want to learn more? 

UPCOMING 100hr Yin Yoga TTC March 2023

Whether you are currently teaching Yoga and looking for an additional offering. Or if you love the practice of Yin Yoga and would like to learn more about the principles and theory. You should definitely consider this 100hr TTC.

I will be lecturing basic principles of the meridian lines and pressure points for Shakti Yoga’s upcoming Yin 100hr TTC that will run in March 2023. The remainder of the course will be taught by Taryn Elise Herselman and Avril Chambers.

Lessons times will be confirmed in the new year. The 100hrs will consist of 50 contact hours and 50 hours of self study. There will be both written assignments and teaching practical hours to complete. This includes submitting 5 class lesson plans and attending a minimum of 10 yin classes signed off by external teachers.

On completion of the course you will receive a 100 level certified course with Yoga Alliance International.

See What does it mean to be Yoga Alliance accredited

Yin Yoga class with Shakti Yoga

These topics will be covered in depth

• Theory and principles of Yin yoga
• Classic Yin asanas and creative sequencing
• Yin according to Paul Grilley and Bernie Clark
• Pranayama/ breath work
• The difference between Yin and restorative yoga
• Yin and traditional medicine
• Pressure points and how to use them for healing
• Chakras what they are and how to balance them
• Theory and principles of Yin yoga
• Visualisations and meditations

For more information please feel free to email me theresa@theresamoodie.com or visit Shakti Yoga 100hr TTC Event page