Author: YYTTraining

If you are looking for an in-depth talk about the Banana pose, then you have landed in the right spot. In this article, we will cover everything there is to know about the Banana pose, and we will end the article with a blissful 60-minute yin yoga sequence, which, of course, will include the Banana pose.

Most people tend to like Banana pose, and it’s a pose which the vast majority of people can do as it is easily accessible, and there are not many contraindications. The pose is very relaxing, and it is wonderful as one of the very last poses of a yin yoga sequence. The pose is not the most intense yin pose there is, however, it gives you a wonderful opportunity to stretch the entire side of your body. It is also a pose that is relatively easy to let go in and relax. We are sure you will come to love this pose if you don’t already love it!

Remember, during a yin yoga practice feelings may arise to the surface. That is perfectly normal and nothing you should panic about. Simply observe the thoughts and emotions that may arise during your practice. Avoid analyzing, going into the emotions, or pushing them away. See, if you can simply observe whatever arises with an equanimous mind. Remember; you are not your thoughts and feelings, you are just the one experiencing them. So breathe, and remind yourself that nothing is permanent, and whatever arises will eventually dissolve again.

A word on ‘good alignment’

Before we dive deeper into the Banana pose we would like to take a moment to talk a bit about alignment in general, yoga teachers facilitating a space where students can tune in and listen to their bodies, and students taking responsibility for their own body and yoga practice.

If you have been practicing yoga for some time chances are you have heard at least one teacher talking about ‘good alignment’ but what is ‘good alignment’? Is it copying a picture you have seen in a book or on Instagram? Is it having every student in the room looking the exact same in any given pose? Should we all strive to the same aesthetic ideal?

No, we do not believe that is ‘good alignment’, and we don’t believe that you should ever strive to make a pose (any pose) look a certain way. There is no such thing as ‘universal alignment’. We all have unique bodies with different ranges of mobility, flexibility and strength. We each come with our own story, and to think we can (and should) all look the same in a pose is simply delusional, and it will not lead to anything good.

Take Banana pose for instance. Some people are prone to experience tingling in their arms and may need to support their arms on a bolster to avoid these tingling sensations. Others may have lower back problems that prevent them from going deep into the pose. Then there are people whose body is like soft butter, and they may need to go deep into the pose to feel a stretch. Everyone is doing the pose correctly, and they are working with the body they have.

To assume we should all look the same in a pose is unintelligent, and instead of working with the body we are working against it. Now, this is not to say we should just dismiss alignment altogether. It is more about working with ‘functional alignment’ instead of ‘universal alignment’. This means we work more with each individual body and explore the pose and how it feels rather than thinking we should all have our hands and feet in the exact same place in a pose.

Start tuning into your body and explore the pose and notice how it feels. Think of your yoga teacher’s cues as mere guidelines, and remember to listen to your own body. At the end of the day you are the only one who can feel what is going on in your body, and whether something feels right or wrong. Respect and listen to your teacher’s cues but remember that ultimately you are in control, and there are many right ways to do the same pose.

Banana pose- benefits, contra indications, modifications & getting in and out of the pose

In this part of the article we will dive into different aspects of the Banana pose so you will feel confident and safe practicing this pose by yourself after reading this article. And remember; always, always, always listen to your body. If you feel any pain, slowly come out of the pose. Modify if need be, and respect your body’s limitations (both physically and mentally). Never force anything. Simply just let go.

Benefits:

• A wonderful way to stretch the whole side of the body
• Stretches the oblique stomach muscles and the side intercostal muscles between the ribs
• The pose works the spine in a lateral flexion (side bend) from the IT (iliotibial) band to the tops of the side rib cage
• Some may also feel a lovely stretch in the armpit

Contraindications:

• We actually already mentioned this earlier but for good measure we will mention it again. If you are prone to tingling in the hands or arms when extending your arms overhead, you may need to place a bolster under the arms. Alternatively, you can also bring the arms down by your side. However, you will lose a bit of the stretch so we recommend you try with a bolster first.
• If you have lower back issues, you may wish to not go too deep in this pose. Listen to your body, and if you experience any pain back out.

Getting into the pose:

• Start by lying on your back, and then reach your arms overhead and clasp your hands or elbows. Now, keep your buttocks on my mat while moving your feet/legs and upper body to the right side so you are shaped like, yes, you guessed it, a banana. Avoid rolling or twisting your hips off the floor. Find your edge, and stay here. Then do the pose on the left side.

Coming out of the pose:

• This pose is super easy to come out of. Simply move your legs and upper body back to the center, and take your arms down the side.

Modifications:

• If prone to tingling sensations in your hands and arms when overhead, you can place a bolster under your arms.

Fun thing to do:

• If it feels nice you can cross your ankles in this pose once you have found your edge. Place your left ankle on top of your right ankle when doing the pose on the right side and vice versa on the other side.

Joints affected:

• This pose moves the spine and the rib cage in a lateral flexion.
• Meridians and organs affected:
• This pose is especially fantastic for the gall bladder meridian, which runs along the side of the body.
• When stretching your arms overhead, you may also be stimulating the heart and lung meridians.

Recommended hold time:

• We recommend students hold this pose between 3-5 minutes.
• If you feel fine in the pose, you can always stay in the pose for more than 5 minutes. 3-5 minutes is more of a guideline or a rule of thumb, but if you feel like staying longer, by all means feel free to do so.

60 minute sequence with Banana Pose

While the Banana pose is a wonderful pose to do on its own either when you need a little work break, you feel like stretching the side of the body, or you simply just feel like lying down for a ew minutes, the pose is also wonderful in a yin yoga sequence.

This 60 minute sequence is specifically made for the gallbladder and liver meridians (as mentioned earlier the Banana pose targets the gallbladder meridian). The sequence is lovely for stretching your outer thighs and hips and opening up your hips.

You can do this sequence on its own or after a yang practice. Whatever you feel like. Yin yoga can be done any time of the day but we personally love practicing yin yoga in the afternoon or evening as you don’t always feel like working or being super active (both physically and mentally) after yin yoga. Actually, yin yoga is a lovely way to decompress after a long day. It helps calm down the nervous system, and it helps you unwind and get ready for bed.

We have already mentioned it but we cannot stress this enough. Listen to your body while practicing, and if something feels off it probably is off. Pain is always a one-way ticket out of any pose. Respect, listen and honor your body.

Always come in and out of the poses slowly and mindfully, and remember to do a rebound in between the poses where you just relax and refrain from moving. Simply just observe any sensations, feelings and thoughts that have arisen after the pose.

Lastly, you can do savasana for as long as you like but we recommend you spend at least five to ten minutes in savasana. Savasana is just as important as any other pose so don’t skip it.

Now, let’s get to the sequence and we hope you will have a beautiful practice.

Note: you can always refer to yinyoga.com if you have any doubts about any of the poses.

60 minute sequence

5 min. meditation + Dan Tien breathing

Start in a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and notice your breath. Just sit here for a couple of minutes while observing your breath, without looking to change it. Now start deeping your breath and breathe all the way into your belly. Exhale fully. This is called the Dan Tien breathing. If possible, see if you can continue to do this deep belly breathing throughout your practice. It will help you relax, let go and just melt into the poses.

After 5 minutes, slowly open your eyes and prepare for the first pose.

Butterfly – 4 minutes

Now come into your Butterfly pose and stay here for four minutes. Continue to breathe deeply and let go as much as you can.

Come into your rebound for a minute or two and simply observe what happens after the pose.

Lateral Dragonfly – 3 minutes each side

After your rebound come back up to seated and come into Dragonfly. Start by stretching your left arm to the side, and then after three minutes switch to the right side and stay here for another three minutes.

Time for a lovely rebound again.

Sleeping Pigeon – 4 minutes each side

Start by doing Sleeping Pigeon on your left side and switch to your right side afterwards. Stay on each side for four minutes.

You can do this rebound on your belly if you wish. You are also welcome to do it on your back.

Shoelace – 4 minutes each side

Start with your left leg on top of your right leg, and then switch the sides after four minutes. You can rest your arms in front of you wherever it is comfortable. If you wish to work a bit more with your side body you can do this pose lateral (in the same way you just did a lateral Dragonfly). It’s up to you.

Enjoy your rebound before the next pose.

Twisted Roots – 3 minutes each side

Start by lying down on your back here, take your arms out to the side, bend your knees, and then wrap your right leg around your left leg. Slowly lower your legs to the left side and stay here for three minutes before repeating the pose on the other side.

Rebound

Another rebound. See if you can just let go fully and observe what is happening in your body and mind after the pose.

Banana pose – 4 minutes each side

Our last pose for today is the Banana pose! Start on your left side or the love of yin.

9 min. Extended Savasana

The last rebound for today. Relax, chill out and simply just enjoy a Savansana to let all your meridians free flow!

We hope you have enjoyed both this article and the sequence.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, and we will get back to you.

LoveLight

Alex & the Yin-LoveTeam

PS: Here is a little video from our training at the Body-Mind-Soul Centre of one of our chanting circles.

Interested in learning more and becoming a yin yoga therapy teacher?

See what Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador ​​Jess from Australia shares about her experience.

If you are looking for an in-depth talk about the Melting Heart pose (also known as Anahatasana and similar to Puppy Pose in yang styles of yoga), then you have landed in the right spot. In this article, we will cover everything there is to know about the Melting Heart pose, and we will end the article with a blissful 60-minute yin yoga sequence, which, of course, will include the Melting Heart pose.

This is a pose that really divides people! Some love this pose and others, well, it is not exactly their favorite pose. If you have very tight shoulders this pose might feel a little bit intense (but it will benefit you greatly!), and if you have very open and flexible shoulders this pose will probably feel very nice. The pose will give you a nice backbend for the upper and middle back while also opening up the shoulders and softening the heart. It is a pose with many benefits and while it can be a little bit challenging for some people we are sure you will come to love how this pose makes you feel after practicing it.

Remember, during a yin yoga practice feelings may arise to the surface. That is perfectly normal and nothing you should panic about. Simply observe the thoughts and emotions that may arise during your practice. Avoid analyzing, going into the emotions or pushing them away. See, if you can simply observe whatever arises with an equanimous mind. Remember; you are not your thoughts and feelings, you are just the one experiencing them. So breathe, and remind yourself that nothing is permanent, and whatever arises will eventually dissolve again. 

A word on ‘good alignment’

Before we dive deeper into the Melting Heart pose we would like to take a moment to talk a bit about alignment in general, yoga teachers facilitating a space where students can tune in and listen to their bodies, and students taking responsibility for their own body and yoga practice. 

If you have been practicing yoga for some time chances are you have heard at least one teacher talking about ‘good alignment’ but what is ‘good alignment’? Is it copying a picture you have seen in a book or on Instagram? Is it having every student in the room looking the exact same in any given pose? Should we all strive for the same aesthetic ideal? 

No, we do not believe that is ‘good alignment’, and we don’t believe that you should ever strive to make a pose (any pose) look a certain way. There is no such thing as ‘universal alignment’. We all have unique bodies with different ranges of mobility, flexibility, and strength. We each come with our own story, and to think we can (and should) all look the same in a pose is simply delusional, and it will not lead to anything good.

Take The Melting Heart pose for instance. Some people have very open and flexible shoulders and they may easily place their heart center on the floor and perhaps place their chin on the mat. This will also lead to a deeper backbend. If you have less open shoulders you probably will not get as deep into this pose, and you may also feel much more of a stretch in the shoulders and an opening of the chest as opposed to a backbend. Everyone is doing the pose correctly, and they are working with the body they have.

To assume we should all look the same in a pose is unintelligent, and instead of working with the body, we are working against it. Now, this is not to say we should just dismiss alignment altogether. It is more about working with ‘functional alignment’ instead of ‘universal alignment’. This means we work more with each individual body and explore the pose and how it feels rather than thinking we should all have our hands and feet in the exact same place in a pose.

Start tuning in to your body and explore the pose and notice how it feels. Think of your yoga teacher’s cues as mere guidelines, and remember to listen to your own body. At the end of the day, you are the only one who can feel what is going on in your body and whether something feels right or wrong. Respect and listen to your teacher’s cues but remember that ultimately you are in control, and there are many right ways to do the same pose.

Melting Heart pose – benefits, contra indications, modifications & getting in and out of the pose

In this part of the article, we will dive into different aspects of the Melting Heart so you will feel confident and safe practicing this pose by yourself after reading this article. And remember; always, always, always listen to your body. If you feel any pain, slowly come out of the pose. Modify if need be, and respect your body’s limitations (both physically and mentally). Never force anything. Simply just let go.

Benefits: 

• A lovely backbend for the upper and middle back
• Opens shoulders
• Softens the heart

Contraindications:

• If you have a bad neck or have some kind of neck issues, this pose could strain it.
• If you feel any tingling in the hands or fingers, it could be a sign that a nerve is being compressed. Therefore if you feel any tingling, you may wish to adjust the arm and hand position, or perhaps you need to skip the pose entirely.

Getting into the pose:

Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Walk your hands forward and allow your chest to drop towards the floor. Keep your hips right above the knees. If possible try to keep your hands shoulder-width apart.

Coming out of the pose:

Either slide onto your belly or slowly walk your hands back to you again come on your hands and knees before coming into your rebound.

Modifications:

• If you experience any pain in the shoulder, try moving your arms further apart. Slightly bending your elbows may also help.
• If you have the flexibility (and your neck allows it) you can bring your chin to the floor instead of your forehead. However, be careful with the neck, as we are staying in the pose for quite some time in yin yoga so it could strain the neck. Listen to your body.
• If your knees and/or ankles are a bit sensitive, you can place a blanket underneath them.
• You can tuck the toes under.
• If you have tight shoulders, you may wish to rest your chest on a bolster so it’s easier for your body to relax and let go.
• You can do this pose with one arm at a time. Rest your head on the other forearm.

Joints affected:

• Shoulder joint
• Compression for the upper back
• Mildly stresses the lower spine

Meridians and organs affected: 

• This pose is wonderful for the Heart and Lung meridians that both run in the arms.
• The deeper you are in this pose the more you will stimulate the Urinary Bladder that runs on the backside of the body.
• If you feel a stretch on your stomach you are also stimulating the stomach and spleen meridians.

Recommended hold time:

• We recommend you hold the pose between three and five minutes. If you are very comfortable in this pose you can hold it for longer.
• If you are resting the chin on the floor you may not be able to hold the pose as long because of sensations in the neck. Always listen to your body.

A 60-minute Sequence with Melting Heart Pose

While the Melting Heart pose is a wonderful pose to do on its own either when you need a little work break or you just feel like opening up your shoulders, perhaps after traveling, driving, or computer work, the pose is also wonderful in a yin yoga sequence. 

This 60-minute sequence is specifically made for the Heart and Small Intestine meridians (as mentioned earlier the Melting Heart pose targets the Heart Meridian). Both meridians run in the arms which means this sequence is great for opening up the chest and shoulders.

You can do this sequence on its own or after a yang practice. Whatever you feel like. Yin yoga can be done any time of the day but we personally love practicing yin yoga in the afternoon or evening as you don’t always feel like working or being super active (both physically and mentally) after yin yoga. Actually, yin yoga is a lovely way to decompress after a long day. It helps calm down the nervous system, and it helps you unwind and get ready for bed.

We have already mentioned it but we cannot stress this enough. Listen to your body while practicing, and if something feels off it probably is off. Pain is always a one-way ticket out of any pose. Respect, listen, and honor your body.

Always come in and out of the poses slowly and mindfully, and remember to do a rebound in between the poses where you just relax and refrain from moving. Simply just observe any sensations, feelings, and thoughts that have arisen after the pose.

Lastly, you can do savasana for as long as you like but we recommend you spend at least five to ten minutes in savasana. Savasana is just as important as any other pose so don’t skip it.

Now, let’s get to the sequence and we hope you will have a beautiful practice.

Note: you can always refer to yinyoga.com if you have any doubts about any of the poses.

60-Minute Sequence:

5 min. meditation + Dan Tien breathing

Start in a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and notice your breath. Just sit here for a couple of minutes while observing your breath, without looking to change it. Now start deepening your breath and breathe all the way into your belly. Exhale fully. This is called the Dan Tien breathing. If possible, see if you can continue to do this deep belly breathing throughout your practice. It will help you relax, let go, and just melt into the poses.

After 5 minutes, slowly open your eyes and prepare for the first pose.

Toe Squat with reversed Anjali Mudra – 3 minutes

When you’re ready after your meditation, come into a Toe Squat with Reversed Anjali mudra on your back (this will stimulate the Heart meridian).

Rebound – on your back

Now, come into your rebound. It is very important that you come into your rebound on your back after Toe Squat (even though it might seem tempting to just slide onto your belly).

Child’s pose – 5 minutes 

After your rebound come into a nice Child’s pose with your arms stretched overhead.

Rebound

Time for a lovely rebound again. You can do this rebound on either your back or on your belly.

Closed Wing – 4 minutes each side

Now it’s time for Closed Wing which will be lovely for stretching the outside of your shoulders. Start on your left side, and stay for four minutes on each side.

Rebound

It’s nice to do this rebound on your belly but if that’s uncomfortable for you, you are welcome to do the rebound on your back.

Melting Heart – 4 minutes

When you’re ready come into Melting Heart and stay for four minutes.

Rebound

Enjoy your rebound before the next pose.

Open Wing – 4 minutes each side

After your rebound, it’s time for the Open Wing pose where we will also stay for four minutes on each side. Start with your left side.

Rebound

Another rebound. See if you can just let go fully and observe what is happening in your body and mind after the pose. 

Twist – 3 minutes each side

The last pose for this practice is any twist your choice. Make sure your arms are spread wide to each side here for a free flow of all the meridians which were compressed in our earlier poses. Stay for three minutes on each side, and start on your left side.

9 min. Savasana

Relax, chill out and simply just enjoy Savasana.

We hope you got in touch with your Melting Heart pose and enjoyed both this article and the sequence. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, and we will get back to you.

LoveLight

Alex & The Yin Love Team

Ps: Interested in learning more and becoming a yin yoga therapy teacher?

See what Tara Kurian, Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador in India tells you about her training experience.

For more Testimonials

Do you yearn for something more? Something deeper? Do you see yourself living a slower, more fulfilling life? Do you wish to dive deep into the world of yoga? Then a yin yoga ttc might just be what you are looking for.

With a yin yoga ttc you will get a solid understanding of yin yoga as a healing modality, you will learn all the essential elements of yin yoga with more time to integrate and practice the therapeutic and mindfulness aspects. During the training, we will dive deep into how you can apply yin yoga as therapy. When you awaken and align your body’s underlying energy, you activate your innate process of healing and transformation.

We will demystify how energy affects everything you do and feel, and show you how to work with your body and mind. During your yin yoga ttc you will learn about acupressure points applied in the poses and sequencing according to physical and emotional issues.

You will learn everything you need to know for your yin yoga certification and additionally get to know simple principles, tools, and practices that balance your subtle body, which is how physical, emotional and spiritual healing begins, so you can build vitality, unravel energetic blockages, and boost your immunity.

When you complete your training not only will you receive your yin yoga certification, you will also feel stronger, more balanced, healthier, and better able to thrive and flow in the life you are meant to live.

Still not fully convinced that a yin yoga ttc is the most fantastic idea ever? Luckily for you, we have gathered 23 reasons to do a yin yoga ttc.

23 reasons to do a yin yoga ttc

1 – Time dedicated to study yoga

Between work, doing the laundry, cooking dinner, and paying the bills it’s not easy finding oceans of time purely devoted to yoga. Perhaps you are lucky enough to practice yoga for an hour or two every day, but chances are you don’t have a whole lot of time to study yoga besides your practice.

During a teacher training you will have nothing but time to devote to studying yoga. This is such a luxury that, if possible, you should allow yourself. You will not regret it! You don’t have to worry about everyday chores like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping… Instead, you can simply dive deep into the world of yoga and soak up all the knowledge.

2 – Cultivate more awareness in your life

So many people in this world live without awareness. It’s almost like we’re stuck on a conveyor belt or in a hamster wheel, just doing what everyone else is doing or doing what we’re told to do

When you start practicing yoga you naturally start cultivating more awareness, and that awareness will transcend through every aspect of your life. When we live with awareness our life becomes so much richer, fuller, better, and we truly begin to live.

3 – Learn about the fascia and how to work with it

Fascia is such an interesting topic, and you most likely will have heard of it during a yin yoga class. Scientists and doctors alike are still discovering all the secrets of fascia but they have already come a long way since they started studying fascia.

We will teach you all about the fascia, what it is, why and how yin yoga specifically targets the fascia, and why it’s even important to exercise our fascia. You will finish this training feeling confident about mentioning fascia in your yoga classes and you will also be able to answer questions from curious students when they come up to you and ask you “so, what exactly is this fascia thing?”.

4 – Embrace your body as it is

So many people in this world are at war with their bodies, and we bring that war right into the yoga shalas thinking we will be happier once we lose those last 5 kg, we can do a headstand, we can get our legs behind our head…

But truthfully we will not be happier by simply accomplishing any of the above things. In yoga we work with the body as it is, and we embrace the body exactly as it is without looking to change it.

Once you start embracing your body as it is, you will become so much happier.

5 – Teach yoga in-person or online

Once you have completed your yin yoga ttc you will be able to teach yin yoga both in-person and online. Online teaching has become significantly more popular recently (especially during COVID-19), and you will absolutely be able to teach yin yoga online after completing your training.

Of course, teaching yin yoga in-person is also something you can do, and if we say so ourselves teaching yin yoga in-person is just magical.

6 – Learn about ancient healing tools

During the training we will teach you about the Daoist elements, the meridians, acupressure points and much more. All these ancient healing tools are easy to integrate into your daily life when you return home, and we think you will be rather amazed at just how powerful these ancient healing tools actually are.

7 – Go on your own transformational journey

To embark on a yin yoga ttc is to embark on a transformational journey. You will feel much healthier, happier, more balanced, more healed, more in alignment, and more like yourself after your training.

It won’t always feel pleasant and nice. Transformation can sometimes be painful. But that is okay. That is a part of the process, and you will come out on the other side an even better version of yourself.

8 – Work with your flexibility

Of course yoga in general will improve your flexibility but in yin yoga we very specially target the fascia, and therefore yin yoga is in particular very good for our flexibility and mobility. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to explore and work with your own flexibility.

9 – Learn about the yin yoga poses

We will teach you all there is to know about the yin yoga poses during the training. Many of the poses will probably be familiar to you from previous yin yoga (and other yoga classes). However, in yin yoga we work with the poses differently than we do in yang yoga, and therefore it is very important to look at each pose closely, so you know exactly how we do the poses in yin yoga.

10 – Learn how to modify yin yoga poses

Just like in any style of yoga, sometimes modifying a pose is necessary in yin yoga. You will have students that have injuries, sensitive knees or for some other reason will have to modify certain poses, and as a teacher it is important that you can tell and show people how to modify any pose.

11 – Understand the meridians and how to work with them

The meridians are another interesting topic to explore. You will get a good understanding of the meridians and how to work with them during the training. It’s a very interesting topic with a lot to cover but you will get to know a lot during your time with us.

12 – Create yin yoga classes for the meridians and elements

Not only will you learn about the meridians and the elements; you will also learn how to create yin classes for the meridians and the elements. We know you will find this very exciting!

13 – Learn about the five elements of Daoism

We will teach you about the five elements of Daoism; water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. We will dive deep into each element, and we will also look at how the elements work together.

14 – Learn about Yin Yoga as a healing and therapeutic practice

There is no doubt about it; yin yoga is both a very healing and therapeutic practice. Both physically, mentally, and energetically. While yin yoga cannot stand alone it can be a wonderful supplement in any healing journey, and we have both personally experienced the healing powers of yin yoga, and we have witnessed it with our students as well.

15 – You will learn about mindfulness and how to integrate it in your practice and life

We integrate the principles of mindfulness into our yin yoga practice. Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word in recent years, however, it’s ancient and we can benefit greatly from integrating mindfulness principles into both our yin yoga practice and our life. We will teach you what mindfulness is, and you can personally integrate into your life and yoga practice.

16 – Learn about the theory of yin and yang

There is no learning about yin yoga without also learning about the theory of yin and yang. The theory of yin and yang is another very exciting topic with a lot of ground to cover. However, we will do our best to provide you with a solid foundation of this theory so you can speak about it confidently while teaching yin yoga.

17 – Understand what chi is and how to balance your chi

In yin yoga we talk a lot about chi (oftentimes referred to as prana in other styles of yoga). Chi runs in our meridians, and therefore we naturally work our chi when we do yin yoga. During your yin yoga ttc you will get an understanding of what chi is, exactly how we work with chi in yin yoga, and how you can balance your chi with yin yoga.

18 – Support others in their healing journey

As already mentioned, yin yoga is a healing and therapeutic practice which means you will be able to better support your students in their healing journey; whether physical, mental or energetic. We will also talk about how you as a yoga teacher can create a safe environment in your classes where people feel safe enough to let go, and if need be, come to you for guidance. It’s very important that we as yoga teachers create a very safe environment for our students as some of them come with trauma and other things they are working through.

19 – Explore a different culture while studying yoga

We have teacher trainings in many exotic locations. India, Bali, Sri Lanka, the Maldives… All locations that have a completely different culture than the western world, and also cultures that are worth exploring. Whether you decide to simply explore the culture during the training or you wish to explore more before or after the training, is completely up to you. We know you will be amazed by the culture either way!

There is something very special about exploring other cultures, and it will do wonders for your self-development journey, and as a person it will make you grow.

20 – Feel stronger, healthier and more balanced

We have already said this earlier but it’s worth mentioning again. Every student has completed their yin yoga teacher training feeling stronger, healthier, and more balanced. You will be able to better thrive in the life that you are meant to live.

21 – Aesthetic vs. functional alignment

This is a topic that is being talked more and more about in the yoga community, and we will teach you the difference between aesthetic and functional alignment, and why more and more people are starting to teach functional alignment.

22 – Meet like-minded people

A yoga teacher training will be full of like-minded people, and we are sure you will get along great with everyone, and you will have lots in common. All our students are wonderful people who love yoga and love living the yogi life.

23 – Start living the life of your dreams

Maybe you have been longing to start living the life of your dreams? To create and design a life you love. We hear you. Why not start right now? Signing up for a yin yoga ttc is the first step towards living the life of your dreams. Because believe us, you can live your dream life. It is within reach, and it is waiting for you. So start taking steps towards it now.

If you have any questions about our trainings, please feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to answer all your questions.

Wanna know what our students say about our Yin Yoga ttc program?

“This has been the best journey on and off the mat ever. Alexandra is absolutely amazing as a teacher and a person. She is the guru of yin yoga and leads you so gently on your path to becoming a good yoga teacher while transforming yourself on a personal level at the same time.

All the detailed and high-quality materials provided will guide you on your teacher journey when you get back home.

Alexandra works with amazing teachers who all embrace you and have so much knowledge to share.

The place in the jungle is absolutely stunning, the staff are so helpful and you feel safe. We enjoyed delicious daily vegetarian food prepared with love while overlooking the beautiful jungle and ocean.

I will definitely see if I can join Alexandra somewhere in the world another time. Thank you for everything and for sharing your wisdom with us all.”

Signe Bøtter-Jensen – Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador in Denmark

See here the testimonial of Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassadorr Agnieszka Gang.

And many more here…

If you are considering doing a yin yoga therapy training in India, we completely understand you! India is an absolutely magical country, not to mention the birthplace of yoga. The culture is fascinating, the nature is absolutely stunning, the people of India are kind and welcoming, the food is mouthwatering and delicious, and it is just the most perfect place to do yoga teacher training. We just know you will love every second of your yin yoga therapy training in beautiful India.

During our yin yoga therapy training in India, not only will you get a chance to explore an interesting country, you will also get the opportunity to dive deep into the world of yin yoga and your own personal yoga practice. We will teach you everything you need to know about yin yoga, give you the tools you need for teaching so you can start teaching right away, and we will go deep into the healing aspects of yin yoga as this is a yin yoga therapy training in India as opposed to “just” yoga teacher training. This means we will look at how we can use yin yoga (and other healing tools like acupressure and Dan Tien breathing) as a therapeutic practice depending on the problem.

Find out more about what yin yoga therapy is all about.

While there are many reasons to do a yin yoga therapy training in India, we have tried to narrow it down to 17 reasons. Here we go:

17 reasons to do a yin yoga therapy training in India

1- India is the birthplace of yoga

As already mentioned in the introduction, India is the birthplace of yoga. It is believed that yoga is more than 5,000 years old, and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are more than 2,000 years old! The practice has, of course, evolved and changed over the past 5,000 years but the heart of the practice has not really changed. At least, not if you practice in a more traditional sense and you study the philosophy of yoga too. Yoga is so much more than stretching the body, reaching your toes, and doing handstands.

We could write a whole blog post about the history of yoga but for now let us stop the history lesson here. But needless to say that doing a yoga teacher training in the country where yoga has its long roots is a magical experience and if you have the opportunity and the financial means as a yogi going to India is something you just have to do. Your heart is probably already yearning to go there.

2- The good weather

Our yin yoga teacher training India is in Goa where the weather is just amazing. Well, maybe except for the monsoon season where you will need a big umbrella, rubber boots, and a raincoat if you plan to visit Goa during this season. However, the rest of the year the weather is warm, sunny, and just beautiful. If you love sunshine, you will love Goa!

3- You will meet like-minded people

No matter where you do a yoga teacher training you will meet like-minded people, but when you do a yin yoga therapy training in India you most likely will meet even more. India attracts yogis from all over the world practicing all styles of yoga. So not only will you meet other yogis at the actual training, but you will most likely also bump into many other yogis while sipping chai at a cafe, shopping at the local boutiques, and generally just while exploring the area.

Also, generally, you most likely will find that you connect very well with the Indians. While not everyone is practicing yoga, the principles of yoga are very much present in Indian culture, and we are sure you will fall in love with the amazing country and its people.

4- Emerge yourself in the culture

Doing a yin yoga therapy training in India gives you the perfect opportunity to truly emerge yourself in the culture. You will be here for at least a couple of weeks, you will be surrounded by the culture, and you will be able to experience it first-hand. From going to a local café and drinking a chai, to chatting with the locals, to eating the local food, to going to a market. You can experience the hustle and bustle of a bigger city which is actually something we think you should experience. It’s fun, crazy, chaotic, and different from any European city. Naturally, you will also experience the serenity of the peaceful beaches and the breezes in the palms. You will also experience blackouts which is just a part of living in India, and you will find that whatever it is you needed the wi-fi for can probably wait, and instead you can take a stroll on the beach, watch the local play football until the power comes back, read a book and just be in the present moment.

5- Eat delicious food

Who does not love Indian food? The food you will eat while staying with us is delicious, mouthwatering, and yummy! We know you will love every meal during your training.

6- Experience a completely different culture

Most of our students are from Europe and are used to a western/European culture. Going to India is your chance to experience a completely different culture. Right from the moment you step out of the airport you can tell you are no longer in Europe. The streets are full of cute cows (cows are holy in India), you will hear significantly more honking when walking around, Goa is full of lush palms, you will get a chai no matter where you go, people are generally dressed much more colorful than in Europe, people in India are much more relaxed about time, in fact, they are rarely “on time”, people are living more in the moment and they, at least from the outside, seem to worry less than we do in Europe. We could go on and on about the culture but ultimately you have to experience this amazing culture and country for yourself because trying to describe it will never do it justice.

7- Experience the peace, calm and serenity of Goa

As mentioned our yin yoga therapy training in India is in Goa, which is just an absolutely amazing place to be. You probably will not want to leave once you arrive. With white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and big palm trees the nature is stunningly beautiful. No matter where you go and in which direction you will be overwhelmed with the beauty of Goa. Movies from India are often showcasing India as chaotic, dirty, and full of traffic but India is so much more. Goa is such a peaceful place, and you will be able to find empty stretches on beautiful beaches and collect seashells at the beach, and you can easily find quiet spots and enjoy a moment of total peace. You will feel at one with nature, and you will be able to find profound calm, grounding, healing, and peace in these beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

Have a look at our beautiful venues in Goa.

8- Expand your comfort zone

Attending a yin yoga therapy training in India will take you outside your comfort zone. But really, who wants to stay in their comfort zone forever? Sure, it is comfortable and safe, and it certainly can be nice to sometimes just breathe, stay still, and stay in your comfort zone for a bit of time, but eventually, we have to leave our comfort zone to grow, heal, learn new things, open ourselves up to new experiences and live an interesting life.

If it is your first time in India, just going to India will take you outside your comfort zone but doing a yoga teacher training will also take you outside your comfort zone. You will embark on a personal journey, and we will ask you to step outside your comfort zone. But we promise you that you will go home feeling more courageous, bold, calm, peaceful, grounded, daring and confident.

9- Combine your teacher training with traveling

Doing your teacher training in India is the perfect opportunity to combine it with traveling in India. Many of our students either arrive in India a couple of weeks before the training or stay for a couple of weeks afterwards to explore India a bit more. You can stay in Goa and explore the area even more but you can also travel to Mysore if you are interested in Ashtanga, Rishikesh up north which is also a bit of a yoga hub, you can go see the Taj Mahal or anywhere else you have always dreamed of seeing in India.

10- Go on a transformational journey

When you embark on a yin yoga therapy training India, you embark on a transformational journey. We have already touched upon it earlier in the post but you will leave feeling more calm, grounded, peaceful, bold, and confident but you will also have to look at some hard stuff during the training, and it won’t feel nice and easy all the time. Transforming can be painful but we know you will leave feeling more healed and more like yourself.

See all our different yin yoga therapy courses here.

11- Attractive prices

It is no secret that India is a lot cheaper than many other countries, and therefore we can also offer training courses at attractive prices. It is a win-win.

12- The experience of a lifetime

Let’s face it; most of us cannot go to India to do a yoga teacher training every year (although that certainly would be great!) so this is an experience of a lifetime! Explore India, the birthplace of yoga, while going on a personal transformation journey. This really will be an experience of a lifetime that you will look back on for years to come.

13- Time dedicated to just studying yoga

When we’re caught up in our daily life with work, studying, going to the grocery store, doing the laundry, cooking dinner, paying bills, cleaning, taking the car to the mechanic … We often only have a bit of time each day to dedicate to our yoga practice and yoga studies. When you go on yin yoga therapy training in India you truly dedicate time to just focusing on your yoga studies and your yoga practice. You don’t have to worry about laundry, cooking, a work problem … You can just focus on yoga. Isn’t that wonderful? To just emerge and dive deep into the world of yoga for days on end without worrying about much else?

14- The land of peace and spirituality

India is the land of peace and spirituality. Yoga has its roots in historic India, and it shows in the culture. You can both see and feel the spirituality, and while not everything in India is peaceful, there is an underlying sense of peace that you will just have to come experience for yourself.

15- Go shopping

Okay, this probably should not be the only reason you go to India, but honestly, it is a good reason. You can get so many beautiful scarfs, dresses, teas, oils and so much more in India. If you love everything colorful, you probably will need to make sure to have plenty of space in your suitcase for your purchases.

16- Drink your weight in chai

You cannot go to India and not drink chai. There is just no way. The chais in India are not like the big chai lattes we get in Europe. They are smaller, thicker, and much more delicious!

17- Learn to be more in the moment and worry less

As we already mentioned briefly earlier, people in Indian are generally a bit better at living in the moment. They seem to worry slightly less than many of us Europeans, and they just seem to be more present. When you go to India, whether you want to or not, you will be forced to also be more in the present moment. You will have to deal with frequent blackouts, not knowing when power will come back on, you will have to deal with cab drivers being late and generally just a slower-paced lifestyle where you are still on time if you show up an hour after you agreed to meet up.

While this can be a little bit frustrating for Europeans, it also forces us to let go of the control and be more in the present moment. And don’t we all want to be more present? Well, India will force you to be more present.

We hope that this post has inspired you to travel all the way to India and do your yoga teacher training in this incredible country. You will not regret it!

See Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador Thais Mantovani from Brazil talking about her experience.

FAQs on Yin Yoga Therapy training in India

Q1- How long does it take to become a yoga therapist?

The field of yoga therapy is relatively new and there are no agreed-on definitions of what yoga therapy is, who is qualified to do it, or how much and what kind of training is necessary, there is no licensure or accreditation of practitioners. In general, the amount of training you’ll need depends on what type of therapy you’ll be doing, the type of students you’re likely to work with, and the nature of the problems for which they consult you.

Q2-Which yoga teacher training is best in India?

It is a difficult task to find the right yoga teacher training program, where you feel connected and enabled to explore the inward journey. It takes years of experience and practice to encourage people across countries and cultures to immerse into this process. A great training does not just provide the information to learn a new skill, it will be an experience of a lifetime. So rather than just booking a popular school, reach out to the people who will teach you and see if you find that connection.

Q3-How much money do yoga therapists make?

Most yoga therapists know the struggle of trying to earn a living while doing what they love. According to PayScale, the average starting hourly rate in USD is $25.04 / hour. However, the scale is wide open, especially once a teacher is well known or specialized. In a very fast-growing market, it might be just the right time to follow your passion now. When you are at the right time, in the right place, you can combine a very lucrative job with a soulful and healthy lifestyle.

Q4- Is yoga a good career?

The yoga and wellness sector has definitely experienced a boom and especially yoga is the to-go-to activity symbolizing a healthy and balanced lifestyle. So the people providing this service are not only high in demand but also very respected, and all of that while they are doing the best for their own health and wellbeing! But being a yoga teacher also is a commitment to these qualities.

Q5- Can you make a living as a yoga instructor?

Yes, but you might need to offer more than teaching yoga. Most yoga teachers use their skill as a side job, teaching a few classes a week but you also could add to it by

1. Be full-time employed by a studio by adding organizational skills.
2. Open your own studio.
3. Specialize and offer themed workshops.
4. Offer yoga holidays and retreats.
5. Offering yoga classes to corporate firms is a more lucrative option.
6. Become a teacher trainer for a yoga institute.

Get in touch with us for an enthralling experience of yin yoga therapy training in India!

If you are looking for a yin yoga teacher training in an exotic, dreamy location, look no further! At Yin Yoga Therapy Training we offer yin yoga teacher training courses in some of the most magical and beautiful places on earth (if we can say so ourselves). From Bali to India to Sri Lanka we are sure you will find a yin yoga teacher training course that suits you.

Welcome to #YinLove

As the world is finally opening up again, and traveling is once again on the horizon, why not embark on a new adventure where you combine a yin yoga teacher training with exploring a new culture and country? There is nothing like new impulses from outside that stimulates growth within, and we know that a yin yoga teacher training combined with adventure will be one of the most transformational learning and healing journeys you will embark on.

Keep reading to discover our amazing venues!

Beautiful locations all over the world to immerse in a yin yoga teacher training

At Yin Yoga Therapy Training we love sunshine and the ocean which also reflects in our choice of venues. All of our locations have the beach nearby and are comfortable, luxurious, and homely with wonderful people to welcome you. We are sure that no matter which venue you choose to do your yin yoga teacher training at, you will love it.

Bali

Suly Vegetarian Resort, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a true dream destination. With kind people, gorgeous nature, and a relaxing vibe, Bali makes for a perfect location for a yin yoga teacher training. Suly Vegetarian Resort is located in Ubud, which is a bit of a yoga hub with lots of yoga studios, vegetarian/vegan cafés and restaurants, sustainable shops, and fairytale-like nature.

Ubud’s is also known as Bali’s prominent art center, famous for its community of painters. Just imagine being surrounded by yogis and creative artists, what could be more perfect? Nature in Ubud is out of this world. You will find emerald green rice fields in the stunning central Balinese foothills. The city also used to be the center for medicinal sources, and you will find a variety of treatments in the city.

The city has its own magic, and it draws travelers, yogi, and artists from all over the world with its magical nature and gracious way of life. Just take a walk south of the village through its terraced paddy fields to the monkey forest, and you will experience this magic for yourself. Or how about experiencing freshwater sprouting out of the sheer rock at the base of the ravine, and taking a bath in a secluded, shady spot. This will purify both the soul and mind.

Suly Vegetarian Resort, Yoga, and Spa are set amongst beautiful Balinese rice fields and lush greenery, offering guests the ultimate peace and tranquility. As the name suggests, the resort has a vegetarian/vegan restaurant with mouth-watering delicious food. On the resort, you will also find two swimming pools, a spa, a building for yoga, meditation, and a pyramid for meditation.

If you have always dreamed of exploring Bali while emerging yourself in yoga, this venue is for you. You will have plenty of opportunities to explore Ubud while also diving deep into yin yoga. The resort is located just 15 minutes from the Ubud Monkey Forest which is a must to see when traveling to Bali. You will also find a myriad of cafés, restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, clinics, and a hospital nearby. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 1-hour drive from Suly Vegetarian Resort.

Goa

Devarya Wellness, Morjim, Goa, India

What better place to do a yin yoga teacher training than the country where yoga has its roots? India is a must-visit country for every yogi, and during the training, you will also have opportunities to emerge yourself in the rich culture and explore sunny Goa. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Resorte Marinha Dourada is for you.

Our venues are located in North Goa and provide that laid-back vibe, Goa is so known for. The stunning views combined with a relaxing atmosphere will help you indulge in the typical Goan culture and heritage. You will have an idyllic experience, and it is a wonderful place for emerging yourself in a yin yoga teacher training.

If you are looking for a yin yoga teacher training with a laid-back but luxurious vibe, Devarya Wellness is the place for you. Located by the beautiful beach with lush greenery everywhere you will feel like you have been transported to paradise on earth. Here, in this peaceful sanctuary, you can truly live the yogi life.

The place is nestled amidst a picturesque beach stretch not too far away from the center of Morjim and you will find a pharmacy, cafés, and shops within walking distance from the resort. Devara Wellness is located right by the beach so you can go for a beach walk whenever you need a little break from studying.

The in-house restaurant Chia Seed has a stunning ocean view that you can enjoy while eating your meals. The restaurant is also a wonderful place to do your homework while sipping on a chai. The rooms embody the mystical and colorful Indian culture, and they will make you feel calm and promote inner harmony and balance.

At Devarya Wellness you will find both, rooftop shalas with an amazing view and a bigger downstairs shala. If you wish to pamper yourself with a relaxing massage, you can easily book an appointment for an in-house treatment of your choice.

Body-Mind-Soul Centre, Ashvem-Morjim, Goa, India

Do you dream of living in the jungle a stroll away from the active beach life while doing your yin yoga teacher training? Then the Body-Mind-Soul Centre, our true home base, is heaven on earth for you. This nature spot is located in the middle of the beautiful Goan jungle. Our classes are primarily held at the beautiful jungle shala with the natural shade of the surrounding trees. For our evening classes, we move to the hilltop lounge from where you have the most incredible view overlooking the beautiful beach. Actually, the lounge is the best spot for watching how spectacularly the sun kisses the sea for sunset.

If you feel like wandering off for a bit, you can easily go by foot around town and to the beach, and when you are ready to return home, the Body-Mind-Soul-Centre is waiting for you in the jungle. The beach is not overcrowded, and you will be able to go for peaceful beach walks, and if you are in the mood for exploring the vibrant Goan multicultural scene, the town is just a walk away.

Each cottage has a private terrace, some of them with a gorgeous sea view. All the rooms are air-conditioned, have a mini-fridge, a hot water kettle, private bathrooms with showers with cold and hot water.

After a long and warm day of studying and practicing yoga, you can go for a swim in the amazing infinity pool on the hilltop of the resort from where you can enjoy the view of the beautiful Morjim-Ashvem beach. Our meals will be served in the hilltop lounge by Papa Zen – Peaceful Kitchen.

In the neighborhood you will find a small but exquisite range of establishments from lovely bakeries, cafés, and sublime restaurants. There are always plenty of things to do on your days off, and if you need help or you are not sure what you should explore first, our staff is always happy to help you.

Check out the beautiful poem our student Rebecca wrote about our magical jungle home:

Resorte Marinha Dourada, Arpora, Goa, India

At the Marinha Dourada we offer you something very special. This is our venue where we collaborate with Studio Naach, experts in the air for an Aerial Flow teacher training. Here we offer you a complete introduction to the world of aerial yoga, where we combine the stillness of yin yoga with the skill and strength of aerial arts with special emphasis on conditioning and strengthening the body right from a beginner’s level and working up to reach an advanced level. – Understanding how to translate traditional yoga postures into an aerial form with the help of the yoga hammock.

Here you will stay in luxurious rooms that have cozy sit-outs that overlook the private lake that borders the resort. Magical, right? The resort has an in-house restaurant called Varanda, which serves you all meals and yummy treats that we know you will love and enjoy. From the restaurant you can enjoy the beautiful view of the lush gardens.

If you wish to get pampered with a massage or another spa treatment, you can do so at the in-house spa where you will find an array of treatments. At the resort, you will also find two swimming pools and two private lakes where you can cool down after a warm day. The lakes are full of different fish species, making the swimming experience even more fun!

Sri Lanka

Bay Vista, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is absolute heaven, and it is a magical place to do a yin yoga teacher training. Arugam Bay is a lovely moon-shaped curl of soft sand also known as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. It is one of those places you have to visit. A pristine beach, stunning natural beauty and with a population of just a few hundred, everything is dotted along a single road which parallels the coast.

Arugam Bay is also known as one of the best surfer spots in Sri Lanka, and if you wish to try surfing, what better place than one of the top 10 surf points in the world? Neighboring Arugam Bay is the Yala National Park which has a rich wildlife, like monkeys, elephants and crocodiles. Bay Vista is located amidst rustling coconut palms in the heart of the small coastal village Arugam Bay, and the stunning beach is just a stroll away from the resort.

Our yoga classes take place on the rooftop with a breathtaking ocean view. We are sure that you will especially love your morning yoga classes where you can watch magical sunrises from the rooftop. The rooftop is also a wonderful place to just chill, watch life unfold on the beach and sip a lovely drink from the bar.

If you have an adventurous spirit you will love Arugam Bay. Besides exploring the wildlife and the abundant nature and going surfing, you can experience the local cuisine, watch sunrises, connect with the locals and other travelers in the area, visit lovely local shops and so much more. Losing yourself in the rustic charm of Arugam Bay is easy!

After a day of studying, exploring and practicing yoga you will be happy to find your comfortable room where you can unwind and recharge before another exciting day awaits you. The rooms all have air-conditioning, hot water, a ceiling fan and a private balcony that is perfect when you want a moment to yourself whilst still enjoying the spectacular views of the area.

No matter which destination you choose, we are positive you will love every moment of your time here, and you will leave feeling rejuvenated, calm and grounded.

Here is a student testimonial from Abbie, our Yin Yoga Ambassador in Manchester, UK, about her experience in Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions to Yin Yoga Teacher Training

Q1- How do I become a yin yoga teacher?

Yin yoga is a very specific type of yoga and is done very differently than other styles of yoga. A good training is necessary, especially as there is still a lot of misconception about yin yoga out there. You also will find many very short yin yoga training courses, but we recommend at least a 100 hr training affiliated with a Yoga Alliance school to cover the main principles and poses.

Q2- How long should you practice yoga before teacher training?

Especially the yin yoga practice is suitable for everyone at any point in time. You do not need any special physical abilities or a specific preparation to start your teacher training. However, a teacher training is an intense immersion in the subject, so you need to be sure it is the right thing for you. Commitment, dedication, an open mind, and the willingness to learn are a must for a successful training experience.

Q3- What is the difference between yoga instructor and yoga teacher?

A lot of the time the terms are used interchangeably. A yoga instructor gives instructions for the yoga postures while demonstrating them at the front of the yoga class. A yoga teacher may spend time giving more personalized feedback to the students. An instructor focuses on giving yoga instruction for each asana, whereas a good yoga teacher helps students find the yoga postures in a way that works for their yoga practice.

Q4- How long is 200 hour yoga teacher training?

The 200 hours can be sometimes packed into very intense short full time 10 hours a day training, and part of the course can be studied online so you will be able to find courses which last only three weeks. Other courses are spread over a long period of time with just a few hours in regular frequency, you can also find courses which can take one to two years.

Q5- Is 200 hour yoga training enough?

It depends of course a lot on personal talent and previous experience, but within the Yoga Alliance system after the successful completion of a general 200-hour foundational certification course you are eligible to register as a certified yoga teacher. Different organizations have their own certification systems, in India, there are even university certifications as well.

Q6- Can I teach yoga without being certified?

The short answer is yes if you know what you are doing. But of course, this depends on the laws and regulations of the country you are in. However, a certification can help to be recognized and respected as a yoga teacher. Many yoga studios and insurance companies do expect a Yoga Alliance certificate from a teacher and it is highly recommended and international standard and to have a 200 hr Yoga Alliance certification.

Q7- What should I do after 200 hours of YTT?

1. Start teaching right away, don’t allow time to get in the way and lose touch.
2. Practice, practice, practice.
3. Trust in the magic of new beginnings and dare to put yourself and your offering out there.
4. Once you feel confident teaching you can look into Continuing Education Programs to specialize and deepen your knowledge.
5. Follow up with the next level: a 300 hours certification course.

Q8- What is the difference between YTT and RYT?

YTT is a common casual short form of Yoga Teacher Training. Also exchangeably TTC, Teacher Training Course is often used. RYT on the other hand is a term from Yoga Alliance for Registered Yoga Teachers with Yoga Alliance. Only a teacher who studied with a registered school and is maintaining a membership with Yoga Alliance can use this term.

We hope we have answered your queries regarding yin yoga teacher training and would love to hear more from you.

Many of the individuals suffering from diabetes conditions resort to yoga. It is common knowledge that physical therapy may assist to ease tension, increase mobility, lowering blood pressure, and enhance physical wellness. Healthcare providers think that it can enhance the treatment of diabetes and guard against certain health illnesses such as heart disease. We have been in touch with Dementia Home Care Whittier, a well-kept center for the elderly, and they believe stress leads to memory impairments and poor functioning. A good night’s sleep, a balanced lifestyle, regular work, and a wholesome diet is the foundation of health and well-being.

How can yoga add to our well-being?

Yoga was created in medieval India more than 5000 years ago, a set of psychological, physical, and spiritual practices. Yoga is an exercise of the mind and body. Different Yoga methods combine positions, methods of respiration, concentration, or relaxation. Yoga helps in organizing breathing, soul, and body to foster relaxation, create respiration consciousness, and a sensation of internal tranquilization. It includes different stances and motions (so-called yogic breathing), respiratory methods, and mindfulness, all aimed for bodily ease and psychological calm. Many kinds of yoga exist, however, yin yoga in particular as an addition to an active movement exercise is particularly beneficial in the management of Diabetes.

Yoga advantages

It is not a secret that persons who regularly practice yoga enjoy long-term health gains.

Yoga as a treatment has been around since the olden days but is still a somewhat young and evolving change in the development of modern health care and healing. A comprehensive study has investigated alterations in molecular, physiological, immunological, hereditary, neuromuscular, and yoga-related factors. The practice of Yoga has been simplified and is now internationally renowned as a therapeutically feasible therapy in many illnesses. Historically a practice of the mind with the ultimate objective of self-actualization, yoga is not a treatment, but a technique for healthcare delivery.

The advantages may also include:

• Good rest, tension, and sadness alleviated
• Improved emotion management
• Chronic disease therapy
• Digestive system, metabolism, and resistance enhanced
• Better alignment, endurance, and balance Increased attention and activity consumption
• Greater pulmonary, neurological, and hormonal function productivity and effectiveness
• Gain strength of the muscle
• Increase performance to improve respiration
• Promoting cardiovascular health
• Tension and persistent pain reduction
• Sleeping enhancement
• Improvement of comprehensive health and life qualities

Advantages for diabetic individuals

In the control and diagnosis of diabetes, yoga is regarded as a prospective fee alternative, and results from numerous research show yoga as well as other mental health treatments might lower Diabetes Mellitus and also have favorable effects on blood sugar control. Mentally tension control (stress reduction) is one of the elements of diabetes therapy when you get worried, your blood glucose levels are rising and you get higher blood glucose levels. The aid of air circulation tactics, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, as well as other conscious awareness activities assists individuals to evoke a relaxing reaction, which enhances blood flow and blood glucose. Corticosteroids and other neurotransmitters both have an important role in the evolution and associated problems of type 2 diabetes.

Yoga may potentially treat hyperglycemia or stop the illness from evolving through type 2 diabetes:

• Pancreatic cell regeneration- Yoga postures that assist pancreatic rest (asanas), might encourage glucose beta cells to be produced.
• Muscular exercise – Like many other methods of exercise, yoga aims to minimize blood sugar levels, boost metabolism and minimize the likelihood of heart diseases. Yoga increases muscle glycogen intake.
• Weight reduction promotion – Yoga workout may decrease fat and help weight management, although both can preserve against diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer prevention
• Enhance your overall mindset – practicing yoga can help concentrate your thoughts and build a correct psychiatric perspective on diabetes.

Precautions

It is always advised to learn yoga under the supervision of a certified yoga expert. There are many basic yoga types, although many seem safe, some can be rigorous and not suitable for everybody. Rapidly yoga and strong movements are not suggested for anyone suffering from diabetes, heart problems, or at risk of problems in high temperatures such as hot or Bikram Yoga. A fairly safe type of yoga must be performed to meet the needs of a person. Starters must prevent excessive practices. Individuals who use diabetic control medications should evaluate carefully the response of their organs to new exercise activities.

Yin Yoga for health

Yin yoga is a very safe and beneficial style of yoga for rejuvenation and enhancing physical and mental well-being. As always it is all about balance, so a light dynamic form of exercise or yoga must be complemented, but then yin yoga with its benefits is a favorable path to the management of Diabetes and other health issues especially as we age.

Do you have a yoga teacher hidden inside you? Or do you just wish to learn more about yin yoga? Whether you wish to teach yoga or you just want to learn more about yoga (or perhaps a combination of the two) you can do just that with a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification.

With a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification, you will be able to teach yin yoga anywhere in the world, both online and in person. But you certainly do not have to go out into the world and teach yoga. Perhaps you simply just wish to learn more about yoga, or maybe you would like to be able to practice yoga easily on your own. Or maybe you have a whole different reason for wanting to get your yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification. No matter what, we are sure it will be a transformational journey for you that you will not regret.

While there are many reasons for becoming a certified yoga teacher, we have tried to come up with 23 reasons to get a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification.

1- Start teaching yin yoga with a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification

This one probably comes as no surprise but once you complete your training and get your yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification, you can start teaching yin yoga! With teacher training from Yin Yoga Therapy Training, we will provide you with all the knowledge you need in order to go out into the world and start teaching yoga upon graduation. Teaching yoga has become wildly popular but it requires much more than one might think, which is why it is so important to do high-quality teacher training so you are fully qualified and equipped to teach yoga. This is exactly what we will provide you with so you can teach yoga confidently.

2- You will go on a transformational journey

When you embark on yoga teacher training you will embark on a transformational journey. You will devote four weeks to yoga which will transform you. Things will most likely come up during the training but you will also heal. Transformation can be painful but remember that you will come out on the other side more like yourself, happier, healthier, and more healed. Just like when the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

3- Learn about yoga philosophy

During your 200 hr training, you will learn about yoga philosophy. While we cannot teach you everything there is to know about yoga philosophy during the 200 hr training (we could easily talk about yoga philosophy alone for 200 hours), we will teach you the basics. We will tell you about some of the most influential and significant people in the yoga history, we will give you an overview of different styles of yoga, teach you about the eight limbs of yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, pranayama, spiritual concepts, mudras, mantras and more.

4- Learn about the meridians

During your training, we will teach you all about the meridians, which are very important when practicing yin yoga. Perhaps you are already familiar with meridians if you have ever had an acupuncture session, or perhaps you have never even heard of meridians before. No matter what we will teach you all you need to know about the meridians, and how to work with them.

5- Learn about the theory of yin/yang

You are probably already familiar with the yin/yang symbol but do you also know what yin and yang is and what the symbol actually means? Fear not, if you aren’t actually sure what yin and yang is. During the training, we will dive deep into the theory of yin and yang, and we are sure you will find this very interesting! We will also tell you about the importance of balancing yin and yang (both in life and in yoga), and what happens if yin and yang come too much out of balance.

6- Balance and learn about chi

This could be a whole blog post in itself, but let’s keep it short for this post. In yin yoga we work with chi (we call this energy prana in other styles of yoga), and we try to balance the chi so we thereby become more balanced in life.

Dive deep into the ancient healing wisdom of the chi flow in the body with our yin yoga certification course

7- Learn about the five Taoist elements

During your training, we will teach you in-depth about the five elements of Taoism and how they are relevant and connected to yin yoga and your life.

Create balance and harmony in your yoga practice and your life by applying the teachings of the ancient Taoist healing wisdom.

8- Learn how to create yin sequences for each meridian and element

Once you know about the meridians and the Taoist elements, we will teach you how to create yin classes specifically for each element and the meridians. This will be great because with this knowledge you will be able to have a theme for your classes. Perhaps you would like to focus on releasing anger and cultivate gratitude? Perhaps you would like to create a class all about grounding. Or maybe you want to teach a class that focuses on coming home to yourself and returning to your center. Only your imagination is the limit!

9- Dive deep into the world of yoga

This one probably comes as no surprise but we will dive deep into the world of yoga during this four-week teacher training. It is an opportunity for you to really study yoga, and get to understand this beautiful practice on an even deeper level.

10- Develop your own yoga practice

When you do a yoga teacher training you will naturally develop your own yoga practice. During the training, we have both morning and afternoon classes (yang classes are in the morning, yin classes in the afternoon), which by itself will develop your practice but combined with studying yoga you will experience an absolute magical development in your yoga practice.

11- Learn how to teach a yin yoga class confidently

When you are a new yoga teacher it can be daunting at first, and you will probably be a bit nervous (which is just fine). We provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need for teaching a yin class, and you will also get to practice teaching during the training (we believe students teaching during the training is very important) so that by the time you receive your yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification you will feel confident about teaching yin yoga.

12- Dive into the history of mindfulness

In yin yoga, we integrate the principles of mindfulness, and therefore you naturally have to be familiar with mindfulness. In recent years mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word but it is a very old practice and concept, and we will teach you all about the history of mindfulness, the concept, and how it can change your life.

13- Explore beautiful Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, or Bali

Our 200 hr teacher training is either in Bali, Sri Lanka, Maldives or Goa, India which are all absolutely magnificent destinations and every yogi’s dream. Both destinations are incredibly beautiful with rich cultures to explore. We guarantee you that you will never be bored during your time here. There will always be something to explore, and if you feel like simply relaxing by the pool or on the beach and enjoying the spectacular views there will also be plenty of time for that.

14- Learn about specific points on the meridians and how to use them

As mentioned earlier, we will teach you all about the meridians and how to create yin classes for each meridian. But that is not all! We will also teach you about important points on each meridian that you can use yourself and in your classes. For instance, we will teach you about the most grounding point on the body, the point to use if you experience nervousness and anxiety, the points for balancing hormones and so many others!

15- 35+ yin yoga poses

We will teach you about the 35 regular yin yoga poses plus additional upper body poses, wall poses, modifications, and how and when to use probs. By the time the training is done, you will know everything you need to know, in-depth, about each yin yoga pose and how to modify them.

16- Tools for transformation

With a yin yoga teacher training from us, you will go home with a holistic healing toolbox with tools such a yin yoga, acupressure points, how to balance your chi and so much more!

Smarten up your own self-healing toolbox. We show you how

17- Learn about basic anatomy

While yoga teachers are not physiotherapists or chiropractors, yoga teachers do need to have a basic knowledge about anatomy, and we will teach you that. This is important when you have students with injuries and you need to modify poses, and to know what each pose targets. But remember, you do not need to know everything, just the basics.

18- Yoga Alliance approved teacher training

All our teacher training courses are approved by Yoga Alliance. Many yoga studios across the globe ask that their teachers have Yoga Alliance-approved teacher training. With our training, whether online or in-person, you can be sure they are Yoga Alliance approved.

19- 4 weeks dedicated to yoga

How often do you get the chance to spend four weeks that are solely dedicated to studying and practicing yoga? Probably, not that often. Sure, we can study and practice yoga in our everyday life too but we cannot dedicate all waking hours to yoga; there is work/school, laundry, dinner that needs to be cooked, bills that need to be paid… The list is truly endless. Here, you have the opportunity to just focus on yoga for four weeks and nothing else.

20- Support others in their healing journey

With a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification, you have the tools to support others in their healing journey as well. Whether it is your yoga students, your relatives, or your friends you will be able to provide them support in their healing journey, whether physical, energetic, or mental.

21- Teach at yoga studios

As already mentioned you will be able to teach yoga after completing our 200 hr training, and it is Yoga Alliance approved. This means you will be able to teach yoga at yoga studios across the globe. Yin yoga has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, and therefore qualified yin yoga teachers are in demand! So whether you are looking to teach regular classes at your local yoga studio or teach while traveling, you can do that with your new yin yoga certification.

22- Teach online with a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification, you will be able to teach yin yoga anywhere in the world, both online and in person.

Not only will you be able to teach yin yoga in person. You can also teach yin yoga online if that is more your style. Whether you wish to create videos for social media, teach on zoom, or do something else online, you can do just that! Only the sky’s the limit!

23- Live your dream life

Most importantly, this will be the first step in creating your dream life. Remember anything is possible, and with the tools for transformation and manifestation that we will share with you, you can make just about anything happen, including your dream life.

Still in doubt whether a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification is for you? Just take a look at these beautiful words from one of our yinster, and how the training changed her life.

“An experience of a lifetime! It’s hard to find the words to describe this yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification course. It was a mix of challenging, soul searching, beautiful, safe and so many other things. I truly feel so many of us came out the other side with a different view on life and yin yoga. Alex has such a beautiful approach to TCM and yin yoga, and she teaches it in a way that challenges the experienced and makes it understandable for beginners. The teachers are all very knowledgeable and inspiring. I loved every minute of my time here, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a yin yoga teacher 200 hr certification.”

Marte Nerdahl, Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador in Norway

Watch the video testimonial of Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador Anneliese Piers in Bangalore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you teach yoga with a 200-hour certification?

You can teach yoga if you know what you are doing and if you follow the regulations in the country you are teaching. But in general, a 200-hour certification is seen as the standard education to be recognized and respected as a yoga teacher. Many yoga studios do expect a certificate from their teachers. Insurance companies and booking platforms often ask for a certificate as well.

Do you need to be certified to teach Yin Yoga?

The short answer is no, but certification can help you a long way to be recognized and respected as a yin yoga teacher. Many yoga studios do expect a Yoga Alliance certificate from their teachers and if you want to teach yin, specific proof of education in this type of yoga. As yin yoga especially is practiced in a very yin-specific way, regular yoga training will not be sufficient.

What does RYT 200 stand for in yoga?

RYT 200 is the Yoga Alliance label for a Registered Yoga Teacher who has successfully completed a 200-hour certification program. This is considered the minimum standard of education required to be a yoga teacher. The requirements set by the alliance are based on the content and hours of the certification, for example, 200 yoga teacher training must teach at least 20 hours of anatomy training.

How long is 200-hour yoga teacher training?

The 200 hours can be sometimes packed into very intense short full time 10 hours a day training, and part of the course can be studied online so you will be able to find courses which last only three weeks. Other courses are spread over a long period of time with just a few hours in regular frequency, you can also find courses which can take one to two years.

What is the highest yoga certification?

Within the Yoga Alliance system after a general 200-hour foundational certification you can follow up with a 300-hour certification course. With successful completion, this will provide you with a RYT 500 label. Additionally, there are plenty of other specification courses as for example prenatal or kids yoga teacher. Different organizations have their own certification systems, in India, there are even university certifications as well.

What should I do after 200 hours of YTT?

• Register yourself as a teacher with Yoga Alliance.
• Start teaching right away, don’t allow time to get in the way and lose touch.
• Practice, practice, practice.
• Trust in the magic of new beginnings and dare to put yourself and your offering out there.
• Once you feel confident teaching you can look into Continuing Education Programs to specialize and deepen your knowledge.
• Follow up with the next level: a 300 hours certification course.

What does YTT mean in yoga?

YTT is the short form of Yoga Teacher Training. Often the form TTC is also used and is short for Teacher Training Course. There is a lot of yoga-specific lingoes, but as you dive into your teacher training course you will easily get a hang of it.

How do I maintain my yoga certification?

Your certification is valid for a lifetime, your registration with Yoga Alliance requires maintenance. You must complete 75 hours within three years from the date of your initial registration. This total number of hours must include:

• 45 hours teaching yoga; and
• 30 hours of yoga training that is directly related to one of Yoga Alliances educational categories.

If you have always dreamed of diving deeper into the world of yin yoga or becoming a yin yoga teacher, now is as good a time as any. During COVID-19 we are also offering Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance – Online as well as Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance – In Person.

Getting your yin yoga teacher training certification will open up a whole ray of doors for you. Not only will you be able to teach yoga upon graduation; you will also go through a personal transformation during your training, and you will finish your Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance with a toolbox full of healing tools that you can use in your daily life and pass onto your students.

Yin is in

There is no doubt about it. Yin is in. Never before has yin yoga gotten so much attention, and across the globe, yin classes are in demand. This is probably because our predominantly “yang” dominated modern lifestyle calls for more balance. We live in a society with a “go, go, go” mentality where doing, achieving, and working are encouraged and rewarded. We are constantly being bombarded with information from social media and the news, causing our brains to be overstimulated. Eventually, over time, this constant state of doing, working, and information overload will lead to long-term stress and burnout, forcing us to slow down and, well, live a more balanced life that also includes the “yin” aspect.

Though many of us crave a slower paced lifestyle where we are more at ease, and we are actually enjoying life, it is easier said than done. We don’t know how to keep up with society and the people around us if we slow down and get off the hamster wheel, so we just keep on going and doing. Perhaps because we don’t know what else to do, or perhaps because we’re scared of what will happen if we slow down. We are, after all, creatures of habits, and everything new feels scary in the beginning. Our Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance program is designed to create space for slowing down, rejuvenating the body, clearing the mind, opening up the heart, and allowing energetic healing to take place. At Yin Yoga Therapy Training Yoga Alliance we are making a dedicated attempt to bring more balance and healing to our modern day life.

What Is Yin Yoga?

If you have found your way to our website, chances are you are already familiar with yin yoga and have been to at least a couple of classes. However, let’s take a moment and get a little bit deeper into what yin yoga is. Even if you have already experienced this beautiful practice you may not know exactly what yin yoga is. The term Yin Yoga comes from the ancient Daoist tradition of yin and yang. Yang is active, rhythm, repetition, and warm while yin is passive, cool, and still. In the world of yoga Ashtanga yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini yoga etc. are yang styles of yoga, while yin and restorative yoga are yin styles of yoga. Yin and yang are completely opposite forces that are yet interconnected. The peacefulness of the long-held static stretches in Yin Yoga allow space for awareness while accelerating the reveal and release of deep layers of tension held within our fascia. Yin Yoga gives us a chance to listen closely to our bodies which will help us understand the transformative possibilities of being present with sensation thus embodying mindfulness principles on a physical level. Once we are physically still and we are simply present with whatever sensations are there, our mind will also start quieting down and we can start developing an attitude of loving kindness towards ourselves and experience a profound sense of calm and peace. From here we can share that peace and loving kindness with the rest of the world, and make our whole world a better place.

By practicing yin yoga you awaken and align your body’s underlying energy, and thereby you activate your innate process of healing and transformation. If you have never heard of energy healing before you might think this all sounds a little woo-woo but together we will demystify how energy affects everything you do and feel and show you how to work with both your body and mind. You see, energy and energy healing really is not as mysterious as you may think it is. During the training, we will practice sequences that are tailor-made to address physical and emotional issues where the alternative aspect of Daoism offers the opportunity for deep healing and profound transformation.

Yin yoga is simple, but it is not easy. You may have heard it before, but sometimes being still is the hardest of all asanas. In yin yoga, we embrace our physical limitations rather than fighting them. We work with the body as it is, without seeking to change anything. With our Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance immersion, we are practicing acceptance, surrendering to gravity, connecting our body to a Zen state of mind.

What You Will Learn During Your Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance Course

During your Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance program with us, you will learn simple principles, tools, and practices that balance your body – which is how physical, emotional and spiritual healing begins – so you can build vitality, unravel energetic blockages, and boost your immunity. In the Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance course, you will get a chance to dive deep into all the essential aspects of practicing and teaching yin yoga. You will also learn about the Daoist Elements and Meridians, and how they integrate into your yin yoga practice. The teachings include the foundations and principles of yin, the physical benefits of practicing yin yoga, the meditative and therapeutic energetic effects from a Daoist/Oriental Medicine perspective. We offer both in-person and online yin yoga teacher training, and you will also find both 50 hours, 100 hours, and 200 hour training courses. Depending on which yin yoga teacher training yoga alliance course you choose, we will go more or less in-depth with each topic. However, there are some fundamentals which you will learn on all training courses, but if you really want to dive deep into yin yoga and have some experience in other styles of yoga already, we recommend choosing our 100-hour yin yoga teacher training yoga alliance. No matter which training you choose, you will learn about the foundation, definition, and theory of yin yoga, both on a physical, energetic, soul, and mind level. We will teach about the regular yin poses and more modern alternatives, the functional and energetic aspects of the poses, how to modify, and when props should be used. You will also learn how to create sequences for each Daoist element and each meridian.

We will, of course, also teach you the art of teaching yin yoga so you will feel confident about teaching when you return home. Depending on the training we will also dive deep into yin therapy, chi, and the meridian flow in the body. We will go deep into the theory of yin and yang and the five Daoist elements, and you will become familiar with the healing Dan Tien breathing technique.

And you will learn about mindfulness; what it is, the history of mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and how and why mindfulness is an essential part of your yin yoga practice (or really any style of yoga).

You will graduate all our training equipped with a healing toolbox, and depending on the program you choose, the box might have slightly more or slightly fewer tools in it (but we promised you that each tool is powerful and valuable). Your magic box will include tools such as the power of visualization, Dan Tien breathing, acupressure points, tools for transformation, how to recognize and work with your imbalances, anatomy of the mind, an invitation to living a mindful life and so many other life-changing tools. On a more practical level, your days during the training will be filled with exciting, insightful, and interesting classes. You will have daily yin yoga classes in the afternoon and yang classes in the morning to balance yin and yang. You will also find meditations and yoga Nidra sessions on the schedule. And then, of course, there will be daily theory classes.

We at Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance know that for many of our students it’s important that their yoga teacher training is approved by an official organization, and we are proud to say that our training courses are affiliated with Yoga Alliance. When you complete your training you will receive two yin yoga certifications. A Yoga Alliance affiliated Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from The Body-Mind-Soul Centre (registered school with Yoga Alliance) and a Yin Yoga Therapy Diploma as a component of Alexandra Denkinger M.D. (ACU) physical therapy practice, licensed and registered as Doctor of Medicine in Acupuncture M.D. (ACU) by the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, affiliated with Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) and owner of The Mind-Body-Soul Centre (RYS 200).

Our Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance program will give you the foundation, knowledge, and credentials you need to go out into the world and teach yin yoga. Whether you’re already a yoga teacher or you just dream of teaching yoga, we are sure you will get something valuable out of this training.

For those unfamiliar with Yoga Alliance let us briefly tell you what Yoga Alliance is. Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. They have more than 7,000 Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) and over 100,000 Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT). Many studios across the world specifically ask for teachers who have Yoga Alliance-approved yoga teacher training.

Live The Yin Life

The yin yoga teacher training yoga alliance will give you a solid understanding of yin yoga as a healing modality. During the training, you will learn all the essential elements of yin yoga, and you will also have plenty of time to practice yin yoga as we will have daily yin yoga classes, and it will also give you an opportunity to integrate what you learn into your practice. Not only will we look deep into yin yoga and what it is; we will also dive deep into the subject of how to apply yin yoga as therapy. Once you awaken and align your body’s underlying energy, you activate your innate process of healing and transformation.

Once you start integrating yin yoga into your yoga practice and your life, you will experience profound healing on both an energetic, physical and mental level. Yin Yoga is so much more than stretching on the mat, although you will feel some stretching going on. Like all styles of yoga we work with energy in yin yoga but as previously mentioned we go deep into energy healing with the ancient wisdom of the meridians and Chinese Medicine. Not only will yin yoga open up your body; it will also open up your mind. As we say: a flexible body has a flexible mind. It really goes hand in hand.

Share Yin Yoga With The World

When you go back home (or wherever you are headed off to) after your training and your new title as Yin Yoga Teacher, you are also a Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador. Many of our students start teaching yin yoga after their training. Some teach in yoga shalas, some teach in different locations while traveling, some offer private or group classes online, some offer workshops, some assistant on teacher training… It’s all up to you how you’re going to teach! But don’t worry, you don’t have to teach yoga just because you have your certification. Perhaps, you just want to be able to practice by yourself at home. Or maybe you want to support your family and friends and share some of the healing tools you have learned with them. Or maybe you will share what you have learned on social media or write articles. Or perhaps it’s just for yourself. There is no right or wrong way to share your love for yin yoga. Just listen to your inner voice, do what is right for you and spread your love and light with the world, just as we do with with our yin yoga teacher training yoga alliance courses.

Video Testimonial Of Our Student:

Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador Agnieszka shares her experience – Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance

Frequently asked questions:

How do I become a yin yoga instructor?

Yin yoga is a very specific type of yoga and done very differently than other styles of yoga. A good training is necessary, especially as there is still a lot of misconception about yin yoga out there. You also will find many very short yin yoga training courses, but we recommend at least a 100hr training to cover the main principles and poses.

Do you need Yoga Alliance certification to teach yoga?

The short answer is no, but a Yoga Alliance certification can help you a long way to be recognized and respected as a yoga teacher. Many yoga studios do expect a Yoga Alliance certificate from their teachers. Insurance companies and booking platforms often ask for this certificate as well. Being associated with Yoga Alliance also gives you other advantages like being listed in their directory and able to offer continuing education programs.

Is Yoga Alliance accredited?

Yoga Alliance is the most recognized governing body on an international level. It is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. They have more than 7,000 Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) and over 100,000 Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT). Many studios across the world specifically ask for teachers who have Yoga Alliance-approved yoga teacher training, usually, insurance companies and booking platforms do so as well.

Is yoga teacher training worth it?

A high-quality yoga teacher training is valuable on many different levels If you wish to be a yoga teacher, a solid foundation is essential. But even if you just like to deepen your practice, teacher training is a wonderful yoga immersion dedicated to personal growth and development which you will remember for a lifetime. Learning a new skill is always worth it.

Who are the best yoga teachers?

The best yoga teachers are not necessarily the best yoga practitioners, there is a big difference. As a teacher, you need to have the talent to understand where your student starts from and appropriate to your student’s level your instruction and language needs to adapt. Your suggestions should be conveyed in a way that can be easily understood or challenge the experienced.

Can you make a living as a yoga instructor?

Yes, but you might need to offer more than teaching yoga. Most yoga teachers use their skill as a side job, teaching a few classes a week but you also could add to it by

• Be full-time employed by a studio by adding organizational skills.
• Open your own studio.
• Specialize and offer themed workshops.
• Offer yoga holidays and retreats.
• Offering yoga classes to corporate firms is a more lucrative option.
• Become a teacher trainer for a yoga institute.

What is the best yoga instructor course?

If you like to be internationally recognized, a 200-hour teacher training course endorsed by Yoga Alliance is the way to go. Choose a registered Yoga Alliance School which allows a lot of time for practicing teaching yourself, so you are practically prepared for the job as well. And ultimately choose a teacher, style, and philosophy you can resonate with to create the best environment for a successful learning experience.

Why is yoga training so expensive?

A yoga teacher training is a big investment, but you will benefit for a lifetime. You will get all the skills to set up your own training business and improve your own practice. The school has a variety of expenses it needs to cover beyond the actual teaching. From creating the program and manual, hiring specialized trainers, expert guests, finding venues and facilitators, marketing, and maintaining a high-quality approach a lot of time and money is already spent before you start your course.

Are yoga instructors in demand?

The yoga and wellness sector has definitely experienced a boom and especially yoga is the to-go-to activity symbolizing a healthy and balanced lifestyle. So the people providing this service are not only high in demand but also very respected, and all of that while they are doing the best for their own health and wellbeing! But being a yoga teacher also is a commitment to these qualities.

How much do yoga instructors make in a year?

Most yoga teachers know the struggle of trying to earn a living while doing what they love. According to PayScale, the average base hourly rate in USD is $25.04 / hour. However, the scale is wide open, especially once a teacher is well known or specialized. In a very fast-growing market, it might be just the right time to follow your passion now. When you are at the right time, in the right place, you can combine a very lucrative job with a soulful and healthy lifestyle.

Getting a yin yoga certification is high in demand lately. If you have been practicing yoga for a few years, you have probably noticed that in the last couple of years yin yoga has become much more popular. There is no doubt about it; yin is in, and yoga students everywhere are loving this beautiful practice.

Perhaps you are one of those students. Perhaps you even love yin yoga so much you have considered getting your yin yoga certification so you can start teaching yin yoga yourself.

There are so many benefits of getting your yin yoga certification, and it will give you so much more than the ability to teach yin yoga. At Yin Yoga Therapy Training we believe it ultimately has the power to transform your life so you can live the life you have always dreamed of.

Having taught yin yoga for many years and facilitating yin yoga teacher training, we have seen firsthand how yin yoga can change lives. A yin yoga certification can benefit you in multiple ways and how you use your yin yoga certification will look different for each person.

Learn more about our yin yoga certification courses here.

What is a Yin Yoga Certification?

Here we have tried listing 33 benefits of a yin yoga certification.

1. Teaching yoga

If you are thinking about getting your yin yoga certification, chances are you have a small (or big) voice inside your head telling you it’s time to start teaching yoga. Maybe you are already a yoga teacher looking to add a yin yoga certification to your skills, or perhaps you have never taught a yoga class but you see yourself teaching yin yoga in your local yoga studio (or anywhere in the world for that matter).

With a yin yoga certification that dream can become a reality. In order to teach any style of yoga you need to study and become a certified teacher, and that’s exactly what you can do here at Yin Yoga Therapy Training.

With your certification in hand there is nothing standing in the way between you and teaching yin yoga. So if you are dreaming about teaching yin yoga, what are you waiting for? Now is as good a time as any to make that dream come true!

2. Tools to transform your own life

Many people come to the yoga practice in search of something. A more peaceful life. A happier life. A life with more meaning. Some people also come to the practice for physical reasons but oftentimes they will find something much deeper than physical healing.

Yoga has the power to transform your life. The transformation won’t happen overnight, and you have to put in the work but slowly, over time, you will feel more peaceful and happy.

When you study yoga you will learn powerful tools that can help you transform your life. As you probably already know yoga is more than some crazy poses on a yoga mat.

Yin yoga is also about much, much more than the poses. It’s about moving stuck energy, finding calm and stillness, cultivating patience … With a certification from Yin Yoga Therapy Training, you will leave with a whole toolbox of practices that combined truly has the power to transform your own life.

3. Understanding of fascia

If you practice yin yoga you have probably heard your teacher mention fascia. Maybe you know what it is. Maybe you are still wondering what on earth this fascia everybody is talking about is. No matter what, you will end the training having a deep understanding of fascia and how to work with it, and you will even be able to pass that knowledge on to your students when you teach yoga.

4. Deeping your own yin yoga practice

It’s important for yoga teachers to also have their own yoga practice, and to spend time deepening their own practice. During the training that’s exactly what you can do. Yes, you will leave with a yin yoga certification so you can start teaching yin yoga, but it is also an opportunity for you to dive deep into your own practice.

Want to immerse in a transformational yin yoga certification training and practice? Find out more here.

5. Help your students feel better mentally and physically

Not only does yin yoga have the power to make you feel better mentally and physically. Yin yoga can do the same for your students. As a teacher, we’re passing our knowledge on to our students, and with the yoga practice, we can support our students in the challenges they are facing, whether mentally or physically.

6. Learn about ancient healing tools

In our yin yoga teacher training, we are teaching you about Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will become familiar with acupressure points and the system of the five elements of Taoism, to name a few. This wisdom has been used for healing for centuries, and it is still widely practiced today. While we can’t teach you all there is to know about these ancient healing tools we will teach you about some of them, and we know they will broaden your horizon.

7. Tools for finding calm and going best yin yoga certification

Yin Yoga is a wonderful practice for cultivating calm, and with a yin yoga certification in hand, you know why this practice is so calming, and you will also learn about other tools to help you feel even calmer and grounded.

8. Connecting to your yin side in a yang world

Yin yoga is an opportunity for you to connect to your yin side. To simply just be instead of being in a state of constantly doing. We live in a yang world, and so many of us have to consciously create habits and rituals to connect to our yin side, otherwise, it is all too easy to get caught in the hamster wheel of doing, achieving, working, and constantly moving.

Get in touch with your yin side with our yin yoga therapy training. Best yin yoga certification!

9. Bring balance into your life

As mentioned above we live in a yang world, and if we neglect our yin side, it will create an imbalance. We need a balance between yin and yang. Being and doing. Moving and being still. This is exactly what yin yoga can do, and with a yin yoga training, you will become even more aware of this and the importance of finding balance.

10. Gaining more flexibility and mobility

On a more physical level yin yoga will help you gain more flexibility and mobility as we work with the fascia and the joints.

11. Balance your chi

This could be a whole blog post in itself, but let’s keep it short for this post. In yin yoga, we work with chi (we call this energy prana in other styles of yoga), and we try to balance the chi so we thereby become more balanced in life.

Dive deep into the ancient healing wisdom of the chi flow in the body with our yin yoga certification course.

12. Create balance in your yoga practice

Most styles of yoga are yang styles of yoga. There is absolutely nothing wrong with yang yoga. We need that too. However, our practice can become a bit unbalanced if we are only practicing yang styles of yoga. Yin Yoga is perfect to create a balance, and with a yin yoga certification, you will be able to practice yin yoga by yourself because you will know exactly how to structure a sequence and the principles of yin yoga.

13. Support friends and family in their healing journey

Just like you can support your students in their healing journey, you can also support your friends and family in their healing journey. Perhaps they are looking to ease an aching back, lower their stress levels, gain more hip flexibility, find more calmness … You will be able to support them with these ailments.

14. You will have a holistic healing toolbox

With a yin yoga certification from us, you will go home with a holistic healing toolbox with tools such a yin yoga, acupressure points, how to balance your chi and so much more!

Smarten up your own self-healing toolbox. We show you how.

15. You will be able to better support your students

If you are already a yoga teacher we are confident that you will be able to support your students even better after doing a yin yoga training as you will have more practices and tools to share with your students.

16. Help your students find balance in their yoga practice

Just like you will be able to find balance in your yoga practice, you can help your students find more balance in theirs.

17. Breathing techniques

During your training with us, you will learn about different breathing techniques, and how they each offer different benefits.

18. You will learn about the theory of yin and yang

By now you have heard us mention yin and yang a couple of times, and you might be wondering what exactly is yin and yang? Fear not, you will be taught all about the theory of yin and yang during the training.

19. You can host workshops, online and in-person

Not only will you be able to teach yin classes, but you will also be able to teach workshops where you can go deep into the practice. We have students who are teaching both in-person and online, it really is up to you!

20. Learn about the ancient wisdom of the 5 Taoist elements

During your training, we will teach you in-depth about the five elements of Taoism and how they are relevant and connected to yin yoga and your life.

Create balance and harmony in your yoga practice and your life by applying the teachings of the ancient Taoist healing wisdom.

21. Create classes for each element

Not only will you learn about the five elements of Taoism, but you will also be able to teach classes addressing the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of each element.

22. Learn about mindfulness

We integrate the principles of mindfulness into our yin yoga practice, so we will, of course, also teach you about mindfulness and how you can use it in your daily life.

Mindfulness is key. In your practice and your life. Our training really is a guide to mindful living.

23. Learn about the meridians

about the meridians, and you will be able to create yin yoga sequences for each meridian.

24. Able to work with your own imbalances

Once you know about yin yoga, the meridians, and the elements you will be able to recognize and work with your own imbalances.

25. You will be able to better listen to your body

When you dive deep into the world of yoga and your own practice, and you learn about healing tools, you will naturally find it easier to listen to your body. When are you hungry? When are you full? When do you need rest? When do you need to say no? You will be so much better at listening to your body and intuition.

26. Better able to balance the nervous system

When we balance our chi and start balancing yin and yang, we automatically start balancing our nervous system, and we will share tools with you (like Dan Tien breathing) that can help balance your nervous system/calm it down in stressful situations times.

27. Acupressure points

During your training, you will learn about several acupuncture points that you can easily access by yourself at home (by using acupressure), and you will also be able to incorporate some of these points into your classes and teach your students about their benefits.

28. Learn about energy healing

Yin yoga – all yoga styles really – is energy healing, and during your training, we demystify energy healing and break it down in easy steps to apply in your teaching and your life. You will become familiar with energy healing and what it is.

29. Teach on yoga teacher training courses

It is not unheard of that once certified yin yoga teachers end up teaching – or assisting – on teacher training courses, and what a wonderful way to pass on your knowledge to students who are studying yin yoga! You can help us to make our yin yoga teacher training the best yin yoga certification out there!

30. Be an ambassador for yin yoga

As a yin yoga therapy teacher you really become an ambassador for yin yoga therapy. We even have a Facebook group with yin yoga therapy ambassadors where we share our knowledge and experiences.

Join the Yin Yoga Therapy Ambassador tribe.

31. Deep understanding of how to exercise the fascia

As mentioned earlier you will learn about the fascia but not only will you learn about it; you will also learn how to exercise the fascia, and this is a rather fascinating topic!

32. You will learn the principles of yin yoga

Unfortunately, many teachers are teaching yin yoga without having ever studied yin yoga or knowing about the principles of yin yoga. Here, we will teach you about the principles so you can confidently go out into the world and teach yoga.

33. Start your own yoga studio

Perhaps you have been dreaming about starting your own yoga studio for a long time, and you have been teaching for quite some time. While you don’t need a yin yoga certification to start a yoga studio, we believe it can only be of benefit as you will be able to offer wonderful yin yoga classes along with your yang classes.

Gain the confidence and certificate on your yoga journey to share this wisdom. We help you on the path.

FAQs on Yin Yoga Certification

How do I get certified in yin yoga?

Most of the yin yoga certifications are obtained through a continuing education program in yin after your initial 200 hours of yoga foundation in other styles of yoga. With our program you can do this as well, with a special focus on yin therapy or you can choose even right away to do your initial 200 hours yin-centric with us and become eligible to register with Yoga Alliance.

What yoga certification is best?

Yoga Alliance is the world’s most popularly recognized organization, internationally known for certifying yoga teachers.

1. Benefits of being part of Yoga Alliance:
2. Listing in their directory
3. Increase your credibility
4. The YA certificate is sufficient competency proof for yoga studios, insurance companies, etc.
5. Be a part of the yoga alliance community, get connected
6. Flexibility to access online workshops and group events
7. Attractive perks and discounts

Why is yin yoga so hard?

It takes a strong mind to stay with the different sensations appearing.
There is no perfect aesthetic alignment, the practitioner needs to take on the responsibility to find the best position for the target area of the pose.
It takes deep self-inquiry to find the appropriate edge in the pose.
Sometimes just to be still is the most difficult.
Mindfulness and being present are key.

What is the difference between yoga and yin yoga?

In yin yoga we hold poses with a moderate amount of sensation for a longer period of time. The intention is to reach into our ‘yin’ tissue – tendons, ligaments, joints, facia and to bypass the muscular activity as much as possible to get there. Yin yoga particularly works with the ancient healing wisdom of the chi flow in the body to not only facilitate physical rejuvenation, but also emotional and energetic healing. Also mindfulness is key, eventually every pose becomes a mindfulness meditation.

What certification to be a yin yoga teacher?

The most recognized certification globally is through Yoga Alliance. The first step is to get qualified and registered with a recognized foundational yoga teacher training of 200 hours. This can have a broad approach or it can be already specialized in yin yoga. Or if you already have a 200-hour certification in any style of yoga you can add on a continuing education program, hours here vary, endorsed by Yoga Alliance.

Is Yin Yoga Gentle?

1. Yin Yoga is simple but not easy. Yin Yoga is gentle but can be intense. Yin yoga can be what you want it to be as long you follow the three Tattvas (principles) while practicing the poses:
2. Find your edge where you feel moderate sensation.
3. Commit to stillness.
4. Hold the pose for a longer period of time.

What’s the difference between Hatha and yin yoga?

Yin yoga can be seen as a slower, more relaxed form of hatha yoga. In yin yoga we hold the poses for a longer period of time than in hatha yoga. Hatha yoga works with the muscles, yin yoga wants to avoid unnecessary engagement in muscular activity to target the deeper yin tissue in the body, the fascia, tendons, ligaments and joints.

Which yoga practice builds the most strength and heat in the body?

More fast-moving styles emphasize muscular activity like Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, especially Bikram or hot yoga, which is practiced in hot rooms. On the contrary yin yoga is practiced best with a cool body, inviting more stillness and focusing on flexibility and mobility, while strengthening the joints and bones.

“Flying Starts From The Ground. The More Grounded You Are, The Higher You Fly.”

– J.R. RIM

There is a lot happening in the world, and it can be easy to get caught up in the collective fear and uncertainty. We are constantly being bombarded with negative images from the news and social media so it is important to take a break, turn inwards and return to a state of grounding and calm.

Being grounded means that you feel safe and secure in your own skin and within your life. It means that you have a stable foundation that allows you to roll with the punches and deal with the ups and downs of life. Everyone could use some grounding, so check out our suggestion here.

In this email you will find 3 yin poses and 3 acupressure points that are all wonderful for cultivating calm and grounding. You can do them whenever you feel you need a little break during the day, you can also start your day with this little practice or perhaps do it before going to sleep.

If it resonates with you, put on some peaceful music while doing the poses and otherwise you can also do the practice in quiet. I recommend that you hold the poses for 3-5 minutes while relaxing as much as possible and taking deep breaths all the way into your belly. The acupressure points you can hold and/or gently massage for 30-60 seconds, again while breathing deeply and slowly into your lower belly where the Dan Tien, your Taoist healing centre, is located.

Remember to always listen to your body and come out of the pose if it starts to hurt in any way. I also recommend that you do a one minute rebound simply laying on your back in between to feel the echo of the pose.

3 Yin Poses for Grounding and Calm

Keep these poses yin-style for 3-5 minutes, turn your attention inwards while inhaling deeply and exhaling completely.

Child’s Pose

We all know and love Child’s pose. With this pose we can bring everything together, tuning inwards, finding the way back home to our centre. Connecting our third eye to mother earth, therefore strengthening our intuition. Here we also activate the Bladder meridian to help us with being emotionally stable.

For the ultimate grounding and calm do the pose with the knees together and arms by your side. If you are pregnant or otherwise unable to do the pose with the knees together you always have the option of doing a wide legged variation of the pose.

If you have sensitive knees or ankles please take care of them and use blankets as needed. If your head doesn’t reach the floor you can place a block, book, pillow or blanket underneath your forehead.

Reclined Butterfly

This is such a wonderful pose for opening up the heart. It works with our Kidney meridian and helps us to cultivate a basic trust in life, letting go of subconscious fear.

Sit on your mat and place a bolster (or blankets/pillows) behind you – place it as close to your lower back as possible. Then come into butterfly position with your legs. You can place the feet further away from your body and create a diamond-like shape. Then slowly lie down so your lower back is on the bolster and your head is on the floor and your heart is open. Place your arms overhead or outside.

Legs Up The Wall

This pose is known for its relaxing benefits. It is a lovely pose to do before going to bed to help your body get ready to sleep. And as with all inversions in yoga, this is a true “Fountain of Youth’. Reversing our blood flow, strengthening our cardiovascular system and helps preventing varicose veins, heart and brain stroke. It is also said that brining more blood flow to the head helps with the wrinkles in our face 😉

Come close to the wall and “slide” your legs up the wall. Make sure you are as close as possible to the wall. If it feels better for you, you always have the option of placing a bolster under your lower back.

You can place your arms down the side, on your stomach or overhead. Do what works best for you.

3 Acupressure Points for Grounding and Calm

You can use these points for yourself or your near ones by applying gentle pressure with love and healing intention.

Kidney 1

Kidney 1 is the lowest and most grounding point on the body, particularly useful to release any excess energy and nervousness. It calms the heart and clears the mind.

The point is located in the first third middle under the sole on the base of the ball of the

foot.

If it resonates with you, you can massage and/or put pressure on this point while having your legs in the butterfly pose but before lying down.

Heart 7

Spleen 6

The spleen meridian energy is known for cultivating the feeling of being present and at home within ourselves in Taoism. Spleen 6 is a wonderful point for calming a worried mind and bringing us back to being mindful. It is one of the most yin points we have on the body (the other one is Kidney 1 which is mentioned above).

The point is located four fingers up the inside ankle along the medial crest of the tibia. (Do not use this point if pregnant due to its uterus reactivity.)

“IT TURNS OUT THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE GROUNDED AND SECURE DON’T CHANGE MUCH UNDER STRESS. THAT’S WHAT BEING GROUNDED MEANS.”

– MICHAEL GRUBER

I hope you enjoy this little practice and that it will bring you deep grounding and calm.

Love always, Alex