Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga and Pregnancy, for Yoga Teachers
If you teach Yin Yoga, you’ve probably had more than a few pregnant students come to your class in search of some stretching, support, or salvation from the hotter than Hades classes offered in most yoga studios. “Why me?” you may have asked yourself. You may have felt some self-pity, some anxiety, or started to …
YIN YOGA AND INJURIES
So many students are directed to Yin Yoga by their “other” yoga teachers because they believe it to be a healthful, healing practice. This is not incorrect, but it also isn’t complete! Yin Yoga is most beneficial for those with injuries because they can easily adapt around them, or take a completely different pose. Rather …
BEST TIME OF DAY FOR YIN
There are as many answers to this question as there are teachers, but here are some benefits of practicing at different times of day: Morning Practice - Upon waking, muscles are not yet warmed up and the biggest benefit to connective tissue is possible. - Starting the day with a positive action (like a yin yoga practice) …
BEST MUSIC FOR YIN
New teachers often want to know what kind of music is most supportive to the Yin Yoga practice, and while it depends on personal preferences, I can offer the following guidelines: Select music that does not have words that can be understood by the practitioner. If you are teaching to an English speaking audience, avoiding …
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF YIN
I had the honor of studying with the author of The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga [hyperlink to amazon book page] Bernie Clark, who teaches that the three principles of Yin Yoga are: 1. Find the edge of sensation 2. Find stillness 3. Hold for time (4. Come out with awareness) The edge of sensation is important, because our bodies …
HOW DO I FIND A REPUTABLE YIN YOGA TEACHER?
For the most part, I find that yoga teachers can guide a pretty solid class by simply reading from a list of poses. If the practitioner pays attention to their own feeling state and does not find painful feelings (burning, stinging, stabbing, or electrical sensations), they can have an enjoyable and beneficial practice. That said, …
IS YIN YOGA GOOD FOR ATHLETES?
The answer always depends a little bit. Nothing is “good” for everyone in every circumstance! That said, most athletes are looking to support their joints, range of motion, and cultivate a state of mental calm or clarity. Many athletes experience performance anxiety, and the breathing and meditative practices often taught during Yin Yoga classes can …
WHAT ARE BENEFITS OF YIN YOGA?
Many people find that by seeking the “edge” of a sensation (starting to feel a stretch or stress), they are able to support their existing range of motion in a joint and sometimes improve the range of motion with continued practice. This is not a promise of Yin yoga, but a common experience. Most people …
WHAT IS YIN YOGA?
Yin Yoga is a term that is used to describe a style of yoga that is static, held, supported poses with a particular aim of supporting joints and connective tissues. Unlike other forms of Yoga found in the West, Yin Yoga is primarily seated and lying down, with ample support. You can expect to hold …