100h Yin Yoga Teacher Training
Researching courses
The first thing I realized is that there are SO many!!! Each one being quite different, and also specializing in different yoga styles. The price tag were usually similar, around $2'200 for the 200h (1 month) courses (i.e quite an investment!). Except, of course, the one I found later in Geneva, which was 4'400chf (roughly equal in $), because everything is double price here!
In the end, the two that I was considering were: Yoga Gardens in San Francisco (it was taught with multiple teachers and so you would get exposed to multiple styles of yoga), or Amy Ippoliti's (whom I know personally, and adore!!!) 200h alignment-based vinyasa yoga training at 90 Monkeys in Bolder, Colorado.
After Spain and getting hyperthyroidism again, I re-evaluated my decision and made a choice to go back to Geneva and stay at home for the summer. However amazing it would have been to travel far and experience the 1 month course, it just isn't the right time and I needed to prioritised creating an environment that facilitated healing and eliminated unnecessary stress, so chose stability and to stay in one place!
Being in Geneva made the choice of yoga teacher training much easier... simply because they are few and far apart! However, when I stumbled across the 200h Yin Yoga teacher training (level 1 & level 2), I immediately fell in love, and really resonated with the philosophy, the approach they take, and the emphasis on anatomy, connective tissue stimulation and myofacial health.
200h Yin Yoga Curriculum
50 hours Level 1 KEY CONCEPTS
(And familiarize yourself with the variations)
Learn the 17 transitions poses
(Create session moving from Yin to Yang practice)
Discover and share the practice of Assisted Yin
(A practice for the very stiff body or for those with injuries)
Cultivation of breath body
(Leading towards a tranquil mind.)
AnatomyLooking at the 14 Skeletal segments of the body
(Understanding skeletal variations)
Use the thigh/Torso Myofascial mandalas
(Developing a functional approach of Yoga)
Understand Tension & Compression
(Limitation & stimulation of all Asanas)
Study the benefits of the Yin-Yoga Practice
(Anatomical & energetic benefits and how it can improve your health)
Appreciate the role of the connective tissues in relation to Yoga practice
(Fascia network and tensegrity / Ligaments, tendons ..)
Teaching MethodologyKnowledge and understanding of the Yin-Yoga approach
(Learn the difference between a Yin “Passive” and a Yang “Dynamic” style of Yoga)
How to communicate effectively the value of Yin-Yoga
(Stirah & Sukham / Function Vs Aesthetic )
Acquire the skill of sequencing Yin-Yoga
(Design classes from an anatomical point of view)
Use the 9 Levels of Awareness
(To influence your practice and guide your teaching)
PhilosophyThe learning prescription
(Shravana, Manana, Nididhyasa or Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodha)
The Tattvas of the Yin Practice
(The principles and qualities of the practice)
Clarify and define the path of Yoga
(As a Psycho-Spiritual system)
50 hours Level 2 KEY CONCEPTS
(Using Asanas & Chinese meridians theory to revitalize body/organs)
Familiarize yourself with Meridian Tracing
(Memorize the meridian’s location)
Stimulate the Qi along the Meridians
(Using Shiatsu technique to apprehend the Qi/Meridian)
Learn the 5 Elements Qigong & Wuji Standing Meditation
(The Taoist & Meditative approach of well-being)
AnatomyThe Upper Body Muscles Group
(The Walkabout sequence of the upper body Muscles)
Looking at the Fascia Network Vs Acupuncture Channels
(The Acupuncture channels of the East are the Fascial plane of the West)
Theory Traditional Chinese MedicineApproach the Meridian System
(The 12 Main meridians & their relation to the organs)
Look at the 5 Elements Theory
(Generative & Controlling cycles)
Understand the Flow & Formation of Qi
(Qi movement & different type of Qi)
Study Water-Wood-Earth-Fire-Metal Elements
(Relation & Function of Zhang & Fu organs to each Elements)
Identify the 3 treasures of TCM
(Jing/Physical, Qi/Energetic, Shen/Spiritual)
Teaching MethodologyAcquire the Skill of Sequencing Yin-Yoga
(Design class from a meridian point of view)
Understand the 3 layers of the body
(The 3 symmetrical pairs subcircuits of the body)
PhilosophyInquire into the Daoist Wisdom
(Origin, Symbolism, Coexistence & the Qualities of the “Way”)
Why I decided to do a Yin yoga teacher training
- To get re-immersed in yoga, as I've had periods were I've been very consistent and actively practicing, and have done Anusara Yoga Immersions in the past, but recently it hasn't been part of my daily routine
- To become confident enough to be able to create my OWN practice. I've always been one to go to yoga classes, and while I love it when I can, as well the community and connection that it offers, I've never felt fully confident enough to have my own yoga practice. I think learning a variety of poses and sequences, and the didactic aspect of how to sequence a session, can help me integrate yoga into my physical activity so that it becomes a natural part of it
- To deepen my meditation practice by embracing the meditation side of Yin Yoga as a continuation of the 10 Day Vipassana Silent Meditation Retreat I did (survived) a few months ago
- To move to a more parasympathetic state from the over stimulation of my body and mind from the recent episode of hyperthyroidism, thanks to the emphasis on the qualities of stillness and quietness of Yin Yoga, and breathing techniques
- To potentially be able to share and offer Yin Yoga at my university to fellow classmates :=)
- As a gateway into learning more about the myofascial system, as I am interested to do a course in Myofascial Release Technique later on
- To continue to learn and grow and evolve!
- To balance and complement the harder, high intensity training I do on a regular basis - this will be the yin to my yang ;=P