Our course begins with a general introduction to where, when and why Yin Yoga developed; including a discussion of key figures who had input into Yin Yoga’s growth and development - Paulie Zink, Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, Dr Hiroshi Motoyama, Bernie Clark, and others - and how their contributions have shaped Yin Yoga as we know it today.

From there we discuss the Three Key Principles of Yin Yoga; how they define Yin Yoga in comparison to other yoga’s; and why they are necessary to the efficacy of the practice.

From an Eastern viewpoint we introduce the key philosophical concepts behind Yin Yoga including: Yin, Yang and Qi; Taoism; and The 5 Elements; and we see how these ideas came to influence the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in ancient times, and what this means in terms of Yin Yoga practice today.

We complete our history and theory investigations with a counter-viewpoint - that of how Western Medicine sees the physiological functioning of our bodies - and we compare this with TCM to see what parallels or similarities we can find, despite their apparent divergences and differences.

Yin Yoga benefits all aspects of our being - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. But how does it do this and in what way?

In our investigation of this topic we learn about a key system of the body, long known to Western medicine, but overlooked for centuries due to a misconception of its importance in our overall health.

This system is the body wide, contiguous “web” of connective tissues and associated watery substances that play such a vital role in how our bodies communicate from one end to the other, and from the inside to the outside and back again. Although there are many specialised functions associated with this body-wide system, we refer to it by its generic name - fascia.

German researcher Dr Robert Schleip, jokingly refers to the fascia as the ugly step sister of medical research because its key role in our health and wellbeing - once neglected - is now the subject of worldwide conferences and an area of study across multiple scientific and medical disciplines.

From a more practical viewpoint, in this group of topics, we look at the notion of “Functional Anatomy” - a new way of looking at human movement.

Following the groundbreaking work of Paul Grilley, Dr Thomas Myers, Bernie Clark, and others we will see how crucial our unique, individual anatomical make-up is to how we are able to perform yoga postures. Whilst our focus is mainly on Yin Yoga you will come to see that this theory applies to all human movement.

Through practical exercises and group interaction you will witness why some postures seem “easier” or “harder” than others; and that sometimes, no matter how hard we try we can’t seem to make progress in a particular pose.

For students and teachers this part of our course is the most eye-opening - and sometimes the most challenging - because it forces us to confront old dogmas about what yoga should be.

Naturally we apply these ideas in a practical way through workshops and investigations - a process that releases us of ego and preconceptions. It’s very liberating, to say the least; and usually brings the most “a-ha!” moments of the course.

Also known as the “5 phases”, the 5 Elements provides a more detailed and nuanced model of the complimentary dualism of yin and yang.

This gives scope for describing various, and more subtle, stages within, as well as aspects of, the basic yin/yang cycle of transformation. It is therefore a very useful tool for when we want to apply yin/yang theory to worldly phenomena such as the seasons, our life stages… and especially our bodies, minds, emotions and so forth.

The 5 Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. But rather than thinking of these as literal elemental states, we envisage them as qualitative states. Herein lies their usefulness as we can then apply endless associations of other phenomena into these five basic categories.

This is exactly how this school of thought has developed through ancient times to the present within TCM, ie, ascribing to each element a wide variety of phenomena - physical and energetic - to provide the diagnosing physician with a way to observe interrelated patterns in order to be able to proscribe an appropriate course of treatment.

For example the organ of the Liver, the smooth movement of qi within our bodies, the emotional state of anger, our early life stage, the sense organ of the eyes, the season of Spring, the colour green, the taste “sour” - and many other phenomena - are viewed as being associated with the Wood element.

Whereas the organ of the Kidneys, our inherited qi, the emotion of fear, our late life stage, the ears, Winter, the colour black, the taste “salty” - are associated with the Water element.

Throughout the course we will dive into these 5 elemental qualities, analysing how to view them and interpret them; and show you which Yin Yoga postures are applicable to each of the elements.

You will love this aspect of the course.

Although you can attend this course simply for your own knowledge, enjoyment, absorption and self-practice, we do spend a portion of our time learning the art of teaching Yin Yoga.

If this is not your goal, don’t worry. It is common to have several students in each course intake who are not intending to teach but are there instead for their own interest and self-development.

But even those with such motivation enjoy the sessions where we break down how to teach the postures to others.

From what you’ve already read on this page you can see there is quite a science to Yin Yoga - both from a Western and Eastern point of view. When we learn to teach we learn to skilfully apply these principles; for example, how to apply our learnings of functional anatomy to successfully guide each student in front of us; and how to share the ideas of TCM such as which organs (and their functions) are associated with which postures.

In addition to this, though, we explore the art of “yin” language and tone, how to hold space, how to construct a class sequence that makes sense for the physical and energetic body, and many other secrets to teaching an engaging experience.

We have had many students attend this course over the years, who did not intend to teach, but who are now working as Yin Yoga teachers.

For those from other wellness modalities, or for Yoga Teachers trained in other traditions, these sessions are a key pillar for your professional development.

Our courses encompass various elements to maximise your enjoyment, engagement and learning… because we all learn in different ways.

Our key pillars include:

✅ Face to face learning. In our opinion there is nothing to rival face to face learning. So all our courses are conducted this way, in small groups, to optimise your experience. Face to face courses offer many benefits compared with online learning, including:

• Enriched communication. Communication is more than just verbal. It’s also gestural and “energetic.” The best communication also happens in real time.

• Direct feedback. This applies to our conversations as well as to our yoga practices. It’s not optimal to give meaningful corrections or assistance through a screen.

• Spontaneous moments of insight. Sometimes our little breakthroughs come not in the main lectures and discussions but in small moments during breaks, i.e. asking a question as we meet each other coming or going, or passing in the hall.

✅ Daily yoga practices. Our practices are designed to suit the nature and content of each course, so will vary in type, techniques shared, as well as level of intensity. For more introspective courses the techniques are gentler and more contemplative; whilst other courses offer more vigorous and energetic practices. Refer to each Course Features section to get a feel for what is on offer. Daily practices also provide the opportunity to be introduced to new techniques whilst absorbing and embodying the learnings.

✅ Analysis and reflection. We always allow time for discussion and reflection of the practices so that you can share your experience, get direct feedback from our trainer/s, and hear the experiences of your fellow students. These rich discussions offer so much insight, as well as ensuring that you understand the techniques being taught.

✅ Lectures and conversation. Each course is rich in theory and methods, but with ample opportunity for group conversation. Students are encouraged to share their points of view in a supported learning environment. Through this method each course evolves its own unique insights as our students flavour the learnings with what they bring from their own life experience. It’s why no two courses are ever the same. Students can also approach the trainer/s one-on-one at appropriate moments during the course if they wish.

✅ Immersive learning. Our courses are designed as immersive experiences, usually running over several consecutive days or longer.

When attending a course we encourage you to treat it as a retreat away from your usual routine and activities. Freedom from distractions allows you the mental space to absorb what you learn. Of course we all have different life situations, so we run each day on time to allow you the structure to get things done outside of course hours. An example course timetable is presented for you in the section below this one.

A further feature of our courses are the amazing books and manuals we create for you - that are available nowhere else. These range from 100-200+ pages, depending on the course length and its nature. The course books include a summary of all we learn, instructions for any techniques taught; and many are rich with images and photos to inspire and guide you.

Knowing you have a resource that you can always refer back to really allows you to engage with the trainer/s and group in real time, without the distraction of constant note taking - leading to a truly immersive learning experience.