Yin Yoga & Philosophy Teacher Training IV

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." (Confucius)

When one arrives, we feel, as yin yoga practitioners and teachers that it is no longer work,
but rather a gift.

Through the previous training modules, we have enough knowledge under our anatomy belts to understand and sense the more refined energy work of the meridians and to explore the implications for our own practice and that of our students.

The desire is for the energy – internally and externally – to be tangible for each and every student, so that our teaching becomes authentic and not only theoretical.

Furthermore, besides delving into yoga philosophy and the theory of energy work you can expect to be taken on a very personal, energetic and emotional journey this week with much yin yoga, meditation and pranayama practice.

The intention of this course – the middle way (Buddha's teaching) – the journey inwards – the journey to our essence.

Welcome to Yin Yoga & Philosophy Teacher Training IV

6 day / 50 hour certified teacher training

Students must have completed our YYTT I, II and III courses to be eligible to participate in this YYTT IV course.
 

This 6 day / 50-hour intensive yoga teaching course comprises 6 sections:

1. Yin Yoga Asanas

In this continuance of our yin yoga teacher training course, we concentrate mainly on the chakras and meridians of our bodies.  For asana practice, this means learning to be aware of the subtle chi (energy) flow in the meridians, and to feel its effects on the balance of both body and mind.
 

2. Yoga Philosophy - the Ultimate Path of Yoga

In the yoga philosophy section, we study the ultimate path of practising yoga. To do this, we will spend time learning about the Samkhya philosophy - the Indian understanding of reincarnation, karma and an insight into their understanding of the universe and describe the path of a yogi.

We will spend time studying Patanjali and his first four yoga sutras, and discuss in detail the eightfold path.

Furthermore, for inspiration we will look to the Buddha's way, his teachings and the path of a yogi from the exoteric to the esoteric from a Buddhist perspective. Here we will illustrate how essential meditation practice is. 
 

3. Chakras and Meridian Theory

In this section, we examine chakra theory as the energy centre of our body and discover the sense and power of practising chakra meditation on the spiritual path to enlightenment.

We’ll also cover meridian theory.

In the physical body, we know about the role of bioelectrical flow (nerves) and chemical flow (hormones) as a natural source of power and energy for the body.  In chakra and meridian theory, chi represents the highest authority at a physical level, coordinating both the bioelectrical and the chemical flow in the body and supplying it with energy.

If chi is flowing, we are healthy.  If chi is not flowing, we become ill.

Through yin yoga, pranayama and meditation, we move chi and achieve balance in the body and mind.
 

4. Theory – Meditation, Pranayama and Anatomy

Teaching the theory of meditation (dharana – concentration / dhyana – seeing what is), pranayama (breath control), pratahara (looking inwards and conducting energy to the spinal column) and the anatomy associated with it is as fascinating as it is exhilarating.
 

5. Practice – Meditation, Pranayama and Anatomy

Fully conversant with the theory of meditation, we are now ready to move on to meditation practice.

Each day, we will focus intensively on a theme as we practise:

• Universal meditation

• Chakra meditation over two days

• Pranayama exercises

• Pratyahara exercises

• Shushumna purification   

This practice offers an insight into and provides a taster of the Yin Therapy Meditation Retreat / Teacher Training.
The Yin Therapy Meditation Retreat / Teacher Training (100 hours) can lead to an extremely profound personal experience and transformation.
 

6. Yin Therapy

In this section we turn our attention to creating a more extensive picture of energy and holistic therapeutic elements within the body.
During this module, we will explore various theories and find the connection between them.

At the heart of this third Yin Therapy module lie:

• Exoteric & Esoteric

• The Little Yoga Path = life in balance

• Dr Motoyama’s perspective on chakras, meridians and healing
   

After each successfully completed module, participants receive a Yoga Alliance certification until the final 200 or 300 hour Yoga Alliance certificate is issued after the last module. All certificates (hours) can also be submitted to the Yoga Alliance as “Continuing Education”.

schedule overview

feedback / testimonials from past students