The 5 Dimensions of Yin Yoga: Responsibilities of a Conscious Yin Yoga Teacher

Written by Anna Caldwell

Yin Yoga is the multifaceted approach to weaving the energy of Yin and the tradition of Yoga through the five dimensions of Yin Yoga. These five dimensions of Yin Yoga span the physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies.

Physical Dimension of Yin Yoga

The physical benefits of practicing Yin Yoga are often what draws people to their mats. This dimension is referring to the primarily floor-based asanas that are held for longer periods of time. Over time, tension and compression is placed on certain areas of the body and tensile force is gently absorbed by our fascial network system. This is done with plenty of support from propping and unique alignment for the practitioner. Myo-fascial release and the health of our connective tissues is of paramount importance in the physical component of the practice.

Energetic Dimension of Yin Yoga

The foundations of Yin Yoga are rooted in Yin and Yang Theory coming to us from Taoism. Yin is an energy of slowness, receptivity and coolness, while Yang is an energy of heat and movement. Life is found in the balance between Yin and Yang inherent in all things. More than anything else, perhaps, Yin Yoga is an energetic approach to Yoga in which the practitioner is brought into a state of balance. Our modern world is often rapidly moving and aggravating to the yang energy within us. Yin Yoga helps to balance out this energy and bring one into a state of calm, centeredness and balance.

Emotional Dimension of Yin Yoga

This is all about safety. As Yin Yoga teachers, we create a space in which students are safe to fully relax and surrender to the inward journey. With this, the body moves into a parasympathetic nervous response, also known as moving into our “rest and digest” mode. When we are in this state, all systems of the body can naturally restore and come into balance allowing our emotions to stabilize.

Mental Dimension of Yin Yoga

The mental dimension of Yin Yoga is a huge component as well, particularly when we understand how the power of neuroplasticity can be interwoven with Yin Yoga. We use the physical sensations of the body during our practice to enter into our inward, mental experience. As yoga teachers we can guide our students through the sensations of their body, through the target areas, and focus the mind. This dimension of the practice is the bridge between Yin Yoga and meditation, the physical and mental bodies.

Spiritual Dimension of Yin Yoga

As mentioned before, Yin Yoga is a practice birthed out of the weaving of two beautiful spiritual traditions: that of Yoga and that of Taoist Philosophies. From the depths of these two practices we can immerse ourselves in their teachings and find creative ways to weave them into our classes. With this, the student can not only experience the mental, physical and energetic benefits of a Yin Yoga practice, but they are given the space to explore their spirituality as well.

As a responsible and conscious Yin Yoga teacher, it is important to be aware of each dimension of the practice and the ways in which each session is conducted. Yin Yoga is about empowering our students to understand the layers of their being and to find their edge of comfort and relax into it, whether their edge is on the physical or mental level. As our teaching deepens, we come to understand the potential that Yin Yoga has not just to benefit the health of our physical body but the potential the practice has to expand our awareness and experience of our energetic and spiritual dimensions as well. It is our responsibility to be conscious of all the dimensions of Yin Yoga and hold space for our students that is educational, open and safe.

If you are interested in learning more about training in Yin Yoga, Shanti Atma Yoga offers a variety of trainings exploring the many avenues to self-healing, teacher development and deepening your yoga practice:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Online:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence

Residential Yin Yoga Teacher Training:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 200 hour 5 Bodies Approach

Locations:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Bali
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Thailand
Yin Yoga Teacher Training India
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Spain
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Australia
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Guatemala

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