GOYA-CYYS Standards

Anatomy and physiology form the bedrock of any insightful Yin Yoga teacher training program because they allow instructors to understand the deep effects of Yin Yoga on the body's intricate structures. Understanding the physiological responses also allows teachers to guide students through the subtle nuances of their body's reactions, teaching them how to navigate the space between effort and ease. 

Philosophy and ethics are foundational pillars in Yin Yoga teacher training because they provide the context and framework for the practice beyond the physical aspects. The philosophy component often delves into the origins and principles of Yin Yoga, drawing from Taoist concepts and the Traditional Chinese Medicine system of meridians, which inform the practice’s intention and methodology. Ethics, on the other hand, are crucial as they guide the behaviour and decision-making process of the teacher. The teachings of the Yamas and Niyamas from classical yoga philosophy, for instance, can offer valuable insight into personal conduct and the ethics of the teacher-student relationship.

Yoga Studies: Philosophy & Ethics

Purpose:

These topics help to ensure that Yin Yoga teachers are well-versed not just in the technicalities of the practice, but also in the broader context that supports a respectful, thoughtful, and ethically grounded approach to teaching and sharing yoga.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Taoist Philosophy: Understanding the foundational principles of Yin and Yang, and how these concepts integrate with the practice of Yin Yoga.
  
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga: An exploration of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, especially focusing on the Yamas and Niyamas, which are ethical guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life.
• Teaching Ethics: Professional conduct, confidentiality, creating a safe and inclusive space, understanding power dynamics, and establishing boundaries within the teacher-student relationship.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating the practice of mindfulness into Yin Yoga and understanding its ethical significance.
• The History and Lineage of Yin Yoga: Exploring the origins of the practice and acknowledging its teachers and evolution.
  
• The Meridian Theory: Education on the energy channels within the body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which are emphasized in Yin Yoga practice.
• Anatomy of Stillness: The ethics of teaching postures that encourage stillness and introspection, understanding the physiological and psychological impact.
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation: Navigating the fine line between honouring the roots of yoga and appropriating its elements, and teaching with cultural sensitivity.
  
• Teaching Methodology: Ethical considerations in adjusting, guiding, and supporting students, as well as in the language used in classes.
• The Role of a Teacher: Defining the role and responsibilities of a Yin Yoga teacher, both on and off the mat, including the importance of teaching from a place of authenticity and integrity.
• Self-Care for Teachers: The ethics of self-practice, self-study (Svadhyaya), and maintaining one's own physical, mental, and emotional health to serve as an effective teacher.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Strategies for making Yin Yoga classes welcoming and accessible to all individuals, regardless of background, ability, or experience.

A deep understanding of asana techniques ensures that teachers can guide students through poses safely and effectively, honouring the individual needs of each body. In Yin Yoga, where poses are held for extended periods, the precise method of entering, holding, and exiting asanas becomes crucial to prevent injury and to facilitate the intended physiological and energetic effects. Methodology training empowers teachers with the skills to create sequences that respect the principles of Yin—encouraging softness, patience, and surrender—while also understanding the interplay of stress and relaxation in connective tissues. It also fosters an environment of mindful exploration and self-discovery, as teachers learn to facilitate a space where students can tune into their own bodies and experiences.

Asana: Teaching Methodology & Techniques

Purpose:

This portion of the curriculum is designed to prepare trainees to teach Yin Yoga safely and effectively, but also ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the deeper aspects of Yin Yoga asanas and how to transmit this knowledge to their students.

Required:

A minimum of 12 yin asana are required to be taught in a Yin Yoga Teacher Training.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Yin and Yang Asana Practices: Understanding the differences between Yin and Yang styles of yoga and their applications.
  
• Yin Yoga Poses: Detailed exploration of key Yin poses, their variations, and the method of teaching each pose.
• Sequencing: How to sequence Yin Yoga classes for different purposes, such as energetic focus, anatomical themes, or emotional release.
• Teaching Techniques: Effective communication, demonstration, cueing, and use of language to guide students into a deeper practice.
• Use of Props: Instruction on the use of yoga props to support and modify poses to accommodate various body types and abilities.
• Adjustments and Assists: Safe and sensitive hands-on adjustments and energetic assists to deepen the asana experience.
• Anatomy-Focused Teaching: Applying anatomical and physiological knowledge specifically to the teaching of Yin asanas to ensure safety and maximize benefits.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Integrating mindfulness practices into the teaching of asanas to enhance body awareness and mental clarity.
• Energy Meridians and Asanas: Understanding the relationship between asanas and the meridian pathways in the body, as per Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Mindfulness and Observation: Developing skills to guide students into a meditative state through asana, enhancing body awareness and introspection.
• Adjustments and Modifications: Training on providing effective hands-on adjustments and verbal cues, as well as modifying poses for different levels of students and for those with injuries or limitations.
• Breath Work Integration: Incorporating pranayama techniques in Yin asanas to deepen the practice and manage the flow of energy.
• Teaching Special Populations: Adapting asana practice for special groups, such as pregnant women, seniors, or those with specific health concerns.
• Classroom Management: Creating a supportive and safe environment, managing group dynamics, and accommodating individual needs within the class setting.
• Cultivating Awareness and Sensitivity: Developing the teacher's ability to read the room, observe students' energy, and respond to non-verbal cues.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Learning to give and receive constructive feedback, and assessing students’ understanding and performance in asana practice.

While the significance of practice teaching is universally acknowledged, the way in which they are integrated into the training curriculum may vary from one school to another. Schools are granted the autonomy to tailor these practices based on their philosophy, resources, and the specific needs of their trainee cohort. This flexibility ensures that the teaching methodologies remain organic, innovative, and resonate with the unique ethos of each institution.

This curriculum component ensures that yoga teachers emerge not just as instructors of poses but as guides, mentors, and lifelong students of this ancient practice.  As each school navigates this journey, their discretion in integrating this component ensures that the essence of yoga remains fluid, vibrant, and ever-evolving.

The manner in which content is delivered can take various forms, either being a singular approach or an amalgamation of multiple methods, ensuring versatility and adaptability for diverse learning preferences.  This inclusive model ensures that all students can engage and benefit, irrespective of their circumstances. Additionally, it offers schools an economical method for content distribution, reducing conventional financial barriers and broadening the spectrum of available choices.

From hybrid learning models that combine both online and in-person sessions, to entirely face-to-face environments, and even to fully on-demand digital platforms, our experience post-pandemic has shown that each of these methods is effective. The mode of delivery does not compromise the program's quality. Rather, it offers flexibility and caters to diverse learning preferences, ensuring that the essence of the curriculum remains robust and impactful, regardless of the medium.