Foundations of Yin Yoga: Turning the Gaze Inward

Yin Yoga is a quiet, grounding practice, one that merges the tissue-replenishing benefits of stillness with the contemplative nature of self-inquiry. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Meridian Theory, Yin invites practitioners to turn inward, deepening awareness of the subtle body and building lasting resilience.

This is a thoughtfully rigorous training, rich with content, dialogue, and discovery, designed for those ready to engage with both the subtle and structural aspects of the practice.

The 45-hour training unfolds over four months and is intended for yoga teachers and dedicated yin practitioners seeking a deeper understanding. Over the course of 40 contact hours and 5 asynchronous hours, we’ll study functional anatomy and skeletal variation, so that every body can approach each shape with clarity and intention.

Together, we’ll explore the guiding principles of Yin Yoga and how to integrate mindfulness and meditation into both personal practice and teaching. We’ll also spend time with foundational elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and discuss how these threads can enrich a Yin class or home sequence. Yoga teachers will leave with tools to teach thoughtful, inclusive Yin classes, while dedicated practitioners will be supported in creating sustainable self-care practices for themselves.

Homework will be assigned between sessions. Students who complete all coursework will receive a certificate of completion, and the training is eligible for 45 Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (YACEP) credits.

Topics covered in this training

• Principles and history of Yin Yoga
• Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridian Theory
• Yin Tissues versus Yang Tissues and the importance of fascia
• Functional Anatomy
• Anatomical variations and how to adapt postures
• Mindfulness practices that heighten observation skills
• Meditation practices to support the practice of Yin Yoga
• Teaching from a functional perspective
• How to teach Yin Yoga in a studio setting and class theming
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga
• The Vedic Kosha System

Suggested Readings

• A full-color Training Manual and additional articles will be provided
• Bernie Clark, The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga
• Paul Grilley, Yin Yoga Principles and Practices
  • Please note that this book is currently out of print,
    but a digital copy is available for free here.

2025 Training Dates

This comprehensive training meets over the course of four weekends for a total of 45 hours (40 contact hours, 5 asynchronous hours).

Being able to attend each weekend is greatly encouraged, as the information presented is sequential.

• Friday, September 26, 4-8pm
• Saturday, September 27, 12-8pm
• Friday, October 24, 4-8pm
• Saturday, October 25, 12-8pm
• Friday, November 21, 4-8pm
• Saturday, November 22, 12-8pm
• Saturday, December 6, 12-8pm

Investment

$850
Earn 45 Yoga Alliance CEUs
Receive a comprehensive, full-color, training manual

$200 super early bird discount available to the first 5 registrants
$150 early bird discount offered to subsequent registrants enrolling before July 31st – use the code YinYTT150 at checkout
$100 early bird discount offered to subsequent registrants enrolling before September 1st

Host Studio

This training has been graciously hosted by Satsang Yoga located at 999 Main St Suite 105, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
All props will be provided by the studio.
Please note that this studio is located within a larger mill complex, the building is fully ADA accessible.

Testimonials for Islay’s Training

“I love the freedom from the rigidity of alignment that I am accustomed to with my experience doing hot yoga. I love that there is ease in making modifications for all bodies so that everyone can meet their needs in class. This training provided me with enough material and concepts about Yin to create class sequences and guide people through a class. I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to enhance their practice and share it with others.”

– Shirley, 2024 Yin Teacher Training Graduate

“This course exceeded my goals in several ways. 1) I understand the history of yoga and yin yoga’s placement within that; 2) I have a better understanding of Chinese medicine and it’s relationship to Yin yoga; 3) I now am able to create a yin yoga sequence for myself, thinking about both the areas of the body I want to address, and the energy lines; and 4) I could incorporate a few postures into my meditation classes with the right props.

Attending this yin yoga workshop has deepened my personal yin yoga practice. I now know the theory and philosophy that undergirds yin yoga; I understand the role of fascia in the body; the areas of the body that are impacted by specific postures; how postures have both a physical and energetic component to them; and how to customize a yin yoga sequence according to a theme. 

Thank you so much, Islay. I so appreciate your teaching style and your knowledge!”

– Jenn, 2024 Yin Teacher Training Graduate

“Islay’s teacher training truly informed the teacher within me. I deepened my yin yoga practice in more ways than I could have imagined and found accessible ways to intentionally target muscle groups and fascia. The lessons I learned from Islay have been integrated into not just Yin yoga classes but Vinyasa as well. I feel a sense of confidence in my personal practice as well as inspired to bring this transformative practice to others. Thank you Islay for creating a safe space to explore the differences of our anatomy, creatively workshop postures/shapes, and compassionately bear witness to our ever changing practice. I left this training with a feeling of expansion, knowing that the lessons and knowledge will continue to integrate and impact me over the next several months as I continue to review the incredible resources provided. Thank you so much. All my love and gratitude.”

– Kailey, 2024 Yin Teacher Training Graduate