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 three months and is intended for teachers and dedicated practitioners of yin yoga seeking a deeper understanding of the practice. Over the course of the training, we’ll study functional anatomy and skeletal variation, so that everybody 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

Mandatory Readings

• A full-color Training Manual and additional articles will be provided

Suggested Readings

• 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.

2027 Training Dates

This comprehensive training meets over the course of three weekends for a total of 45 hours.

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

• Friday, January 29, 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday, January 30, 11am – 5:00pm
• Sunday, January 31, 11am – 4:00pm
• Friday, February 26, 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday, February 27, 11am – 5:00pm
• Sunday, February 28, 11am – 4:00pm
• Friday, March 19, 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday, March 20, 11am – 5:00pm
• Sunday, March 21, 11am – 4:00pm

Investment

$850

$150 super early bird discount available to the first 5 registrants
$75 discount offered to subsequent registrants enrolling before December 31st

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 training gave me invaluable information on blending the foundations of Yin into my personal and teaching practice. Learning from Islay was a joyful experience that kept me engaged and excited to learn more.”

– Emeran, 2025 Yin 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

“This was a lovely, well intentioned training that was flexible to the needs of the group. Very knowledgeable – leaves you feeling more confident in your understanding of Yin.”

– Annie, 2025 Yin Teacher Training Graduate