Hands OFF- Should We Offer Hands-On Assists Yin Yoga Classes?

S. 2 | EP. 18

Hands Off - Should We Offer Hands-On Assists Yin Yoga Classes?

Today's episode, which I think is going to be a juicy one and probably a little bit controversial, perhaps (I am known for having unpopular opinions), we will be exploring the question of offering hands-on assists in Yin yoga classes from my perspective.

If you are new to the podcast, or if you're new to Yin, you may also want to check out the episode What is Yin Yoga, to set the stage as to what Yin Yoga is and how It's different.

Active, more dynamic, more moving form of practice is focused on proprioception. So like, where is my body in space? So when you are, for example, standing at the front of your mat, and you have to step back to do a high lunge, knowing where your foot should land behind you without looking is proprioception.

These movement forms of Yoga are excellent at cultivating the skill of proprioception.

Proprioception vs. Interoception:

• Proprioception's focus is on external body awareness compared to interoception's emphasis on internal awareness.
• Yin yoga's unique emphasis on interoception contrasts with more dynamic yoga styles.

It's important not to bring out Baggage from more active styles of Yoga into Our Yin Yoga Practice. Yin Yoga isn't "just like regular Yoga with longer holds".

Most yoga teachers are not educated enough in anatomy and kinesiology to know whether or not that is safe for that particular student, right? So just because something is safe for one student doesn't mean it's a safe adjustment for the very next student. Okay. So each student has their own individual body, their own individual bone structures, their own body proportions, et cetera, et cetera.

That's not to mention issues and injuries and, dominant hands and feet and all the things. So as student from student to student, they're so different. So going in with the same sort of rote, everybody gets this adjustment is not skillful.

Episode Highlights:

• Challenging the appropriateness of hands-on assists in Yin yoga classes
• Individual student needs and safety concerns.
• Honouring and respecting Yin Yoga's focus on internal experience and introspection.
• Advocating for a teaching approach that prioritizes verbal and visual guidance
• I want to encourage Yoga teachers to prioritize student safety, autonomy, and inclusivity in their teaching approach.
• Teaching a trauma-informed practice where students are encouraged to explore and have agency over their bodies
• Scope of practice as a Yoga Teacher
• and much more

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Full Show Notes https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/yin-yoga-podcast/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra