Yin Yoga Podcast

Nyk Danu

Welcome to A Yin Yoga Podcast with your host Nyk Danu - Certified Yoga Therapist, Mentor of Yoga Teachers, Yin Yoga Teacher trainer and total Yin Yoga Geek. If you have a crush on Yin Yoga and are ready to dive deep, you are in the right place. My guests and I will discuss all things Yin Yoga, including anatomy, philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation, Taoism, teaching tips, and so much more. You can expect these conversations to be long format, informal, lo-fi and delightfully imperfect. Welcome to the Yinside!

  1. What We're Not Talking About in Yin Yoga (but should be)

    5d ago

    What We're Not Talking About in Yin Yoga (but should be)

    Season 8 Ep. 7 What We Aren't Talking About in Yin Yoga We talk a lot about fascia, long holds, meridians, and the nervous system in Yin Yoga. And those are all valuable conversations. But in this episode, I wanted to go a little deeper and explore the quieter, subtler parts of a Yin practice that don't always get airtime, the things that are harder to measure, harder to teach, and maybe harder to talk about. These are some of the most important conversations I think we can be having as teachers and dedicated practitioners, and I'm so glad you're here for it. In this episode I cover: The rebound (what I call the resonance or linger) and why it's one of the most skipped and most valuable parts of a Yin classThe difference between a rebound and a counterposeHow my nervous system as a teacher shapes the entire room, and the role of co-regulation in a group Yin practiceThe difference between teaching students to stay still versus stay presentWhy physical stillness does not automatically create awarenessPractical cues I use to guide students inward during holdsSilence as a teaching tool, and why I think many of us teachers are more uncomfortable with it than our students areHow over-talking can interrupt your students' processThe role of boredom in Yin Yoga and why it might be a threshold worth crossingHow Yin can challenge achievement-oriented students, and how I like to reframe it for themWhy less intensity can actually create more awarenessThe real gifts of a consistent Yin practice that have nothing to do with flexibilityEpisodes I mention: Honouring the Rebound How to teach exceptional classes How to hold brave space Trauma, the Nervous System and Yin Yoga- with Alyssa Stefanson Mindfulness in Yin Interoception  Do we need to go deeper  Accessible Yin Yin Yoga is not entertainment Constructive rest Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    57 min
  2. Yin Yoga Lessons: Learning To Stay

    May 22

    Yin Yoga Lessons: Learning To Stay

    Season 8 | Ep. 6 Yin Yoga Lessons: Learning to Stay In this episode, I'm diving into something I've been thinking about a lot lately, the lost art of staying. Like, actually being able to sit with yourself without immediately reaching for your phone or looking for the next distraction. I talk about how Yin Yoga, with its longer holds and quieter pace, is honestly one of the best tools I know for learning how to stay with sensation, with boredom, with restlessness, with whatever's showing up. And why that matters way beyond the Yoga mat. As a mid-Gen Xer, I have a pretty clear memory of life before smartphones, and I think that frame of reference has been really eye-opening for me lately. I've been craving a more analog life, and I think a lot of us are feeling that, even if we can't totally name it. We also get into: Why boredom isn't actually the enemy (spoiler: it's where creativity lives)The rebound/resonance after a Yin shape — and why it's actually the hardest part of stayingHow the inability to stay shows up in our bodies, our emotions, and our attention spansA little guided reflection you can use yourself or with your studentsIf you're a Yin teacher, there's also some good stuff in here around how to weave this theme into your classes, either as a full theme or just in little cues you drop in throughout practice. Enjoying the pod? You can support the show through PayPal Here: Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. Or leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, leave five stars and drop a comment on Spotify, or share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder to slow down. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    36 min
  3. Prana One Breath Many Worlds - Bernie Clarke

    May 15

    Prana One Breath Many Worlds - Bernie Clarke

    Season 8 | EP. 5 Bernie Clark Returns: Prana, Fascia Science, and the Art of Slowing Down (Part 2) Part two with Bernie Clark is here, and we are going deep into his newest book, Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds. This one is equal parts storytelling, history, and science, and there was so much to unpack. We get into: Helene Langevin's research and how it builds a real bridge between ancient Eastern practices and modern Western science. Dr. Motoyama's AMI machine The history of how prana has been understood across the ages Bernie's very personal story of burning out from too much yang and what finally brought him back into balance. We also talk about pranayama safety and what Yin teachers need to keep in mind when including breath practices in class. If you haven't listened to part one yet, go back to the last episode and start there. And if this book isn't on your shelf, go get it. Find The Book Here Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    1h 2m
  4. Bernie Clark Answers Your Questions

    May 8

    Bernie Clark Answers Your Questions

    Season 8 | EP. 4 Your Questions Answered with Bernie Clark So excited to share this conversation with Bernie Clark, one of the most well-known voices in the yin yoga world. Bernie and I got talking and, true to form, it went long — so I split it into two parts. This first episode is all about your questions. You sent them in, I asked them, and Bernie delivered in the most thorough and nuanced way possible. We start with a catch-up on Bernie's anatomy course, which is now available on demand after its final live run. If you learn better by watching than reading (same), it's worth checking out. Then we get into the good stuff: Can yin yoga increase bone density?Bernie takes us into the biology lab for this one. We talk about Wolf's Law, the mechanostat theory, osteoblasts vs osteoclasts, and what the research actually says about how bone grows. Short version: yin probably won't actively build bone, but it may help slow resorption — and more importantly, it can reduce fall risk, which is where most osteoporosis-related fractures actually happen. Does flexing the foot in swan/pigeon protect the knee?Bernie breaks down why this cue has more validity than he originally thought (fascia is involved), but also why we need to stop using it as a fear-based universal correction. The knee isn't the target in swan — the hip is. The Lizzie Lasseter postA lot of you sent me this one. We go through it point by point — GOGI tendon organs, proprioception, neural drive, end range of motion. Bernie cites actual research. I rant a little about pitting yoga styles against each other. We both agree: let's stop using pseudoscience to make one practice seem superior to another. Bernie wrote a full response article and I've linked it in the show notes. How long is too long to hold a yin pose?Minimum around two minutes for the tissues to actually start releasing, with about 95% of the physical benefit happening by four minutes. Beyond that, the reasons to stay longer are more psychological, emotional, or energetic than physical — and that's totally valid. We also take a detour into scope of practice as yoga teachers, which honestly could be its own episode. Part two is coming next — Bernie and I dig into his new book, Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds. Can't wait for you to hear it. Links mentioned: Bernie's anatomy course (Functional Anatomy for Yoga Teachers)Bernie's response to Lizzie's postPrevious Bernie Clark episode (split into two parts)Yin yoga for athletes episode with TiffanyEpisode with Niamh on osteoporosisHypermobility and Yin Yoga- Libby Hinsley Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    1h 19m
  5. The Quiet Shift: From Yin Yoga Intructor to Teacher & Guide

    May 1

    The Quiet Shift: From Yin Yoga Intructor to Teacher & Guide

    Season 8 | EP. 3 The Quiet Shift: From Yin Yoga Instructor to Teacher and Guide There's a transformation that happens when you've been teaching Yin Yoga for a while, and most people don't even notice it's happening until they're already on the other side of it. In this episode, The subtle but powerful evolution from instructing to truly teaching and eventually stepping into the role of a guide. In this episode, I cover: The real difference between a Yin Yoga instructor, a teacher, and a guide and why it mattersWhy most Yoga teacher trainings are actually instructor trainings (and what to do about it)The class where I forgot my lesson plan turned out to be the best class I ever taughtWhy I ignored my intuition for years before I finally started chanting to my students during ShavasanaWhat it means to hold brave space for your studentsThe power of bookends in your classes and why repetition is actually good for your students' nervous systemsHow to know which student feedback is worth listening to and what to let go ofWhy being a great Yin Yoga teacher means you're forever a student Episodes mentioned In This Episode: How To Hold Brave Space How To Teach Exceptional Yin Classes Yin Yoga for the Upper Body When Less Is More: Do you Need to Go Deeper The #1 pose Also Mentioned Book mentioned Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson  Being a Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Prayer  Video Monty Python Black Night    If this episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you took a moment to leave a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or a written review on Apple. On Spotify, let me know in the comments how this landed for you. And if you know a Yin Yoga teacher who needs to hear this, please share it with them. Sharing is caring, as they say. Want to support my work? Leave Me a Tip   See all episodes at a glance  To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra

    1h 2m
  6. How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga?

    Apr 24

    How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga?

    Season 8 | Ep. 2 How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga? In this episode, I'm diving into one of your most asked questions: how often should someone practice yin yoga? Spoiler: the answer is "it depends," and I get into all the reasons why. The stock answer you'll hear a lot is that yin and yang should be practiced equally to stay in balance. And while that's not wrong, it's way oversimplified. I break down why that answer doesn't account for so much of real life. We talk through all the factors that actually matter when figuring out the right amount of yin for someone: Health and ability — chronic illness, injury, recovery (including substance abuse recovery), and how that changes everythingStage of life — parents of little kids, seniors, anyone who's already running on emptyHow active you are outside of yoga — athletes, cyclists, people with physically demanding jobs (yes, I used my partner as an example!)Why you came to yoga in the first place — not everyone is here for the physical benefits. Some of us want to quiet the mind, learn to meditate, or go on an inward journeyNervous system nourishment — yin offers something that a movement-based class just can't in the same wayTrauma and the body — for people working through trauma, yin can be a powerful space to practice staying and befriending the bodyIntroverts and highly sensitive people — you don't always need more stimulation. Sometimes the chill, quiet class is exactly rightWe live in a yang-dominated world. Sometimes a little extra yin isn't an imbalance; it's the antidote. Oh, and we hit 100,000 downloads! Huge thank you to everyone who's been listening, sharing, and sending in topic ideas. Y'all are the reason this podcast exists. Links mentioned: Episode on Yin Yang TheoryEpisode on Yin Yoga and Osteoporosis/OsteopeniaEpisode on Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode with Tiffany Cruikshank on Yin Yoga for AthletesWhat the World Needs Now is Yin Sweet Yin Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    32 min
  7. AcuYin Yay or Nay?

    Apr 17

    AcuYin Yay or Nay?

    Season 8 | Ep. 1 In this episode, I'm diving into AcuYin, what it is, whether it's worth adding to your toolkit, and why I have some serious reservations about it. We talk about the real depth of Chinese medicine, why acupressure points are way more powerful (and individual) than most Yoga teachers realize, and where I think short continuing ed courses on this topic fall short. If you're a Yoga teacher considering an AcuYin training, this one's for you. Plus, a little celebratory moment, we hit 100,000 downloads! Thank you for your support! Season eight, here we go.... Also mentioned in this Episode: Yin Yoga is Not Chinese Medicine with Dr. Karina Smith Teaching Saddle? Help Is On the Way   Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra  Find me on Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast

    39 min
  8. Vision to Decision: Liver & Gallbladder Wisdom

    Mar 27

    Vision to Decision: Liver & Gallbladder Wisdom

    Season 7 Ep. 12 Today I'm talking about one of my favourite paired organs in Chinese Medicine, the liver and gallbladder. They're connected to spring, and the wood element, and understanding them can transform your Yin Yoga practice and your life. The liver sees the path. The gallbladder walks it. Key Functions: Ensures smooth flow of chi (emotional, digestive, menstrual)Controls the sinews (fascia)Associated emotion: anger, frustration, passionImbalance signs: Irritability, tight muscles, headaches, PMS, feeling stuck Key Functions: Governs decision-making and courageExecutes the liver's visionCourage = clarity + actionImbalance signs: Indecision, timidity, difficulty taking action Liver = the dreamer, the architectGallbladder = the general who makes it soLiver without gallbladder = frustrated dreamerGallbladder without liver = action with no soulTogether = vision + courage + forward momentum"Without anger and frustration, there would be no evolution, revolution, or change.""Vision plus courage—that's what we need."Winter is for going inward. Spring is for planting seeds and taking action. SPRING is when I create my vision board and start new habits—not January! 🎙️ Podcast break! Back April 17th 💡 Send me your Yin Yoga questions: Instagram  @nykdanuyoga @YinYogaPodcast or comment on YouTube/Spotify/ My Blog Also mentioned in this Episode: Root to Rise: Yin Yoga Spring and the Wood element  Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. See all episodes at a glance Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library: Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra

    28 min
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4.8
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

Welcome to A Yin Yoga Podcast with your host Nyk Danu - Certified Yoga Therapist, Mentor of Yoga Teachers, Yin Yoga Teacher trainer and total Yin Yoga Geek. If you have a crush on Yin Yoga and are ready to dive deep, you are in the right place. My guests and I will discuss all things Yin Yoga, including anatomy, philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation, Taoism, teaching tips, and so much more. You can expect these conversations to be long format, informal, lo-fi and delightfully imperfect. Welcome to the Yinside!

Information

  • Creator
    Nyk Danu
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nyk Danu
  • Show Website
    Yin Yoga Podcast

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