Yin Yoga Poses with Props: A “Fireside Chat” with Nyk Danu
This episode is an EPIC conversation with my friend Nyk Danu about the question of Yin Yoga poses with props – if, when, why, and how we use them.
Episode Details:
Nyk is the host of A Yin Yoga Podcast, and she reached out to propose this crossover episode for both of our shows, because the no-props-in-Yin myth is a topic near and dear to both of our hearts. So what you’ll hear here is less of an interview and more of a back and forth, or “fireside chat” (as Nyk calls it) where we really unpack this sometimes-controversial Yin subject.
As you’ll hear, the question of supporting your Yin Yoga poses with props touches on issues like accessibility, able-ism, trauma-informed teaching, and all kinds of cultural conditioning that sneaks into our practice. We talk about what it means to be true to a style or lineage, and how we align with the principles that make a Yin practice “yin.”
While we explore where the anti-props misnomer comes from, Nyk and I also reflect on our experiences training with the founders of the Yin Yoga style, and how the functional approach to yoga requires that we adapt poses to individual bodies. We also give several specific examples of how props have helped our students get more from the practice, and debunk the assumption that you’ll outgrow using props as your practice advances.
There are also some practical suggestions for situations where minimal props are available, or where propping is too complicated or unable to solve a student’s challenge with a pose.
So, pull up your favorite blankets and bolsters, get comfy, and enjoy this fun and informative Yin Yoga conversation!
Guest Bio:
Nyk Danu is a certified Yoga Therapist, Yin Yoga Teacher Trainer, and Yoga business mentor. She’s a fiercely independent sagittarius, misfit, introvert, bookworm, cat charmer, crow whisperer, Buddhist, seeker of truth, and long term pro-activist who’s not-so-secretly out to save the world. In 2007 she fell madly in love with Yin Yoga and has since done 500+ hours of Yin Yoga training with Paul Grilley. Her passion for Yin Yoga sparked a deep resonance and curiosity for Traditional Chinese Medicine. This then drew her to study 2300 hours of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College. Nyk has since combined her Yoga Therapy Training, Yin Yoga training and Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge to create a unique Therapeutic Yin Yoga teacher training program, and she is also the host of A Yin Yoga Podcast.
Resources and Links from this episode:
You can connect further with Nyk through her website, or following her on Instagram at @nykdanuyoga or @yinyogapodcast.
Also, check out Nyk’s in-depth Yin Yoga Teacher Training and be sure to listen to her excellent Yin Yoga Podcast!
- If you’re confused about the differences between Yin and Restorative Yoga, check out this episode of Nyk’s podcast: “Yin vs. Restorative Yoga – What’s the Difference?“
- We also talked about the therapeutic approach to Yin Yoga when I interviewed Nyk in Episode 18 of the Moved To Meditate Podcast.
- And, I was a guest on her podcast in an episode called “What Is Mindfulness and How Can We Use It In Yin Yoga?“
- Learn more about Paul Grilley’s anatomy teachings and the functional approach to yoga.
Yin Yoga Poses with Props Online Course
Learn how to use props with skill and make your Yin Yoga classes even more powerful!
Holiday Sale: Use discount code HOLIDAY24 before December 24th to take 24% off the 8-hour Yin Yoga Poses + Props Training (normally $149)!
This 8-hour continuing education course includes a detailed break down of 24 Yin poses, with details on cueing, propping, and contraindications. Teach with confidence, knowing how to apply principles of propping in specific situations, with your real students.