Spinal flossing AKA Neuromobilization
Spinal nerves are mobile and dynamic. This is a good thing because as we flex, extend and twist the spine during our yoga practice, the spinal canal through which the spinal cord runs is constantly changing its length. While the spinal cord has some ability to stretch, it accommodates most of the spine’s length changes by sliding. The effects of this sliding are not fully understood, but clinicians have several theories on why it is beneficial. One idea is that mobilizing inhibited nerves improves nourishment. When the container through which the nerve runs is constricted, nutrients do not reach the nerve as easily. Mobilizing the nerve may improve blood flow to and from it, and may help to disperse any inflammation or inflammatory factors present. There is also speculation that nerves have an ability, through chemical or enzymatic means, to dissolve impinging tissues such as a bone spur, although exactly how this could occur has not yet been worked out …
Podcast interviews with Bernie Clark
about Your Spine Your Yoga and Yin Yoga
Andrea Ferretti of Yoga Land and Bernie covered a lot of ground in this episode: Bernie clarified Yin’s origin story, he shared how Yin benefits him personally (and how he complements it with strength-training), as well as how he guides (even flexible students like Andrea) to discern their edge in poses. The big takeaway from the conversation? We landed on more points of agreement than points of difference.and purposes that forge a deeper understanding.
Paula Mitten has Bernie back on her Yoga Teachers Masterclass along with Paul Grilley and Josh Summers. Paula takes you on a journey with some of the top yoga teachers from around the globe to learn how to become a skillful yoga teacher that confidently supports students, builds community and thrives.
Shut up and Yoga has a nice written interview with Bernie. Jodi Dodd reports that Bernie Clark’s material has been an essential resource for her as a Yoga Instructor for over a decade. The first of his books she ever read was “Yinsights” – A Journey into the Philosophy & Practice of Yin Yoga. As a new teacher, this book played an integral part in getting her feet under her.
Yin is In! Yin Yoga has been with us since the beginning of Hatha Yoga centuries ago. But since the early 19th century, yoga has become more and more yang-like in nature. Everything requires balance: yin completes yang. Yin Yoga is the balancing practice for the more active, muscular yang yogas. There are more and more teachers offering Yin Yoga today, and more workshops and opportunities to learn how to become a Yin Yoga teacher. If diving deeper into the yin-side of life is on your bucket list, there are lots of opportunities for you
This course will examine what meditation is, why we do it (its many benefits, spiritually, psychologically and physically), and how to do it, from a variety of viewpoints: From Eastern Yogic and Buddhist views to Western Psychotherapeutic understanding. The course will include personal, one-on-one training in Deep Meditation, as well as group instruction, to give the student an experiential basis for the practice of meditation. Held at the Semperviva Yoga Studios – Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
The final training offered is the 8-hour online Yin Yoga for Your Body video classes lead by Bernie Clark and hosted by Yoga International. These hours are eligible for continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance.
Through these 8 on-line yin yoga classes you will learn
- The nature of yin and yang
- To practice with intention and attention
- The 3 principles of the yin yoga
- The reality of human variations
- To create a functional yoga practice
- To develop anti-fragility
- To develop mindfulness
The Yin Yoga Forum
Recent Forum Discussions: If you have something to contribute to these topics, feel free to add your voice and experience to the discussions!
Yin Yoga Teacher Directory
If you are having trouble finding a Yin Yoga teacher near you, or if you are traveling to somewhere new, try checking out the Directory of Yin Yoga teachers. We have hundreds of teachers registered from all over the world. If you are a teacher and are not in the directory, just send us your information and we’ll be happy to add you.
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