Podcast
Yin Yoga Podcast
Hosted by Nyk Danu · EN
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!
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga?
Apr 2400:31:36Tap to summarizeSeason 8 | Ep. 2How 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 YinWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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AcuYin Yay or Nay?
Apr 1700:38:59Tap to summarizeSeason 8 | Ep. 1In 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 SmithTeaching Saddle? Help Is On the Way Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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Vision to Decision: Liver & Gallbladder Wisdom
Mar 2700:28:02Tap to summarizeSeason 7 Ep. 12Today 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 stuckKey Functions:Governs decision-making and courageExecutes the liver's visionCourage = clarity + actionImbalance signs: Indecision, timidity, difficulty taking actionLiver = 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@YinYogaPodcastor comment on YouTube/Spotify/ My BlogAlso 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 glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra
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What The World Needs Now Is Yin Sweet Yin
Mar 2000:45:23Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | ep. 11 In this episode, I dive into why the world desperately needs more Yin energy right now – and I'm not just talking about Yin Yoga (although definitely that too). I'm talking about the overarching philosophy of Yin and why embracing these qualities is an act of resistance against hustle culture.I explore seven key reasons why we need more Yin, sweet Yin:• Yin as resistance to hustle culture• How Yin helps us avoid burnout through rest and regulation• Why listening (to ourselves and others) is a Yin superpower• Creating depth instead of constant stimulation• Embracing compassion and softness in a competitive world• Honouring natural cycles instead of endless growth• Supporting nervous system regulationI also share some personal stories, including a vulnerable moment about a health scare that really put things in perspective for me, plus journal prompts you can use to bring more Yin qualities into your daily life.If you're feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just exhausted by the constant pressure to do more, this episode is for you.Also mentioned in this episode: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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Should we Combine Yin and Restorative Yoga?
Mar 1300:42:54Tap to summarizeSeason 7 EP. 10Should you mix Yin and Restorative Yoga in one class? Spoiler alert: I'm not a fan, and in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why.I get asked this question all the time, so let's clear up the confusion once and for all. Yin and restorative yoga have completely different intentions. In restorative, you're using tons of props to feel zero stretch so your nervous system can deeply rest. In Yin, you're actually looking for sensation in the body while holding poses for 2.5 to 5 minutes.The problem? Most teachers (and students) are confused about the difference. And when you mix them in one class, it gets even muddier.In this episode, I cover:• The real difference between Yin and Restorative Yoga• Why mixing them confuses students• What to call your class if it's not 'actually Restorative.'• How I'd combine them if someone forced me to (spoiler: Yin first, then Restorative)• Why your 200-hour training is just the beginningIf you've been teaching "Restorative" with one bolster and a blanket, this episode is for you. Let's talk about honouring these beautiful practices and giving them the space they deserve.Got thoughts? Drop them in the comments. I'd love to hear your take on this. 👇🏻Also mentioned in this episode:Yin vs Restorative: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-vs-restorative-yoga-whats-the-difference/What is Yin Yang: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Props for Practice: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Restorative Training: https://www.judithhansonlasater.comWant to support my work? Leave me a tip. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/78PEVR5WF3ZSASee all episodes at a glance https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingYoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the PageTo join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley : https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/
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Yin Yoga and Osteoporosis
Mar 601:16:00Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | Ep. 9Yin Yoga & Osteoporosis: Essential Safety Guidelines for Teachers & PractitionersJoin me in a conversation with Niamh Daly, Yoga teacher trainer and author of "Yoga for Menopause and Beyond," for an in-depth discussion on safely practicing and teaching Yin Yoga for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia.Key Topics:• Understanding osteoporosis vs. osteopenia and why both require the same precautions• Why 54% of women over 50 have osteopenia (and may not know it)• Specific pose modifications: avoiding spinal flexion, supporting forward folds, and safe alternatives• The truth about whether yin yoga can increase bone density• Teaching accessibly: starting with the gentlest variations first• Supporting students emotionally through their diagnosis journeyEssential Takeaway: Teach osteoporosis-friendly variations as your default approach, especially when working with women over 40—the highest demographic in yoga classes.Learn more about Niamh's work at https://yinstinctyoga.comWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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Teaching Saddle Pose? Help is on the way!
Feb 2700:45:14Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | EP. 8So I got asked to break down saddle pose, and honestly, I was excited but also like... this is gonna be tough to explain just through audio. That's why I partnered with Tummee to create a visual companion PDF with tons of variations you can actually see.In this episode, I walk through everything from basic hero pose modifications to full saddle alternatives. We're talking blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps, even upside-down chairs. Plus, I cover what to do when saddle just isn't happening for someone, no matter how many props you throw at them.Whether you're teaching saddle for the quad stretch, the backbend, or both, I've got you covered with options for everybody. This isn't beginner stuff, this is the master class version with real solutions for real students.Grab the free visual guide here: https://www.tummee.com/yoga-sequence/TeyWL And let me know in the comments what pose you want me to break down next.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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EP. 100!!! - Why We Practice Yin Yoga
Feb 2000:26:55Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | Ep. 7I still can't quite believe we made it to 100 episodes. Honestly, I wasn't sure we'd get here; my biggest fear was always running out of topics. But here we are, and I'm so grateful.For this milestone episode, I borrowed an idea from my friend Addie and asked some past guests to share why they practice Yin Yoga. The responses were beautiful and reminded me of why I fell in love with this practice in the first place.My teacher, Paul Grilley said it perfectly: Yin is the ideal way to prepare the body and train the mind to sit still comfortably.Addie talked about how Yin bridged her yoga practice with her Buddhist meditation practice.Karina called it "a rebellion against the world telling me I have to move fast and keep producing."And Bernie? He said Yin gave him the other half of his practice, the stillness and mindfulness he was missing.And there are other nuggets for past guests, too!I want to hear from you, let me know why you practice Yin Yoga, leave me a comment on my blog, on spotify or if you are listening on Apple send me a dm on Instagram.Find the links to my guests and their episodes here: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/a-yin-yoga-podcast-episode-100/Regular Podcast Links for SpotifyWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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2026 Year of the Fire Horse - With Dhugal Meachem
Feb 1301:03:15Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | Ep.6 Year of the Fire Horse 🐴🔥 | Chinese New Year with Dougal MeachemI'm chatting with Dougal Meachem about Chinese New Year and what the Year of the Fire Horse means for us. Turns out, it's maximum yang energy – think Red Bull meets bungee jumping.We explore the mythology behind the zodiac animals, explain why the lunar calendar actually makes sense, and discuss how these ancient cycles relate to yin yoga practice. Plus, why making resolutions in January is backwards (spring is when you should plant those seeds).What we talk about:How the zodiac animals got their orderFire Horse energy vs Year of the SnakeWorking WITH the seasons instead of against themWhy rest in winter, create in springDhugal's previous interview: Dancing with the Tao https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-and-taoism/Find Dhugal at https://www.dhugalmeachem.comReady for Fire Horse energy? Let me know in the comments 🔥Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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How Yin Yoga Teaches Us To Be Kinder Humans
Feb 600:30:32Tap to summarizeSeason 7 | Ep. 5How Yin Yoga Teaches Us to Be Kinder HumansWhat if I told you the biggest benefit of Yin Yoga isn't flexibility or pain relief—it's becoming a kinder human?In this episode, I share 10 ways a regular Yin Yoga practice transforms how we show up in the world:✨ Meeting yourself without judgment✨ Staying present through discomfort✨ Softening the habit of force✨ Respecting everyone's unique edges✨ Learning to witness instead of react✨ Normalizing vulnerability✨ Developing patience with timing✨ Separating sensation from story✨ Releasing attachment to performance✨ Cultivating steadiness in stillnessIf your Yoga practice isn't affecting your life off the mat, you're not really practicing Yoga. Yin does this better than anything else because of the time, the quiet, and the stillness.The world could use a lot more kind humans. 🙏Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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