Yin & Meridians Training


Norman Blair and Kate Henley offer a five-day introductory training to the Meridians and Yin yoga,
and a five-day 'advanced' training for those who have undertaken the introductory course.

Norman - forward bend

Introduction to the Five Elements and Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a popular practice of slowing down and slow stretching. In this practice, there is an emphasis on poses stimulating energetic flows in the body. The aim of this course is to guide participants through a healing journey of the Five Elements along with the Yin Yang Theory that underpins Chinese Medicine. We start by covering the theories that underpin Traditional Chinese Medicine by means of an introduction.

Day 1 KIDNEY - the Water element (Winter)
Day 2 LIVER - the Wood element (Spring)
Day 3 HEART - the Fire element (Summer)
Day 4 SPLEEN - the Earth element (Summer)
Day 5 LUNG - the Metal element (Autumn)

On each day, there will be an exploration of an organ, along with an element, a season and physical and emotional qualities associated with that organ. We offer a description of the energetics of that particular organ; detailed teaching of the meridian pathway on the body; what puts the organ out of balance; how to correct the energy imbalance – and how to support healing with Qi Gong practices, acupressure sequences and dietary advice. The final section of each day will be dedicated to a Yin Yoga practice that connects with the meridians studied – the poses which are particularly influential on those meridians and when it is beneficial to do which pose.

We will look at the energetics of the organs (fear, anger, joy, worry, grief) and some partner work will be used. This is an important part of the course. Participants are expected to maintain confidentiality.

The Qi Gong practice will be daily and be an introduction into this simple but powerful 'energy movement' for the body. Certain practices will be dedicated to match the organs we have been working on.

This course aspires to offer participants empowering tools for practice and encourage 'balance' as a way to good health. Participants will experience a fascinating insight into the Chinese medical model with its profound powers for healing. This learning will be a valuable tool for self-knowledge and self-awareness which can deepen teaching abilities.

Material will be presented in a way that is accessible and interactive. The course will be taught using some PowerPoint, a good proportion of practical work and partner work as well as the Qi Gong, meditation and Yin Practices. A course manual is included in the cost. Lunch on the first and last day will feature a different soup based on the Five Elements.

Numbers are limited to ten to support group dynamics and quality of interaction.

This course will suit Yoga teachers and all holistic therapists who are curious and open about Traditional Chinese Medicine. It will be taught by two very experienced teachers in their field who have worked together with this material.

Training hours (40 in total) are eligible for Yoga Alliance continuing education (YACEP)

Bursary opportunity: two places on every course are available at 50% discount. If you would like to register your interest please send an email or use the contact page to send a message to request more information. These places are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Details

Time:  10.00am-5.00pm
Dates: Dates TBC
Venue:  In-person at Zolder Studio, London N22 6AJ
Price:  £695 (full price) / £347.50 (bursary), including lunch on the first and last day

For more information or to book please email [email protected]

Advanced Reflection of the Five Elements and Yin Yoga: Five days of deepening knowledge and practice with Kate Henley and Norman Blair

This will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Five Elements in relation to life, practice and Yin yoga, as described above. All participants to have completed the Introduction to the Five Elements and Yin Yoga course.

Areas covered include:
enhancing our abilities to live seasonally
experiencing and being with emotions that relate to the Five Elements
using acupressure points while teaching Yin yoga
and much more!

Material will be presented in a way that is accessible and interactive. The course will be taught using some PowerPoint, a good proportion of practical work and partner work as well as the Qi Gong, meditation and Yin Practices. A course manual is included in the cost. Lunch on the first and last day will feature a different soup based on the Five Elements.

Numbers are limited to ten to support group dynamics and quality of interaction.

Training hours (40 in total) are eligible for Yoga Alliance continuing education (YACEP)

Bursary opportunity: two places on every course are available at 50% discount. If you would like to register your interest please send an email or use the contact page to send a message to request more information. These places are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Details

Monday 23 October - Friday 27 October 2023

Venue: Zolder Studio, London N22
Time: 10am-5pm each day
Cost: £695 (full price) / £347.50 (bursary), including lunch on the first and last day

For more information or to book please email [email protected]

More about Kate Henley

Kate has been an acupuncturist since 1998 and is especially interested in how the internal practice of quiet forms of yoga support re-alignment and balance in our bodies. Kate is also a qualified supervisor and teaches yoga and mindfulness to her patients. She is passionate about creating a space for others to experience the depth of this Eastern Medicine and for them to be able to bring it into their lives.

Testimonials

““A beautifully structured and nourishing course…I thoroughly enjoy training with Norman and Kate and visiting Zolder Studio. To have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and grow my knowledge is a truly wonderful and humbling experience.”

“Skillful holding of group – felt cared for…It’s been an unexpected deep learning. Much needed space and support to delve into inner workings, creativity and spend time with a fabulous bunch of humans.”

"The course was exactly what I was hoping for. Well-balanced contents
and very informative.”

“Loved this experience of being in this smaller group – sharing and learning more.”

“An amazing two days that will help me personally so much as well as inform my teaching. Thank you so much.”

“Very informative. Kate was fantastic at making something that is very complicated, very interesting and understandable.”

“Really informative two-days. Kate is a fantastic teacher. She made things easy to follow and digest. Always had time to answer questions. I love Norman’s teaching, always from the heart and with compassion.”

Booking

To book please contact us via our contact form. Please specify which date or dates you are interested in.

Upcoming dates

2023

Introductory course
Dates TBC

Advanced course
Mon 23 October - Fri 27 October 2023


Other Yin Yoga courses

Five-day Yin training

A five-day immersion course into Yin yoga and the reasons for, and the results from its practice. For further information, see the five-day yin training section. 

Nine-day Advanced Yin training

An advanced nine-day training aimed at deepening participants' understanding of Yin yoga and teaching Yin yoga. For further information, see the nine-day yin training section.