Transcription
YIN FUSIONINTRODUCTION TO HEALING“Healing is a spontaneous event that comes about through a kind of grace. It can happenanytime, and in any place. It may or may not happen in the context of a healing session. It maycome about simply with a smile from a stranger, the breeze blowing through the trees, the songof a bird — some reminder of our connectedness and wholeness — the beauty of Life just as itis at this moment for us.Healing can happen on many different levels. Sometimes our healing is not what we expect. Weneed to be open to the gifts which life is always ready to give us. It may be that a physicalproblem heals, but it may also stay awhile to teach us something. Sometimes a health challengeis a doorway to a deeper healing, a cry from deep within for attention to some part of us that hasbeen unloved and feels separated from the Whole.Regardless of whether our focus in healing is on the physical, mental, emotional or spirituallevel, all levels are invariably touched by the process, and none can be separated out from therest.” — Mary MadduxThe Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the following definitions of healing:1. to make sound or whole2. to restore to health3. to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome4. to restore to original purity or integrity5. to return to a sound stateAlthough it is clear from these definitions that the word “healing” can be used in very broadways, it most often refers to healing of the physical body, as in the healing of a disease or injury.It is also frequently used to indicate healing of mental, psychological, and emotional conditions.
For those who practice Yoga and spirituality, “to make sound or whole” would have to includethe spiritual dimension of life, as well.HEALING WITH YIN YOGAYin Yoga is perhaps one of the forms of Yoga that provide the best opportunities to explorehealing avenues added to the already healing nature of the practice. Yin Yoga Asana have astrong impact and effect on the Meridian energy system, the physical and metaphysical body aswell as our state of mind, all these can be further benefited by the wide range of healing toolsand rituals that can be performed on the student or on ourselves during a Yin Yoga class. Thepassive nature of Yin Yoga provides the much-needed time for relaxation, introspection andsoul nourishment that many ancient healing practices and natural systems need in order towork. In this course we’ll show a few of the most powerful yet simple healing techniques andtools that can be used in a Yin Yoga class.SOUND HEALINGWhat is sound?Everything that moves vibrates, from the smallest molecule to the Universe itself. As long as it isvibrating, it is making some kind of sound. We may not perceive the sound, as it may be belowor above the threshold of our hearing. The human ear can hear sound vibrations between 20and 20,000Hz (cycles per second), although we also perceive sound by skin and boneconduction, ingesting and consuming it with the whole body. Many cultures and religions reveresound so deeply as to believe it called the Universe into being. For the Hindus, all was dark andquiet in the Universe, until the first movement in the Universe created the sound "AUM." It is themother tone, containing the frequencies of all other sounds. Scientific studies show that soundcan produce changes in the autonomic, immune, endocrine and neuropeptide systems. Everyatom, molecule, cell, gland, and organ of the human body absorbs and emits sound. The entirebody also has a vibrational frequency unique to each individual.YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 2 OF 25
What is music?Music is organized sound. Virtually all cultures have used the powers of music therapeutically.For several hundred years, the role of music became one of entertainment. Only recently hasthe use of sound and music reappeared as a valuable healing mode in our western culture. Thegoal of music therapy is to reduce stress and pain, promote deep relaxation, develop selfawareness and creativity, improve learning, and clarify personal values.What is sound healing?When an organ or body part is healthy, it creates a natural resonant frequency in harmony withthe rest of the body. When the vibration of a part of the body is out of harmony, we have disease. With dis-ease, a different sound pattern is established in the affected part of the body.When sound is projected into the dis-eased area, correct harmonic patterns are restored. Thereare many methods of healing with sound. Mantras and chants have been used for thousands ofyears. Many acoustic instruments are used in a variety of ways to effect change. The humanvoice is perhaps one of the most powerful musical instruments. Fabien Maman, in his book, TheRole of Music in the Twenty-First Century gives dramatic accounts of the effects of sound oncancer cells, using various acoustic instruments and notes, as well as the human voice. He hasincorporated the use of sound, colour and movement in his work, addressing the subtle bodies,where dis-ease is created.The law of vibration applied in modern science.MRI is a cutting edge imaging technique used in modernmedicine around the world. MRI stands for Magnetic ResonanceImaging and its goal is to provide an image of the resonance orvibration of the atoms that compose our tissues, organs and systems.This machine enhances the vibration of said particles so it’s strongenough for the machine to detect and interpret as colours or shades ofgrey. When we look at the MRI images we understand that different shades of grey representparticles vibrating at different frequencies. Thanks to this technology we can detect how healthyYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 3 OF 25
tissue has different shading than unhealthy one. This is because healthy tissue vibrates at adifferent frequency than unhealthy one.It isif we were able to bring back the unhealthy tissue tovibrational frequency the tissue would heal.theorised thatitsnormalWhenweunderstand that sound healing can harmonise withthe rest of theUniverse in a healing pattern or wave we learn thatwethe healing journey of a person not only at a spirituallevel but at acanaidphysical level as well as we reactivate and empower the body’s self healing mechanisms.Singing BowlsWhat are crystal bowls?Crystal bowls are made from 99.992% pure crushed quartz and heated to about 4000 degreesin a centrifugal mold. They are available in clear or frosted bowls in a variety of sizes, rangingfrom 6 to 24 inches in diameter. The bowls emit a powerful, pure resonance. The larger bowlsare much more reverberant, with the tone lingering longer, simply because of the size andamount of crystal. The clear bowls, somewhat more expensive, are more readily available insmaller sizes. The size of the bowl does not necessarily determine its note, although the largerbowls sound lower octaves and notes. Each bowl is tested with digital technology to identify itssound. One can have a sense of which tone feels most congruent with individual needs ordesires. The notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B correspond with our energy centres or chakras. Somebowls harmonize with other bowls, and when both are played simultaneously, the effect is quitepowerful.How to use crystal bowls?We can cleanse the bowl using the same methods used forclearing other crystals (described below). Using the bowls incombination with voice or other instruments is powerful andvery effective. Rubber-ball mallets or wands are used tosound the bowls. The effect of each is different and a matterof personal choice. We should strike the outside of the bowl,in an upright position, giving about half the length of theYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 4 OF 25
wand to the bowl surface near the top rim, then follow the sound around the bowl with the wandor mallet, enhancing the duration and loudness of the tone. Each practitioner has a unique styleof sounding the bowls. Some will move the wand or mallet clockwise for specific intentions,while others prefer a counter-clockwise motion, or a combination.Singing bowls produce a particularly pure, beautiful and nearly perfect tone. They sounduniquely beautiful to our ears and seem to elicit one of the best responses of any soundinstrument. Just as a violin has the power to stir certain emotions, singing bowls speak to ourhearts and souls. They are the ideal vibrational tool for all applications relating to health andwellbeing, from meditation practice to medical recovery. However singing bowls themselves arenot magic. What they do is very special but the real magic is in the user. The bowl produces anamazing vibration but what the person using it do is even more special as is the user’schannelled energy that allows healing, growing, and restoring. In other words the magic is inyou – you do the healing.Singing bowls for Yin YogaSinging bowls resonance and sound can induce a deepermeditative state during a Yin Yoga class. You can play withyour desired type and size of singing bowl while your studentsdelve into postures they’ll hold for a few minutes. If you wish tohear singing bowls resonate during you own class but you areunable to play them as you hold your own posture, you canalways purchase a singing bowl CD many of which are readily available online and containpowerful singing bowls tunes recorded from one or more bowls singing in unison.If you areworking with few students you may even have time to sit nearby each one of them and play yoursinging bowl and move it around his/her body as it resonates which will allow your student to notonly hear the sound but also feel it through the skin which is very therapeutic.YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 5 OF 25
Sound Healing for the ChakrasThe music we choose is usually an important choice we need to make when preparing for aYoga class, as music will add a character and a tone to it. In a Yin yoga setting, when we wantto activate or focus on a particular chakra we can use the chart below as a reference as to whatkind of music to incorporate. You do not need to know how to play an instrument, as there is awide selection of music already attuned to different vibrations, pitches and rhythms from whichyou can choose. If you want to address all chakras during your class you can create a playlistthat gradually moves through the below examples of music. Feel free to use your intuition andexperience when choosing music for your class, as the music you like is usually the one thatresonates to a frequency close to your own. The power of music is so strong that some musiccan make us feel strong, inspired, confident, and conversely some other tunes can causefeelings of sadness, vulnerability and fear. This is the true power of sound as a healing tool thatcan affect our own frequencies by just listening to it.Also note that you do not need to have music or singing bowls resonating or anything at allplaying in the background as silence is, as per the chart below, associated with the highestchakra (Crown). Even silence has a vibration of it’s own and focusing in “the sound of silence”can bring us closer to the Universe in some particular situations. The following is a chart thatrepresents sounds and frequencies associated with the 7 chakras:YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 6 OF 25
Sound Healing for the 7 ChakrasChakrast1 Chakra:KeynoteCBase2 n d Chakra:Musical InstrumentLAMbassoon, primitive drumprosperity and belonging, clearingrollsany blocked energy.marimbas,andSolar Plexusenablessecurity,African Drum BeatsDidgeridoo SoundsMiddle Eastern Musicguitar,This chant will open you up toBelly Dance Soundtrackssaxophone,others, give you the courage toLatin American Musicrhythmexpress yourself and to embraceFlamenco GuitarotherchangeECello,chantVAMinstruments.3 Chakra:Tribal MusicThisElectricrdMusic IdeasDeep and low drums,DSacralVocal Chantviolin,piano,oboe, and guitar.RAMClassical Asian music.This chant will increase yourIndian and Asian Stringsability to stand up for yourself,Music that creates a feeling of strength.control negative impulses, andSoundtracks)exercise greater self-control.4 t h Chakra:FHeartYAMPiano MusicHarp, flute, violin, andChant Yam to heal both theCeltic Songs and Lullabies,piano.physical heart and the spiritualAcoustic Guitar Covers(emotional) heart center and openBaroque Musicyourself up to unconditional loveand compassion.5thChakra:GThroatHAMAnything you can sing or Chant to.The human voice, flute,This chant will open your throatSongs with meaningful and powerful lyrics.and other woodwinds.chakraCeltic flute or vocal Solossothatyourcommunication energy can flowstrongly.6thChakra:AThird EyeHigherelectronicOMChoral Musicinstruments,This chant will break loose theClassical Musicsynthesizers. Four partconstraints that you have imposedRelaxation Musicharmony vocalsupon yourself by not allowingNew Age Musicyourself to listen to your innerwisdom and using that wisdom tochart the best course for a life ofpurpose and passion.th7 Chakra:CrownBOrgan,electronicAUM or AHNew Age Music and Soundssynthesizer, sounds, andAh is the sound of releasing andSilencesilenceletting go and Om is the soundthat connects us to the Universe.You may also practice in silence orinternally chant Om or Ah in yourmind.YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 7 OF 25(Martial Arts Music, Movie
CLEANSING THE SPACEEnergy and vibration flow all around and through us. We emanate energy and we take onenergy form many sources. Our physical, mental, emotional and metaphysical being is the sumof all energies that we carry within us at a given time. Albert Einstein with his famous equatione mc2 helped establish the fact that energy in the Universe can’t be created nor destroyed, itcan only be transformed. Thus the energy that existed at the beginning of time is the sameenergy that we have today and that will be around at the end of time. The shape and form thatenergy takes is what makes things interesting.We are energy beings just as much aseverything else in the Universe. We however as living and sentient beings are able to perceive,feel and appreciate energy and Universal causality. As Carl Sagan said, “we are a way for thecosmos to know itself”.Yin Yoga works on the Yin aspect of the Universe but it’s just as important as the Yang qualityof it. Yin cannot exist without Yang. Most things in the Universe come in pairs, and we can seethis everywhere around us. We couldn't have modern technology without acknowledging andmastering positive and negative charges for electricity to work. Quantum physics and modernchemistry understand that there are positive protons and negative electrons in every atom. Wehave positive and negative numbers, there is cold and hot, left and right, big and small, maleand female, etc. One is not more important as the other as one cannot be explained or evenexist without its counterpart.Yin and Yang describe the light and dark aspects of the Universeand reality. And they seek balance for the Universe to exist.In our human experience we are also under the influence of Yin and Yang forces. And we needboth to be in balance (homeostasis) to be healthy and happy. In fact, it is when we have gonetoo far on either direction that dis-ease manifest.Health and wellbeing can only exist inbetween the extremes of deficiency and excess which are both detrimental for homeostasis.Ifwe go and nurture the Yin side of things too much we’ll be lacking Yang and sooner or later we’llsuffer, and vice versa.In our modern western world, society has a dominance of the Yangside of energy and Universal vibration. This manifests as the consequences of too much Yangwe see around, eg. stress related illness, anxiety, depression, obesity, cancer, diabetes,YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 8 OF 25
suicide, etc. As such, it is imperative that we start paying attention to the Yin side of nature andnurture it in order to achieve true wellbeing and energetic balance.Even the world of Yoga in the West is vastly dominated by Yang styles, flows and postures. Inreality a lotus handstand is as beautiful and nourishing as lying down in Savasana, however inthe West we tend to favour postures that are striking, strong and physically challenging. Strongand dynamic flows and Yoga styles are great and necessary for wellbeing as long as it is notthe only form of Yoga we practice. This is why it is a great idea to enhance as much as possibleyour Yin yoga practice with healing tools and rituals as you and your students are probably inneed of expanding your consciousness and energy towards Yin.As mentioned before, we radiate and absorb energy around us. For this reason when we entera new place we can sometimes feel this new energy in the environment. We can also feel thisenergetic interaction when we are around other people. When we “read people” we often areevaluating the energetic frequency of the other person through our 3rd eye. When we have“good chemistry” with someone it means our frequencies are close, or they potentiate eachother, or both. We humans can be good actors and “wear masks” depending on the situation,however it is almost impossible to mask your own energy and vibration. Animals do not “wearmasks” nor have deep hidden motives and agendas. They are pure, innocent and joyful beingsand thus exude clean and pure healing energy, and this is why Yoga with pets (eg. Doga) isbecoming increasingly popular in the West. Although we don’t cover Yoga with animals in thismodule feel free to allow your furry friends to join you in your Yoga practice as they will enhanceit’s healing quality and they can make it quite interesting every time.A Yoga studio is generally a place where white energy lives, however since Yoga also tends totrigger many emotional and energetic releases, added to the fact that there may be healingsessions going on as well from time to time in the same space, this released energy can lingeraround. The energy we release during a breakthrough or a healing session can be very denseand of low frequency. For this reason it’s a good idea to clear the space before your YinYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 9 OF 25
practice to ensure that the energy you absorb is of a healing high frequency and leave space torelease any low frequency excess energy you may be carrying.There are several techniques, methods and rituals to cleanse an area of unwanted energy,which sometimes different people refer to as dark energy, demons, lost souls, dark spells etc.Cleansing rituals have existed for millennia and still today are performed routinely by mostcultures around the world.In this workshop we’ll cover a few cleansing methods that aresimple and can be performed before, during and after a Yin Yoga class. It’s worth mentioningthat sound can have a space cleansing effect too, particularly the resonance of crystal andmetallic singing bowls and Om chants and mantras.White SageWhite Sage or Sacred Sage (Salvia apiana) is a plant native tohigh desert ecosystems, and grows prevalently in California. Forhundreds of years, white sage has been considered a sacred,cleansing, purifying, and protective plant. The leaves of the plantare a whitish-green, and if you rub the fresh leaves between yourthumb and forefinger, a refreshing, cleansing scent is released.Native Americans started the tradition of using Sacred Sage toward off evils spirits and negative energies, and white sage hasbeen used in ceremonies to seek blessings of health andprosperity, banish spirits, and encourage protection. Sacred sage can amplify any clearing andprotective techniques that you are already using. As a plant, and a living being, sage also has aspirit. The spirit of sage is dedicated to offering protection, blessings, and clearing.How can you work with white sage?Most people choose to burn it. Sage Smudging is a ritual where the leaves of the Sage plant areburned, and the smoke is directed into and onto areas that are in need of clearing andprotection. The idea is that as the leaves are burned, and you speak express your gratitude forit's assistance, the spirit of the sage plant releases it's energy of protection and clearing into theYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 10 OF 25
space or onto the object that needs clearing. As the smoke moves through the room or over asurface, the smoke attaches itself to any heavy, negative energy that is within the space, objector being. As the smoke clears, the spirit of White Sage carries with it the negative energy thatwas once attached, back up to the Spiritual Light. This heavy energy then becomes released, sothat it may regenerate into something positive. You can perform this smudging ritual on anythingor anyone that needs a clearing (if it is a living being, remember to ask permission) includingyour students in your Yin Yoga class. You can also use White Sage to help you clear yourstudio, your home, your properties and even yourself. White sage can assist you in releasingenergies and thought forms from yourself or another that no longer serves you. You can askSage to assist you in cleansing unknown energies from a stone,or an object that you received as a gift.As you smudge repeat: “I release all energies that no longer serveme to be released from me and this space and into the divinelight. You no longer have nor hold power here. Loving andpeaceful energy is welcome and invited in now. This is my sacredspace, and anything that no longer serves me is released with thissacred smoke.”A word of caution when burning White Sage as it may trigger your smokedetector . Whilst you only need to burn but the edge of the Sage stick, it will produce aconsiderable amount of smoke, make sure this is ok in the area where you work and the peopleyou work with. If this is not possible you can consider using White Sage aromatherapy instead(see section below). Normally a White Sage stick can last you a few months if used sparingly.Make sure you use a heatproof bowl to put the sage in after it has been ignited and to collectthe ashes as it burns.MISTS AND SPRAYSSpace clearing spray and mists are becoming increasinglypopular as they are easy to use, powerful, versatile andinexpensive. You can nowadays easily find a wide varietyof space clearing mists usually made with essential oils,YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 11 OF 25
crystals, herbal tinctures and extracts, and even homeopathic remedies.They usually comewith a mantra or purpose written on them that is associated with the ingredients and methods ofuse.You can have a different array of them ready to use at your studio to clear different kindsof energies and also to set different intentions and “themes” to your class if needed.Unlikeburning White Sage or incenses this ones do not rely on burning anything so they are safe touse almost anywhere, anytime. You can spray around the area where your Yin class will takeplace right before it and also around the area where students are during the class if yourintuition guides you to clear the exact space where a particular student may be having a bigrelease or breakthrough.ESSENTIAL OILS“Props” for the mind and soul in Yin Yoga.Yin Yoga encourages the usage of props during the class to ensure that postures can be heldfor an extended period of time without injuring ourselves. Props such as pillows, bolsters,blankets etc, allow a better experience for the physical body during the pose. Essential oils andother healing tools discussed in this workshop can be considered as props for the mind and themetaphysical body as they will enhance and protect the experience created by the Yin Asana.Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers,and other parts of plants. Essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures fortheir medicinal and therapeutic benefits. They have traditionally been distilled from plants thathave been harvested by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extractcomposition and efficacy. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived fromand historically they were the bases for perfumes. Essential oils are highly concentrated and alittle goes a long way, as they are extremely concentrated and potent. Most essential oils shouldbe diluted before use and are not intended for internal use.Yin Yoga and essential oils harmonize perfectly with each other.The aroma travelsimmediately into the part of the brain that houses memory and emotions. Here the scent isprocessed, releasing neurochemicals that can be relaxing, stimulating or sedative, dependingYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 12 OF 25
on the essential oil being used. When we apply the oils topically to specific pulse points: wrists,behind the ears, the third eye, etc. we can also experience the effects on many other levelssuch as hormonal, digestive, lymphatic, etc.3 Useful Essential Oils for YogaLavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of thelavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowersof lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used formaking potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essentialoil has also been used in making perfumes. The oil is veryuseful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations andcombinations are made using lavender oil. It soothes the nervous system, assists sleep,relaxation, pain relief and inflammation. It also aids respiratory disorders (including throatinfections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis,and tonsillitis. Its colour indicates a strong affinity with the 2 higher chakras (3rd Eye and Crown)Citronella is a grass that mainly grows in some Asian countries andsome islands of the South Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aromaand thus bears the name Citronella. This oil fights depression andgives relief from anxiety, sadness, and negative feelings. It induces afresh, happy feeling and hope. It relieves spasms of the muscles,respiratory system and nervous system. It also helps to curemenstrual spasms and gives relief from symptoms such as cramps and coughs. This oil makesthe body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy and also reduces fever. Its green colour indicates astrong affinity with the heart chakra.White Sage. As explained above, White Sage has very strongspiritual and energy cleansing properties. It is among the oils withhighest resonating frequency. It’s colour White resonates with thecrown chakra and as such is a formidable tool for cleansing areasYIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 13 OF 25
and mental, emotional and spiritual blockages. When burning of white sage is not possible youcan consider using white sage essential oil.How to use:An effective way to use essential oils in a Yin Yoga class is to put 10 drops of the oil of yourchoice in a diffuser and let it burn through the duration of the class.This can be donebeforehand so the aroma is already present at the beginning of the session. New kinds ofdiffusers now work on batteries, electricity and even USB ports which makes them incrediblyversatile and handy. You can also apply 1 drop on the skin around acupressure points or areaswith pain and discomfort. Never take oils orally.INCENSESIncenses have been used for millennia as have always beenknown to have a “magical” property, which separates themfrom essential oils. Burning them increases their resonanceand as such their ability to clear denser vibrations is stronger.Incense utilizes our sense of smell to help align the Yogi andthe area in which it is burned with a desired mood andenergy. Some common uses for incense include: spell workand rituals to help raise energy, adjust the energy of the area, and/or aid the practitioner inachieving trance. In meditation incense is burned to help the Yogi achieve states of clarity,focus, and calm. Incense is often used as an aid to achieve astral projection and lucid dreaming.Historically has been used in cleansings and exorcisms to purify or sanctify an area.Incense can also help us connect into the ideas and energies it is associated with. There areliterally thousands of types of incense out there, some of which are only slight variations of eachother. Nowadays you can purchase incenses almost anywhere from temples and sanctuaries tosupermarkets. The source, manufacturing processes and chemical composition will determinethe energetic quality of the incense.YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YIN FUSION PAGE 14 OF 25
A few incenses useful in a Yin Yoga class.It’s important to note that the smoke and aroma produced by incense may not resonate witheveryone in your class, as such they are a rather personal choice and more obscure incensesmay only be appropriate for specific personal situations. The following are a few incenses thathave been traditionally used in Yoga settings and have good reputation among teachers andstudents. Make sure no one is bothered by incense and other healing tools is important in a YinYoga class.Pine incense It’s traditionally used to attracting prosperity, purifying ritual areas and newhomes, and helping "stay the course" during difficult times. Pine incense wards off evilinfluences, increase fertility, promote a vigorous old age, and cleanses a space of negativity andward off illness. Meditate with Pine can help alleviate dark moods. It is also a good choice whenwe suffer from guilt, and when we have a hard time being satisfied with our achievements.Nag Champa: Nag Champa it’s a blend, which consists mostly of Sandalwood and goodgeneral-purpose incense for spiritual matters. This includes actslike meditation and seeking spiritual enlightenment or evolution.Sandalwood is fire and water associative along with being seen asthe divine wood, and it’s also a good incense to use to purify orsanctify an area.Jasmine: Jasmine is both night and love associative. AlthoughJasmine is associated with love, it is not associated with sex orsex appeal,
Crystal bowls are made from 99.992% pure crushed quartz and heated to about 4000 degrees in a centrifugal mold. They are available in clear or frosted bowls in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6 to 24 inches in diameter. The bowls emit a powerful, pure resonance. The larger bowls
