YIN YOGA AND FASCIA TEACHER TRAINING (100h)
​with Liina Tael & Valerie Hartwich
FEBRUARY - JUNE 2023
combination of ONLINE & IN PERSON RETREAT


Are you seeking a solid, practical, well-rounded understanding of yin yoga,
whether to deepen your practice or teaching?

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This training offers a holistic understanding of anatomy and physiology, 
giving participants effective and science-based tools for wellbeing within a yin context. 
​It also helps develop a comprehensive and realistic perspective of what yin can mean, on and off the mat. ​
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We have two prerequisites for participation:
  • a commitment to self-study before and between modules
  • previous anatomy training (within the framework of movement modalities such as yoga/dance/Feldenkrais/Axis Syllabus/BMC, or body work such as physiotherapy/shiatsu/massage/osteopathy). The training requires foundational knowledge of the main muscle groups, the skeleton, and basic movement vocabulary, which are commonly covered in the types of training mentioned above.  

​This training will give you a comprehensive knowledge of yin through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), functional movement, as well as fascia and somatic yoga, so you can find your own yin path in a safe and meaningful way. Last but not least, this training integrates contemplative self-inquiry work to help refine what the practice means for you, how it can enrich your daily life, and how you want to share it with the world. Through lectures, pre-recorded tutorials, experimentation in your body, practice sessions, in-depth posture labs and homework for self-inquiry, you will explore the wholesome effect this potent practice has on the body, mind and spirit.
The last module of the training will be an in-person immersion held at retreat house in a lush Odenwald forest. The long weekend together will serve as container for integration as we weave together all the threads from the previous modules, the self-study and homework.  

TRAINING DATES FOR 2023:

February 23 - 26  in-person in Berlin
​(non residential at Vea Studio, Naunynstraße 38 ) 
March 24 - 26 online 
April 21 - 23  online
June 8 - 11  in-person immersion in Odenwald
(residential retreat at Yellow Yoga retreat-house "Gebhardshütte")


Each training weekend consists of daily yin yoga practices, lectures, interactive embodiment exercises/inquiries, group work, discussions and homework assignments. Your further journey into practicing and teaching yin yoga will be supported by a comprehensive 100 page manual, pre-recorded tutorials to be viewed before each module and suggestions for further reading materials and resources. The 100-hour training consists of

  • 80 hours live sessions via streaming and in person 
  • 20 hours of homework assignments and self-study between the sessions 

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TOPICS COVERED DURING THE TRAINING MODULES: 


Yin yoga according to Western Anatomy
(Functional approach to yoga)​

  • The principles of Yin yoga
  • Tension versus compression
  • Sensation based alignment, functional approach, skeletal variation
  • The science behind Yin yoga
  • How to teach the core Yin postures safely, offer variations and use props

​You will get a solid foundation and understanding of the anatomy of yin poses via functional approach to yoga (Paul Grilley method) by introducing the 7 archetypal pose families and learning about target areas. You'll understand skeletal restrictions and anatomical aspects of each pose and will learn how to adapt and use variations and props to make the practice suit different bodies.



Yin yoga, subtle body, myofascial meridians and introduction to Chinese Medicine
(with a Chinese Medicine specialist
​and acupuncturist as a guest lecturer)  
  • Taoist philosophy and yin-yang theory
  • 5 element theory
  • 3 treasures of Taoism (Qi, Jing, Shen)
  • Myofascial Meridians
  • The organs, energy channels and their connection to yin yoga practice​
  • Connecting meridian theory with science-based fascia knowledge
Introduction to the vast field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bringing a concise guide of the connections between TCM, fascia and yin yoga. You will discover how Taoist philosophy can enrich and inform your own practice, your teaching and your general comprehension of health and balanced living. 


Yin yoga, fascia and somatics
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  • Understanding the centrality of fascia for yin 
  • Supporting healthy fascia 
  • Understanding what yin and somatics offer the fascia 
  • Fascia lines and related poses/movements 
  • Sequencing with a fascia focus 


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​Throughout the training we explore the nature and importance of fascia in the body, and what a fascia approach has to offer the yin practice, and vice versa. Understanding fascia is pivotal in any type of health, yoga or movement related education, because it helps you grasp how everyday movements and habits shape the body from the inside, and how to use this knowledge to create impactful sequences. This approach also brings understanding of what we  feel during a pose and how to find the healthy 'edge' that supports the tissues, as well as how to deal with chronic pain and support healing. 
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Yin yoga & self-inquiry

  • The practical tools of yin for everyday challenges 
  • Creating mini yin/somatic sequences for daily life, for your own well-being and that of your students 
  • Psychosomatics and yin 
  • The role of the nervous system in healing, learning and implementing change ​

This YTT approaches yin yoga as a contemplative practice that can support us off the mat, by bringing together self-inquiry and sensory awareness. You’ll explore in theory and practice yin as a tool for self-awareness that helps activate your capacity for self-healing and agency on and off the mat. 



​Teaching yin yoga

  • Sequencing based on anatomy, meridian theory and fascial lines 
  • Holding space, using voice, cueing and language to effectively guide students 
  • Opportunities to practice teaching 
  • Basic self-care for yoga teachers 

This module focuses on the practical skills needed to teach yin yoga effectively and authentically, in a way that sustains both teacher and students. You will look at what it means to hold space, how to develop your voice and vocabulary, and how to care for yourself when you teach. And of course you will teach one another to get practice and understanding of what that means practically. 
The first and the last modules are held IN-PERSON: 
​
FEBRUARY 23 - 26 in Berlin
Vea Studio, Naunynstraße 38 
​Non-residential: anyone attending from outside Berlin is responsible for organising their own accommodation.  

Lecture sessions will be recorded but not livestreamed, in-person attendance is needed to commence the training. 
SESSION TIMES MODULE 1 (FEB 23-26): 
Thursday 2pm - 5pm  
Friday 1pm - 5:30pm 
Saturday 2pm - 8pm 
Sunday 10am - 4:30pm 
IN-PERSON MODULE 1 at VEA STUDIO in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Community building is a core value for Liina and Valerie, therefore the initiation into the Yin and Fascia training will be in person, where we begin to cultivate the fertile soil for learning, practicing, sharing and growing together. 
JUNE 8- 11  in Odenwald (5,5h by train from Berlin) 
Yellow Yoga retreat center "Gebhardshütte" 
Residential integration and immersion retreat: food and accommodation provided. 

No recordings and no livestreams, in-person attendance is needed to complete the training. 
MODULE 4 (JUNE 8- 11) :
Arrival Thursday evening - departure Sunday at noon. 
Destination station: Hetzbach Beerfelden Bahnhof
Closest airport: Frankfurt Airport
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MODULE 4 - IMMERSION RETREAT at 
Yellow Yoga retreat center "Gebhardshütte" 
The purpose of the last module is to integrate the knowledge learnt so far, to practice teaching with each other, and to explore what teaching yin means beside sequences, and how to share your unique voice, confidently and with ease. The retreat setting will allow abundant space and time to work together, individually and in smaller groups, but also to spend time in nature and to share meals and time together between the sessions.  ​

​MODULES 2 & 3 are held ONLINE via ZOOM 
March 24 - 26 & April 21 - 23
All sessions Livestreamed & recorded
SESSION TIMES: 
Friday 8pm - 9:30pm
Saturday 1:30pm - 7pm
Sunday 9:30pm - 5pm 
Liina Tael and Valerie Hartwich are Berlin based teachers dedicated to yoga as a practice of inquiry to grow meaning and greater passion for life, as well as deeper understanding of self and others. Their approach is shaped by their combined background in yoga, psychology and sociology, bodywork and traditional Chinese Medicine in connection to Yin yoga.
Liina: Bachelor in Economics
Trained in Swedish and Deep tissue massage, myofacial release, Reiki 1 & 2, Thai massage
Yoga: early influencers John Ogilvie, Maria Kirsten, Judy Krupp (Byron Bay Yoga Center), Clive Sheridan (Asana, Yoga philosophy, meditation), Emil Wendel (Yoga Philosophy and pranayama). First yin training in 2011 with Sarah Powers, since 2014 training and collaborating annually with Sebastian Pucelle and Murielle Burellier (Paul Grilley lineage), Paul Grilley (online - anatomy, chakra theory and meditation), Jennifer O'Sullivan (Taoism and Yin yoga, online), Judith H. Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Experiential Anatomy). Currently studying online with Mollie McClelland (Embodied Anatomy), part of a mentoring program for yoga teachers with Catlin Casella. Early meditation background in Vipassana (Goenka), currently following the teaching of Adyashanti, Michael Stone, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Loch Kelly, John J. Prendergast. And lastly my mentor in living with cycle awareness Ruby May.
Besides yoga, meditation and pranayama my path has been strongly shaped by conscious dance (5 rhythms, Soul Motion, Open Floor).
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Valerie: Bachelor in psychology, masters in Sociology and political philosophy. 
Trained in Deep tissue massage, Reiki 1, Myofascial release, Lymphatic drainage, Holistic massage. 
Yoga trained by Mollie McClelland, Gayle Poapst, David Emerson (Trauma CenterTrauma Sensitive Yoga), Daniela Meinl (Integral Fascia Yoga). Inspired and mentored by Naomi Absalom, Sianna Sherman, Tias Little, Raphan Kebe and Tatjana Mesar (Dynamic Mindfulness by Zen Yoga)
I also draw my inspiration from Feldenkrais, shamanic practices linked to movement for trauma release and holotropic breathwork.



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​If you want to join their in person or online classes before committing to the training, here are links to their teaching schedules: Liina  and Valerie. 

TRAINING FEE:​

We aim to offer an inclusive, affordable training that fosters a sense of reciprocity, belonging and co-creation.
Our training is like the community of a permaculture garden, in which plants grow stronger and more resilient by being paired with companion plants. Healthy, thriving and generous environments celebrate diversity, reciprocity and the development of collective strength through the celebration of different skill qualities, capacities and needs.
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In this spirit we offer payment options along a sliding scale based on individual income. In this system, those who have stabler, more comfortable financial situations support those who wish to grow, but have more restrictive means. This helps make the training more accessible and inclusive.
​

TRAINING FEE: 
  • Tier 1- Community Support - Seed: 1000€ (limited to 3 spots) -  for anyone facing financial challenges, but committed to grow their teaching or practice.
  • Tier 2 - Community Sustainer - Soil: 1250€  - for average income, and represents the actual costs of the training. 
  • Tier 3 - Community Supporter - Fertilizer 1500€  - for those who are financially well resourced and therefore able to support the true value of this work while making the course available at a reduced price.  ​

The training fee can be paid in instalments 
​& includes:

  • downloadable recordings of lectures for Modules 1,2,3
  • 100 page manual (in pdf format)
  • ​pre-recorded tutorials 
  • list of recommended resources for further study
  • ​​VAT​​
RETREAT FEE: 
Depending on the accommodation type, the retreat fee is: 

185€ - tent (shared bathroom) 
205€ - 4-bedroom (shared bathroom)
220€ - 3- bedroom with balcony and bathroom
235€ - double room with a sink (shared bathroom)
280€  - single room with a sink (shared bathroom)

+80€ for a discounted ICE group train ticket from Berlin (optional) 

​The retreat fee includes accommodation and all meals during the immersion retreat. 
FOR REGISTRATION AND QUESTIONS: 
e-mail Liina at liina.tael@gmail.com

TESTIMONIALS
I'm so glad that I did the yin yoga teacher training with Liina Tael and Valerie Hartwich. I had high expectations of this course - and it was even better than I expected! Both of them have a deep understanding of the key physical & spiritual aspects of the yin practice - and they're very passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Their careful guidance created a really special atmosphere within the group and allowed everyone to learn and share and grow together.
Each person in the group was allowed and encouraged to explore and develop their own style of teaching, and there was a lot of focus placed on personal experiences and feelings. I learned so much - as a yoga practitioner, a teacher and a person. Thank you, Liina & Valerie!
    Marisa
You two planted a wonderful yin yoga seed in my garden and I find it super funny that I chose the yy tt even though I did not have a lot of yin yoga experience before! :D But I think, that might exactly have been what my (un)conscious was looking for...
     Barbara
​I truly enjoyed this course. I entered a realm of learning I had never previously explored and it was truly transformative. The techniques we learnt have profoundly informed my practice in general and the amount of deeply-set tension I have resolved is truly astonishing. Thank you Liina and Valerie!
    Anastasia

The Yin And Fascia TT with Liina and Valérie is so special thanks to their two personalities, and to their distinct but deeply complementary backgrounds and approaches to Yin. Apart from their rich, dense and generous inputs and knowledge, a big highlight of this training was the group dynamic and the space that was given to honest exchanges and common reflections. It was all a deeply nourishing human experience and I wish it'd go on for many more months.
     Léa 
The yin training offered from Liina and Valerie was a wonderful experience and enrichment not only for yoga but for all the areas in life. Authenticity and care, lots of input, inspiration, knowledge, experience... I am grateful I have been a part of it, and thank you again for being so flexible and also letting space for the student to express himself.
    Fanny
Liina and Valerie's training changed the way I practice yoga. I would recommend it to everyone who's interested in deepening their practice and making it more personal, whether they are a yoga teacher or not.
     Raphaelle