Yoga Medicine

What is it about yoga that makes such a significant difference in well-being for people with ADHD? Today, host Rachel invites guest Emily Mariola to help answer that question. Emily is a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist and studio owner who recently completed her 1000-hr research project on Yoga for ADHD. In this episode, Emily shares yoga practices that help those with ADHD learn to self-regulate both on and off the mat—from asana, to breath work, meditation, and use of drishti. She also encourages yoga teachers and practitioners to view disruptive behavior with more compassion. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Facebook | Instagram | Flex Yoga Wooster You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-134. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today host Rachel dives deep into Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with returning guest Dr. Nikki Tugnet FRACP. We discuss common symptoms, what distinguishes RA from other inflammatory and auto-immune conditions, the role Western medicine can play, and – most importantly – how yoga can help. Listen in to learn how yoga teachers best serve students with RA, how to sneak more mindfulness and body awareness into your classes, and the vital importance of making space for rest. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube112: Yoga & Autoimmune ConditionsA comprehensive scientific evidence-based impact of yoga in patients with rheumatoid arthritisPawanmuktasana Joint Rotation Series Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Nikki Tugnet You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-133. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today host Rachel and returning guest and Yoga Medicine Teacher Valerie Knopik PhD explore a recent research paper on the topic of interoception (Voss et al: Mind-body practices, interoception and pain: a scoping review of behavioral and neural correlates). In this episode, we discuss the many ways yoga teachers can guide students to becoming more informed inhabitants of their body, and how honing that skill of interoception seems to help manage all kinds of pain. Listen in to learn more. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37939212/Mental Health & Wellness Online TrainingYoga Medicine® Online: Interoception & Pain Research Monthly Dose15: Shifting Persistent Pain with Marnie Hartman, DPT, CSCS64: Impactful Pain Strategies49: Epigenetics, Mental Health & Yoga79: The Neuroscience of Resilience Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Yoga Medicine Online Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-132. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Female health is something we are passionate about at Yoga Medicine — exactly why we have dedicated several episodes to the topic. Today we are distilling the best tidbits of information and advice from multiple episodes into this one. — Show Notes: The female hormonal cycle, starting with menstruation [1:28] The follicular phase and ovulation [6:33] The luteal phase [14:20] Major effects of estrogen on muscle mass, strength, and recovery [18:00] The female hormone cycle: impact on athletic performance and other goals [26:06] Does our movement practice need to change during menstruation [36:07] Yoga during perimenopause and menopause [51:39] The current state of research on female health [1:03:09] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube 48: Research Roundup: Female Hormones62: Yoga During Menstruation: Yes or No?97: New Perspective on Athletic Performance in the Menstrual Cycle: Research Roundup116: Yoga for Menopause & Beyond: Community Conversations with Niamh Daly122: Estrogen Effects on Muscle: Research RoundupOnline Female Health Yoga Teacher TrainingOnline Traditional Chinese Medicine Yoga Teacher TrainingFemale Health LectureMove & Nourish SeriesPMS FlowMenses PracticePost-Menstrual PracticeSupport Ovulation You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-131. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Conversations on how to secure opportunities to teach yoga are much more common than those on when we should NOT teach, so today hosts Tiffany and Rachel explore a handful of scenarios where you may need to step back from the role of teacher—whether that is just for today or over the longer term. In this episode, we discuss whether it’s ever ok for a teacher to simply “go through the motions” and what it means to truly show up for students. We also talk about schedule sustainability and the value of teaching what is meaningful to you. Listen in to learn when yoga teachers should not teach. — Show Notes: Recognizing privilege in the choice to not work [1:54] When you’re contagious [3:01] When you can’t reliably stay in the room [5:28] When you can’t truly show up for your students [8:58] Is there a time to permanently stop teaching a person or class [18:44] Energy management and sustainable teaching schedules [21:27] Moving on when you’ve taught all you can [31:22] When ethical limits are breached [34:55] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube When Should You NOT Teach?How You Know When It’s Time to Break Up With a Class You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-130. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Usually, this podcast features seasoned yoga instructors, so today we are doing something different: exploring the perspectives of those early in the experience of holding the role of a teacher. In this episode, we connect with three guests who completed 200-hour teacher training at the end of 2023. We discuss their expectations of the training, which areas of study best prepared them for the work they hoped to do afterward, how they secured their first teaching opportunities, and what advice they would share with those considering yoga teacher training now. If you are a newer teacher yourself, or contemplating yoga teacher training, listen in to learn about the reality of yoga teacher training, as well as the joys and challenges new teachers tend to experience. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube127: Your 200HR YTT Questions Answered103: Teacher Training Myths200HR Online Teacher TrainingBecky Bruce – Instagram Suzanne Powell – Email | Union Yoga Co. You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-129. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Many of us kick off the new year ready to commit (or recommit) to a dedicated personal yoga practice. But as the days and weeks pass, this commitment can start to run out of steam. So today hosts Tiffany and Rachel share their personal practice tips as well as things that have been particularly helpful in keeping their practice going over the years. We emphasize the importance of flexibility of mind and how we can change our lens to turn needs into likes. Listen in to learn how to build a realistic personal practice that supports you. — Show Notes: Why personal practice matters, for teachers and students [3:07] What constitutes a personal practice? [12:37] Being honest with yourself about what is and isn’t yoga practice [23:19] Does frequency on the mat matter? [27:28] Should we prioritize needs or wants? [33:20] Does your personal practice have to be self-guided? [37:38] Takeaways & more tips [38:51] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube 05: Sustainability & Yoga 96: Creating Change with Alison HeiligYMO Monthly Dose: Supporting & Building your Home Practice You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-128. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

It is a new year—the perfect time to commit to a new path or project. Each year, for some, that means diving into yoga teacher training. In this episode, returning guest and lead teacher of the Yoga Medicine 200hr teacher training, Dana Diament, sits down with host Rachel Land to explore all your 200hr teacher training questions. We explain how you know if you are ready to take that journey and what to consider before signing up. We also unpack the realities of fitting the training schedule into your life and what hurdles you can face transitioning to teaching afterward. Listen to this episode to learn if yoga teacher training is right for you, and to hear about the upcoming Yoga Medicine 200hr Online Teacher Training, kicking off between February and June. — Show Notes: How do I know I’m ready? [2:10] Do I have to want to teach? [7:48] Which yoga teacher training should I choose? [11:09] In-person locally, retreat/ immersion format, or online? [14:14] Considering the style of yoga [23:43] Is Yoga Alliance registration important? [29:18] Recap: considerations discussed so far [31:32] Prerequisites for YTT: your own practice [32:42] Prerequisites for YTT: sufficient time [35:20] Prerequisites for YTT: passion for learning [36:57] Things that aren’t required before YTT [39:58] How should I prepare? [41:02] Will I be ready to teach right after YTT? [45:36] Will I be taught to craft my own sequences? [47:28] Recap: major takeaways [54:15] Yoga Medicine 200hr Teacher Training for 2025 (& early bird rate!) [56:39] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine® 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Other podcast episodes:Episode 103 Teacher Training Myths Episode 56 Controversial Yoga Cues Episode 71 More Controversial Yoga Cues You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-127. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

In this special best-of episode for 2024, we feature clips from some of our favorite episodes, highlight common threads that weave different guests and topics together, and feature some of the gems you might have missed during the year. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://yogamedicine.com/podcast/ You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-126. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Change is constant and inevitable, but the sheer speed of recent changes in the yoga world leaves many of us confused about what it actually looks like and means to be a yoga teacher right now. Today hosts Rachel and Tiffany look back over the massive changes that have occurred in the yoga world over the past few decades, and what they might signal for the years ahead. We debate the pros and cons of boom times, the rise of social media, and the ever-evolving needs of students. Listen to this episode to learn how yoga teachers can continue to adapt to better serve our communities. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Listen to Episode 82: Building a Healthy Relationship with Social MediaListen to Episode 5: Sustainability & Yoga You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-125. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Despite several years of upheaval and uncertainty, grassroots yoga studios are still the beating heart of many communities world-wide, so today Rachel hosts a panel of yoga studio owners to discuss the current state of studio life across the globe. In this episode, we explore what has changed over the past few years, what studios are struggling with today, and what seems to be working well. Common themes emerge around the difficulty of finding a class schedule and pricing strategy that work for everyone, maximizing teacher fulfillment and consistency, balancing regular classes with special events, and building lasting relationships with the wider community. Listen in to this episode to hear what has changed in yoga studios since the pandemic, and what to look forward to in the future. Things don’t have to be the way they were before. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeConnect with the yoga studio owners: Anne Eberhardt Instagram | Facebook | Bubble Yoga Ashley Gudknecht Instagram | Facebook | Gud Yoga Dana Diament Instagram | Facebook | Lennox Yoga Lisa Hamre Instagram | Facebook | My Yoga Room Rachel Workman: Instagram | Facebook | Longview Yoga Wellness Shannon Stephens Instagram | Facebook | This Land Yoga You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-124. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today’s topic is one of our favorites. Hosts Tiffany and Rachel dive deep into sequencing to unpack common pitfalls for yoga teachers and how they can be avoided. Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? How can we choose a class focal point or theme that resonates with students? Are we teaching from a place of thinking rather than feeling? In this episode, we talk about the most important aspects of sequencing, what to add to or trim out of your class, and how to shorten or elongate students’ perception of time. Listen in to learn how to create a balanced and intention-based yoga class sequence. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeSequencing with Purpose Online Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 95: Smarter Not Harder: Creative Sequencing5 Most Common Sequencing Mistakes That (Even Experienced) Yoga Teachers MakeYoga Teachers: Here’s How to Get 5 Completely Different Classes Out of the Same Exact Sequence of Poses You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-123. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today hosts Tiffany and Katja discuss recent research on estrogen’s effects on muscle. This is a hot topic at the moment, so in this episode, we share the importance of understanding the background of our hormones and the effect of estrogen on areas like muscle mass, neuromuscular activation, and recovery. Listen in to learn how the effects of estrogen are being studied in research and the different ways that estrogen impacts our muscular tissues. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeTraditional Chinese Medicine Yoga Teacher TrainingFemale Health Yoga Teacher TrainingTraditional Chinese Medicine + Female Health Yoga Teacher Training | Tulum, Mexico – March 23-30, 2025Yoga for Athletes Yoga Teacher Training Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-122. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

We all know that yoga is much more than a physical practice; it is underpinned by a framework of philosophy that is centuries old. But as a yoga teacher, you may or may not have incorporated this theoretical understanding into daily action - or helped your students do so. So today we talk about the practical application of some key yoga sutras with returning guest Diane Malaspina PhD. In this episode, Diane helps host Rachel appreciate how three of Patanjali's sutras apply to the challenges we face in daily modern life. Listen in as we discuss the balancing act we must manage to realize any important long term goals, and how self-compassion can be a powerful tool for connection. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeInside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online CourseExploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online CourseJoin Diane LIVE & IN-PERSON for the Yoga Medicine® Resilience Retreat from Nov 2nd – 3rd in Santa Rosa, CAKristin Neff, Self Compassion Journaling04: Find Ease in Uncertainty31: The Power of Intention57: Drishti, the Potency of Our Focus – Research Roundup Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-121. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today hosts Tiffany and Rachel talk about the all-too-common complaint of neck pain and its hidden contributors. We discuss local sources of neck tension, explain the importance of the thoracic spine and shoulder complex, and dive into more subtle influences like posture, the nervous system, and even breath mechanics. Listen in to learn a well-rounded approach for generalized neck pain relief. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeSpine Anatomy, Dysfunction & ApplicationShoulder Anatomy, Dysfunction & ApplicationMyofascial ReleaseNervous System & RestorativePranayamaNeck FixRegulate Neck PainNeck Resilience, Isometrics & HeadstandFast-Track to ZenNeck, Shoulder & Upper-Back FavoritesMobilize Your Shoulders, Release Your NeckSpine Series 3: Head & Neck Awareness You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-120. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

We all deserve to feel good in our bodies, but when we have negative perceptions of how our body looks, feels, or functions that experience can seem impossible. Today host Rachel talks with returning guest Alison Heilig about the sometimes sneaky ways body image manifests in yoga. In this episode, we discuss how body image forms and the different ways negative body image can show up - including the perpetual optimization of health and demonization of the aging process. We also touch on implications for gender conformity and advocate normalizing diversity in ability and appearance in yoga classes. We share our tips on how yoga teachers can provide positive embodiment experiences, ensuring that body image isn’t what stops our students practicing. Listen in as we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of body image. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube32: Yoga for Athletes96: Creating Change116: Yoga for Menopause & BeyondAre the Poses You Hate The Ones You Need Most?The One Cue I Never Use When I TeachYoga for Athletes Teacher Training Facebook | Instagram | Alison Heilig | Yoga Medicine Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-119. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Today hosts Tiffany and Katja dive into the common misconceptions around breath work and Pranayama. Is breathwork really the new Pranayama? Is deep breathing indeed always better? Does breathwork really need to be intense to work? In this episode, we unpack these and other common misconceptions about Pranayama and breathwork. Listen in to find ways to feel better in your life through a better understanding of Pranayama. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubePranayama Yoga Teacher Training85: Research Roundup: A Stroll Through the Breathwork Landscape87: The Science of Breathing Less: Research Roundup Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-118. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Ahimsa or non-harming is a central value of yoga philosophy, but looking at the world around us it’s all too easy to find examples of systemic suffering that seem impossible to solve. Today’s episode tackles one such issue; gender-based violence and sex trafficking. Host Rachel speaks with Sarah Symons, founder of international non-profit Her Future Coalition which has been working since 2005 to ensure that survivors of trafficking have what they need to remain free, safe and independent. As well as sharing her own story, Sarah gives tips for those wanting to get involved in this or any other service work, including the importance of starting with a single step, listening to those who are closest to the issue, making mistakes and learning from them, and focusing your energy on the positives. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube37: Yoga as Service with Amanda CunninghamYoga Medicine® Seva Foundation Facebook | Instagram | Her Future Coalition | TEDx You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-117. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Perhaps you’ve heard that menopause is having a moment. But while menopause is more present in the media, there’s still a lack of balanced, nuanced, and honest information around this stage of life. In this episode, host Rachel talks with yoga and Pilates teacher and teacher-trainer Niamh Daly about her passion project: yoga for the late reproductive stage, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We discuss the lesser-known physical and mental implications of this menopause, and how we can fine-tune our yoga practice to support our changing needs. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeFemale Health Yoga Teacher Training63: Yoga & Osteoporosis with Michaela Smith91: Balance Myths Busted with Sava Papos Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Yinstinct Yoga You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-116. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Any potent practice carries the potential for adverse effects, and yoga - while comparatively gentle - is no exception. Yin yoga seems to generate especially polarized views, so today hosts Tiffany and Rachel unpack its common cautions and contraindications. Listen in as we explore who Yin yoga is best for versus who might invest their time elsewhere, and share our tips on how we can all approach this nourishing practice to minimize risks and maximize benefits. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYin & Meditation Teacher Training IN-PERSON in Colorado October 13-20 2024Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training OnlineYMO Balanced Function for Flexible Folks SeriesYMO Tutorial: Practicing with Osteoporosis You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-115. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.