Yoga Medicine

Yoga can play a particularly powerful role in pain care, with the capacity to address both physical and psychological aspects of pain within a supportive social framework. You'll hear these themes woven through today's conversation—between host Rachel and pain researcher and yoga teacher Jennifer Gewandter, PhD, MPH—as Jennifer shares the details of her upcoming pilot study on yoga for pain management. Jennifer outlines the biopyschosocial nature of pain, and the unpredictability of neuropathic pain in particular. She explains how nervous‑system‑informed yoga practices—paired with pain science education—can help reduce fear and build more easeful patterns of movement, and the role yoga can play in long‑term pain management. "Yoga targets your physical body, your psychological well‑being, and your social world all at once—and for pain, that combination can be powerful." — Jennifer Gewandter, PhD, MPH. — What You'll Learn: The origin of Jen's yoga for pain management pilot study [3:01]Barriers to accessing yoga for pain care [6:06]How yoga helps: through a biopyschosocial lens [12:15]Components of the pilot yoga program [16:19]Predictable sequences, trained teachers, planning for flare-ups, breath practices [27:18]The special challenge of neuropathic pain [38:27]Sharing pain science education is key [42:53]Sum up: movement & meditation, short & social [47:01] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine Nervous System & Restorative Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine Podcast Episode 15: Shifting Persistent Pain with Dr. Marnie HartmanConnect with Jennifer Gewandter, PhD, MPH: URMC — Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-164. Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, we revisit a compelling conversation between hosts Tiffany Cruikshank and Katja Bartsch on the powerful role mindset plays in shaping health outcomes. Through research on the placebo effect, they explore how beliefs about food, exercise, and wellness choices can influence not only behavior but also physiological responses. In fact, the way we think and feel about what we do may be just as important as the actions themselves. This episode offers a fresh perspective on sustainable health, emphasizing awareness, enjoyment, and a more compassionate approach to wellness. "Food really is a medicine. So, how can I feed myself to feel good rather than deprive myself to lose weight?" — Tiffany Cruikshank. — What You'll Learn: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine Episode 3: The Placebo Effect Part 2 Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-163 Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Yoga is often perceived as a recovery tool for athletes, but that barely scratches the surface of what yoga can offer active people. In this episode, hosts Tiffany and Rachel explore the many roles yoga can play in athletic cross-training. They discuss how yoga can be used to not only maintain range of motion and provide tools for nervous system recovery, but also to balance repetitive movement patterns and support overall performance. Listen in to learn how cross-training with yoga supports longevity—not just in sports, but in life. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, desk worker, recreational athlete, or parent, incorporating yoga can help you move better, recover more effectively, and continue doing the activities you love for years to come. "As humans, we want to be able to live the full expression of our lives… it really is about optimizing how we feel and function in our lives." — Tiffany Cruikshank. — What You'll Learn: • Cross training: the big picture [1:38] • How yoga can help [7:23] • Cross training and injury reduction [10.51] • Sequencing a cross training yoga practice: • Breath work, body awareness, isometrics, MFR [12:25] • Finding the right level & type of challenge [15:11] • Mobility work [16:39] • Nervous system regulation [17:45] • Active recovery [18:11] • Myriad yoga techniques to draw from [19:32] • The goals of yoga for cross training: • Maintaining mobility and ROM [21:10] • Support performance and muscular balance, provide variety [21:58] • Nervous system support, rest, and recovery [24:18] • Be flexible when teaching yoga cross training classes [26:16] • The central goal of cross training: longevity of sport and long-term functionality in life [28:30] • Key factors to keep in mind [37:28] • The Yoga Medicine Yoga for Athletes Training [41:50] — Links Mentioned: • Watch this episode on YouTube • Yoga Medicine Yoga for Athletes Teacher Training — Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-162. Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Mantra — the sacred sound of yoga — is, for many students and teachers, shrouded in mystery. In this episode, yoga teachers Dr. Rashmi Bismark and Steph Wall join host Rachel Land to unpack the myths, misconceptions, and cultural questions surrounding mantra in modern yoga practice. Together, they explore whether the practice of mantra is religious, the importance of correct pronunciation, and how teachers can introduce sacred sound into Western yoga classes without alienating students. Listen in to learn why chanting in community might be one of the most powerful nervous system anchors available. "It's not performative. It's an expression of something bigger." — Steph Wall. — What You'll Learn: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube20-hour Mantra Immersion with Yoga Medicine at the Kali Collective (Glasgow, May 29–31)Yoga Medicine Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher TrainingPodcast Episode 06: The Power of MindfulnessPodcast Episode 21: South Asian Teacher PanelPodcast Episode 72: Counter Compassion FatiguePodcast Episode 59: Explore the Dark SidePodcast Episode 94: Magic of MythologyConnect with Dr. Rashmi Bismark: Facebook | Instagram | Rashmi Bismark MD | X | YMO Guest Teacher Connect with Steph Wall: Facebook | Instagram | Kali Collective Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher

Some aspects of yoga practice feel more mysterious and opaque than others, which can make them intimidating to teach and practice. For many, Yoga Nidra is one such technique. In this short excerpt from the previous episode, Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline Wybar, Caroline shares two perceived Yoga Nidra "rules" that are well worth breaking to open up its benefits to a wider range of students. You can also join Caroline and Dr. Katja Bartsch from March 30 to dive deep into the what, why, and how of Yoga Nidra in their upcoming 20-hour Yoga Nidra Online Teacher Training. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Nidra Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 136: Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline WybarFacebook | Instagram | Caroline Wybar Yoga | YMO Guest Teacher

For years now, host Katja has been studying contraindications for foam rolling research, and today she sits down with Tiffany to discuss if new foam rolling research is reaching users in a practical way. In this episode, we discuss Katja's latest research project as well as recent findings and their implications for the yoga world. Listen in to learn which findings were most surprising and how yoga teachers can apply new foam rolling research in their classes and practice. "We are always using, not only the research...but then also pulling in our gut and our experience and what is realistically attainable." - Tiffany Cruikshank. — What You'll Learn: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeOnline Myofascial Release TrainingFacebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | YMO Guest Teacher

Yoga Teacher Training is such an involved and immersive process that many teachers forget to consider what they'll do when it ends. This final episode in our bonus 200-hour yoga teacher training series includes two short excerpts from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths with Yoga Medicine 200-hour lead teacher Dana Diament. In this episode, Dana and host Rachel share what you will -- and won't know -- after teacher training. They discuss how teaching opportunities are more widespread than ever, and how to capitalize on your unique skills and experiences to find your feet as a teacher. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-158. 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 a time of what feels like unprecedented change, the yoga landscape is shifting profoundly. It's a great opportunity for host Rachel Land to connect with other full-time yoga teachers—returning guests Caroline Wybar, Elena Cheung and Kylie Rook—to hear their thoughts. In this wide-reaching and philosophical discussion, we share what life as a teacher looks like right now, what has changed in the recent past, and what challenges and opportunities might lie ahead. Listen in to hear about online fatigue, chasing the hustle, the challenge of work-life balance, diversification for long-term sustainability, and our advice for new teachers. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeFacebookInstagramCaroline Wybar YogaYMO Guest Teacher LIVE Online Yoga Nidra Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 68: Approaches for Anxiety Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 136: Yoga Nidra InstagramElena ShapeshiftsYMO Guest TeacherThe Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online CourseYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 74: Yoga for AllYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (And How to Avoid Them)Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 153: Integrity Beyond the Metrics FacebookInstagramInto BeingYMO Guest TeacherYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 66: Beginner's Mind You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-157. 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.

Do you need teaching experience, extreme flexibility, or deep knowledge of philosophy and anatomy to get the most out of yoga teacher training? In this short clip from Episode 127: Your Teacher Training Questions Answered, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament share what they do—and just as crucially, don't—consider to be key prerequisites for yoga teacher training. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine Online 200-hour Teacher Training 2026 intake, which is open for registration right now. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 127: Your 200hr TT Questions Answered: Community Conversations with Dana Diament — Learn More: You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-156. 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.

For us to know where we are headed, it is crucial to understand where we came from and how we got here today. To that end, host Rachel Land and returning guest Firdose Moonda MA, spend today's episode discussing yoga's history, examining aspects of that history that are often overlooked. They dive into the challenge of balancing respect for the ancient traditions of yoga with the techniques that are most relevant to modern students, and debate whether teachers need to reference yoga's history in every class they teach. Listen in to learn why yoga history matters, what might be missing from your understanding of it, and what questions to ponder as we all take part in creating the yoga history of the future. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeLIVE Online The History of Yoga Teacher Training 100: Yoga, Politics & History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA114: Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MAYoga Medicine® Book ClubFirdose MoondaInstagramYMO Guest Teacher — Learn more: You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-155. 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 episode, host Rachel Land revisits topics as varied as managing our behavior during the holidays, how much to depend on technology when it comes to our health, the underestimated power of interoception, signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, common symptoms pre- peri- and post-menopause, practicing in support of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups, ADHD or recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and key challenges facing yoga teachers today. Listen in to this episode to hear some of the gems you might have missed during the year. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeEpisode 130: When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's SeriesEpisode 132: Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik, PhDEpisode 133: Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet, FRACPEpisode 134: ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily MariolaEpisode 135: Yoga as Personalized Medicine Episode 137: Funk'tional Nutrition with Erin HoltEpisode 139: Experiencing Menopause: Research RoundupEpisode 142: Female Hormones, Immune System, & Exercise: Research RoundupEpisode 144: The Power of Language: Teachers' SeriesEpisode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness SphereEpisode 147: LoveYourBrain: Expert Insights on TBI with Kyla Pearce, MPH, PhD, CBIS, E-RYT You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-154. 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.

As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success? Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture. Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube74: Yoga for All141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them)The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153. 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.

A common misconception is that all yoga teacher trainings are the same, but that's not the case. Every program varies in its style, priorities, and methods, making it crucial to do your research to ensure your teacher training is a good fit for you. In this short clip from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament discuss how different trainings vary and key things to bear in mind before you sign up. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine® Online 200HR Teacher Training 2026 intake, and a deep discount is available right now. — Show Notes: Teacher trainers vary in focus and communication style [1:50] Programs vary in their focus and assessments [4:37] Prepare to be out of your comfort zone [6:57] The satisfaction of completing yoga teacher training [10:33] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-152. 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.

When the yoga landscape is changing and trends are constantly shifting, how do we find our place as teachers? How do we balance feeling purposeful and fulfilled with making a sustainable living? This episode is for people who are new to teaching yoga, those who have been teaching for decades, and everyone in between. Hosts Tiffany and Rachel discuss four phases of teaching and the potential pitfalls and pathways of each stage. Listen in to hear what reflections and actions could take you from feeling stuck to a place where you thrive. — Show Notes: Phase 1: Starting out – just do it [2:36] Phase 2: Curious about what lights you up [9:30] Where teachers get stuck in this phase [12:44] Phase 3: Invest in your speciality [19:28] Navigating imposter syndrome [22:02] The value of teaching one-on-one [26:33] Sharing your expertise through writing [29:14] Phase 4: Staying inspired, open to self-growth and reinvention [30:57] Final takeaways [42:42] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® 200HR Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® 500HR Teacher Training You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-151. 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.

High achievers in business, sport, and life in general can benefit hugely from yoga practice. However, the very traits that lead to success in their field can bring up unique challenges when brought to the mat. Today, host Katja speaks with Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Katharina Claeys about teaching yoga to high achievers. Katharina is an educator, speaker, and consultant with a focus on building resilience and nervous system regulation, as well as women's health. Listen to this episode to learn why setting realistic expectations, being flexible in your teaching approach, and managing the moments of transition into class are so important when working with high achievers. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeOnline Burnout Resilience ProgramEpisode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere Katharina Claeys | Instagram | LinkedIn You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-150. 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.

A major barrier for many people interested in yoga teacher training is the assumption that it is only for certain kinds of people—whether that's deep and spiritual, energetic and outgoing, irresistibly charismatic, or highly skilled at yoga postures. In this short excerpt from Episode 103, Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament share that the truth is that teaching yoga is as much about holding space for students to be themselves as it is about instructing yoga poses and practices. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine Online 200-hour Teacher Training 2026 intake and a deep discount available right now. — Show Notes: Myths about who YTT is for [2:12] Find your own voice, range, and teaching style [4:12] Learning to communicate with groups, as yourself [10:10] Teaching as holding space [13:00] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-149. 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.

The holidays can bring up strong feelings. Whether you're managing travel, disruption to regular routines, over-indulgence, or deeper issues like family conflict or loss, this time of year isn't always as magical as we perhaps imagine it to be. Today, host Rachel is joined by returning guest Diane Malaspina, yoga teacher and psychologist, to share practical suggestions on how we can better self-regulate through the holiday season. In this episode, Diane stresses the importance of making time for honest reflection on our feelings regarding this season, and shares how this process prompted one key change in her own life that created more joyful holidays. Listen to this episode to learn how a mindful approach can, slowly but surely, transform your experience of the holiday season. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeLIVE Online Burnout Resilience ProgramWorking with Grief – Theory & Therapeutic Application of Yoga Online CourseInside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online CourseExploring the Niyamas through Meditation & Practice Online CourseExploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course04: Find Ease in Uncertainty31: The Power of Intention57: Drishti, the Potency of Our Focus – Research Roundup121: Yoga Sutras for Modern Life Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-148. 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 guest calls traumatic brain injury (TBI) “a silent epidemic”, describing a common yet complex injury that, for many, presents with chronic symptoms. In this episode, host Rachel Land speaks with expert guest Dr. Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs, Research & Operations for the LoveYourBrain Foundation – a national nonprofit that delivers evidence-based holistic health programs for the brain injury community. Because individual experiences of TBI vary widely, it can be a daunting thing to work with as a yoga teacher. Dr. Pearce talks about the under-appreciated importance of social support and the delicate balance of giving students agency without creating overwhelm. She also offers best practices for movement and breath work, and discusses the power of visualization. Listen in to learn how to use yoga as a healing modality for traumatic brain injuries. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeLoveYourBrain’s certification-level yoga teacher trainings, resources, and research-backed holistic health programs for TBI/concussionLoveYourBrain Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury, Level 1 & Level 2, 20-hr online training for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and people in the brain injury communityLoveYourBrain Yoga for Health Professionals, 20-hr online training for cliniciansEpisode 47: Concussion Care with Dr. Daya GrantEpisode 30: Trauma Informed Yoga with Dr. Ann BortzYoga for Concussions Online Course You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-147. 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 Katja and Tiffany introduce some recent research on an always-interesting topic: the place where hustle culture meets the wellness sphere. In this episode, we discuss how these two fields influence each other, how this relationship has shifted recently, and how yoga teachers can navigate the hustle. Listen in to learn about the origins of hustle culture, how it shows up in the wellness space today, and how yoga can help to adapt to recent challenges and changes that have been perhaps expedited by the recent pandemic. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeHustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere References Doc 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-146. 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 can be a challenge to maintain a regular yoga practice in the busyness and distraction of daily life. In this short excerpt from Episode 5, Sustainability and Yoga, Rachel and Tiffany talk about what keeps us coming back to our mats year after year. We share the most important question to ask yourself on the mat, and highlight the underrated skill of finding what you need even within a led group class. — Show Notes: Myriad areas for focus and investigation in practice [1:04] The most powerful question to ask on the mat [3:15] An underrated ability: finding something you need in a led class [5:27] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 05: Sustainability & Yoga You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-145. 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.