Yoga Medicine

How we phrase things is so important, especially in a personal, experiential practice like yoga. Today, hosts Rachel and Tiffany talk about the power of the language we use when teaching. What does it mean to use open and invitational language versus commanding? How can our words help students to feel strong and resilient instead of fearful on the mat? What problems can arise for students when we offer pose options as a hierarchy? Listen in to learn how to tailor your language with more skill and discernment and cultivate an environment in which your students flourish. — Show Notes: Why is language important when teaching yoga? [0:47] The delicate balance of invitational versus commanding language [3:43] Nocebic or fear-based language [14:47] Hierarchical language versus open options [28:34] Body-positive language [36:53] Gendered language [40:18] Using technical terms judiciously [42:42] Changing default language takes time and practice [45:16] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® 200HR Teacher Training Program You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-144. 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.

Welcome to our new series of “Shorts”—gems from previous podcast conversations that deserve a second look (or listen). This excerpt is drawn from episode 54: Love Those Hips! All About the Hip Labrum. In discussing yoga practices to embrace and avoid during hip labrum injury, hosts Tiffany and Rachel also highlighted how all of us can strengthen, support, and mobilize these crucial joints to maximize their capacity over the long term. They also explored a repeated theme on this podcast: the power of curiosity and how our practice can act as an individual invitation to find the challenges we need to thrive. — Show Notes: Biomechanics patterns that can contribute to hip issues [1:22] The challenge of balancing 3D mobility and strength [4:00] Commonly neglected: active control in hip rotation, eccentric hip flexor work [5:51] A caution: loaded internal rotation [10:53] The power of practice as individual investigation [13:59] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 54: All About the Hip LabrumOnline Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher TrainingIn-Person Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training“All About the Hips” Playlist“Hip Health Series 4: MFR 360 Degrees of the Hips” YMO class You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-143. 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 current research on female hormones, the immune system, and exercise. Both the female hormones as well as the immune function are intricate systems – bringing them together adds even more complexity! In this episode, we try to boil down the immune system and inflammatory response and explore recent research that sheds light on the relationship between the menstrual cycle, immune responses and exercise. We also discuss the nuances of inflammatory processes, individualised responses, and potential implications for peri- and post-menopause. Listen in as we talk about the influence of female hormones on immune processes and share why inner wisdom is an important part of understanding our bodies better. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeFemale Hormones & Immune System References DocFemale Health Yoga Teacher TrainingMenopause 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-142. 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.

Teaching private yoga can be enormously fulfilling, but it also has the potential to create a whole new set of challenges for teachers. In this episode, host Rachel Land speaks with returning guest Elena Cheung about the pitfalls of private yoga sessions and some potential ways to avoid them. We discuss how to set student expectations early, manage anxiety regarding that first session, and offer tips on setting boundaries, taking payment, and setting cancellation policies. Listen in to learn how to navigate the pitfalls of private yoga like a pro, and find your niche. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeEpisode 109: Teaching Yoga One-on-OneEpisode 74: Yoga for AllThe Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-141. 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 dive into the muddy waters of hands-on assists. We discuss their complicated history, the different types of hands-on assists, and debate their pros and cons. We also talk about the importance of clear communication and consent, and alternatives you could employ instead. Listen in to hear how truly game-changing assists might be the ones that students find their way to on their own. — Show Notes: Differing attitudes toward hands-on assists over time [1:11] The case for hands-on assists, different types, asking for consent [4:13] Can a teacher know how a student feels by looking at them? [10:57] The same assists don’t work for every teacher [15:12] The case against hands-on assists [16:19] Potential for injury [18:27] Overriding students’ body autonomy [22:03] Alternatives to hands-on assists: language, demonstrations [26:53] Is touch within a yoga teacher’s scope of practice? [29:51] Physical adjustment might disrupt students’ internal experience [31:27] Final takeaways [36:13] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-140. 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.

There are still plenty of questions about the experience of the transitional phases of our lives. Today, hosts Tiffany and Katja discuss recent research that seeks to shed light on the menopausal transition. Experience of menopause is highly variable from person to person, so in this episode, we explore common symptom clusters identified in the research as well as the phenomenon of “not feeling like myself” in perimenopause. We also talk about how midlife can pose a challenge to one’s self-image and discuss how fatigue and emotional volatility may impact a woman’s day-to-day in this phase of life. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeMenopause 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-139. 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 episode dives into the vital topic of yoga during pregnancy and beyond. Host Rachel connects with Allie Geer, a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist and Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapist whose specialties include pre- and post-natal yoga. In this episode, we discuss what it looks like to create space for both mother and baby in yoga classes, plus the impact of changes in circulation, centre of gravity, and soft tissue laxity. Listen in to learn what to keep in mind when practicing yoga during and after pregnancy, the vital importance of community, and how teachers can help pregnant and postpartum students feel welcome and supported in class. — Show Notes: Practicing group yoga classes while pregnant [3:50] A key question: is this creating space for me and baby? [5:22] How to recruit extra support from props, walls, or teacher [6:47] Heated & fast-moving flows [8:25] Centre of gravity changes and standing balance [10:45] Relaxin and increased ligamentous flexibility [11:27] Lying on your back; implications for the vena cava [16:01] The importance of community [21:06] Breath work, bandhas, and upper body strength [24:51] Yoga postpartum [29:56] Planning a dedicated postpartum class [34:42] Practicing group classes postpartum [40:04] Working with diastasis recti; favorite deep core practices [42:17] Final takeaways and resources [47:30] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubePrenatal Myofascial Release Online CourseYoga Medicine® Online classes Instagram | Allie Geer Flow | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-138. 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.

An estimated 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disorder, and women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Yet diagnosis and treatment can be challenging when taking a solely Western medical approach. Today’s guest is The Functional Nutritionist, Erin Holt. She has dedicated her life to helping those with autoimmune disorders find their way back to full health, taking a research-based whole-person approach. In this episode, we discuss the major triggers of autoimmune disorders and the current limitations of Western medicine. Listen to learn the key role a multi-disciplinary team can play, and the power of food as medicine. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeHear Tiffany on The Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 112: Yoga & Autoimmune Conditions Connect with Erin Holt, integrative nutritionist: Facebook | Instagram | The Funk’tional Nutritionist You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-137. 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.

Most of us have heard of, and even practiced, Yoga Nidra. But it holds a certain mystique that means we might not know as much about it as we think. Today, host Rachel dives into this topic with returning guest and 1000-hr Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Caroline Wybar. Caroline unpacks some of the misconceptions around Yoga Nidra and offers her tips for both students and teachers of this guided relaxation practice. Listen in for more on Caroline’s upcoming Online Yoga Nidra Teacher Training, to learn about relaxation-induced anxiety and hear tips for staying awake during Yoga Nidra… if you want to! — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTubeYoga Nidra Teacher TrainingYoga Medicine Podcast Episode 68: Approaches to Anxietyhttps://www.theluminescent.org/2015/01/yoganidra.html Facebook | Instagram | Caroline Wybar Yoga | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-136. 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 both yoga teachers and practitioners, it is important to understand how to take general instruction and use it to cater to your personal needs. In this episode, hosts Tiffany and Katja talk about recent research on personalized medicine and training, discuss how wearables and data collection play into individualized training programs, and relate current research findings to personalized yoga approaches. Listen to this episode to learn about the history and trends of individualised medicine and training, how to know which data to collect, why body awareness is important in individualisation, and how to take this perspective into account in a group class. — Show Notes: — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube 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-135. 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.

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.