Yoga Medicine
This show was created to educate and empower yoga students and teachers to use yoga therapeutically to optimize experiences, communities and resilience. Our methods are based on a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and the integration of modern science and research with traditional practices and experience. We believe research is just as precious as experience and we believe in the human potential for change and greatness. Our goal is to help you learn the owners manual of your unique body/mind and so we offer this as a free resource to anyone interested in optimizing their health and wellbeing. SUBSCRIBE TO YOGA MEDICINE ON iTUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3aWW3XO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://YogaMedicine.com ——————————— CONNECT WITH US! ——————————— FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyCruikshankYoga INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/yoga_medicine TWITTER: https://twitter.com/yoga_medicine LINKEDIN: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/yoga-medicine PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/tiffanyyoga
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137 Funk'tional Nutrition: Expert Insights with Erin Holt
06/05/2025
137 Funk'tional Nutrition: Expert Insights with Erin Holt
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: Erin’s personal experience with autoimmune disorder [2:29] Theories on why women are more affected by autoimmune disorders [5:01] Different autoimmune conditions and potential for remission [7:28] Six major triggers of immune disregulation [16:06] Holistic approach to health: working with a multi-disciplinary team [22:00] Three phases of autoimmune disorder [25:43] Key signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder [27:32] Challenges with the Western medical approach [34:46] After autoimmune diagnosis: a whole-person approach [39:00] Nutritional support for autoimmune disorder: where to start [44:57] The Wahlz Protocol [47:08] Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy [49:05] Food sensitivity testing vs elimination diets [50:05] Final takeaways and resources from Erin [53:21] — Links Mentioned: Hear Tiffany on Connect with Erin Holt, integrative nutritionist: | | You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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136 Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline Wybar
05/22/2025
136 Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline Wybar
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: Is Yoga Nidra an ancient practice? [2:58] Does “authentic” Yoga Nidra require a set sequence of techniques? [8:13] Can Yoga Nidra replace sleep? [12:09] Must Yoga Nidra be done in Savasana? [14:59] Can Yoga Nidra cultivate Delta brain waves? [17:06] Yoga Nidra frees us from the pressures of time [20:47] How Caroline found her way to Yoga Nidra [28:03] Challenges for Yoga Nidra students [34:34] Who is Yoga Nidra for, and not for? [38:31] Teaching Yoga Nidra: script or no script? [42:06] Teaching Yoga Nidra: leaving space for silence [49:03] Upcoming Yoga Medicine Yoga Nidra training live online [50:32] — Links Mentioned: Birch, J., & Hargreaves, J. (2015). Yoganidrā: an understanding of the history and context. The Luminescent. Connect with Caroline Wybar: | | | You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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135 Yoga as Personalized Medicine?!: Research Roundup
05/08/2025
135 Yoga as Personalized Medicine?!: Research Roundup
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: What is the history of personalized medicine, training, and yoga [2:04] Factors to consider [8:31] Tracking and evaluating data [12:12] Current research and potential downsides [20:37] How to individualize a group class [35:32] Recap [37:49] — Links Mentioned: Connect with Katja Bartsch: | | | You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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134 ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily Mariola
04/24/2025
134 ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily Mariola
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: Describing ADHD, its challenges and opportunities [4:22] How Emily’s thesis project came about [10:56] Yoga practices for ADHD [16:49] Sun salutations: discipline & patterned behavior [21:52] Suggestions when struggling with stillness [25:31] Fixed gaze: focus & impulse control [31:14] Yoga for emotional regulation [33:27] Breath work for regulation, and a cue to internal state [38:34] Recognizing ADHD behaviors with compassion [44:23] Key outcomes of Emily’s research project [49:45] Final takeaways [54:37] — Links Mentioned: Connect with Emily Mariola: | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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133 Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr Nikki Tugnet FRACP
04/10/2025
133 Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr Nikki Tugnet FRACP
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: The background on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [2:22] Common symptoms [10:50] Uncontrolled RA versus remission [14:32] Western medical interventions [16:00] How yoga can help: stress release [19:28] How yoga can help: breath work & visualization [26:01] How yoga can help: meditation [28:27] Managing flareups [29:47] How yoga can help: easing morning stiffness [36:28] How yoga can help: standing, seated & floor options for asana [41:01] Guiding students to be more willing to rest [43:26] A general class flow for RA [48:38] Challenges of working with RA [50:51] Final takeaways [52:50] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Dr. Nikki Tugnet: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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132 Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik PhD
03/27/2025
132 Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik PhD
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: Overview of the scoping review paper [5:02] Limitations of the study [9:36] Defining interception [13:11] Challenges of studying yoga interventions [16:45] Interesting takeaways: interoception as a trainable skill [20:02] Yoga tools help pain management (whether used deliberately or not) [29:06] Guiding students in the experience of being their bodies [38:19] Other takeaways [40:59] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Mind-body practices, interoception and pain: a scoping review of behavioral and neural correlates, Voss et al: Yoga Medicine® Podcast: Previous episodes on Pain Science: Previous episodes with Valerie Knopik PhD: Connect with Valerie Knopik: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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131 Female Health Gems
03/13/2025
131 Female Health Gems
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: Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Yoga Medicine® Online Videos: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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130 When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's Series
02/27/2025
130 When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's Series
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: Yoga Journal articles: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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129 New Teacher Panel: Community Conversations
02/13/2025
129 New Teacher Panel: Community Conversations
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: Is teacher training only for people who want to teach [3:05] Hopes and expectations prior to teacher training [6:23] Most and least enjoyed areas of study [10:24] What did you feel most and least prepared for after teacher training [14:26] Challenges that arise for new teachers [18:42] How to find the first opportunities to teach [21:36] Next steps, including how to know you’re ready for ongoing study [26:36] Advice for future yoga teachers [30:34] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with today’s guests: Becky Bruce – Suzanne Powell – | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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128 Personal Practice Tips
01/30/2025
128 Personal Practice Tips
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: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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127 Your 200hr TT Questions Answered: Community Conversations with Dana Diament
01/16/2025
127 Your 200hr TT Questions Answered: Community Conversations with Dana Diament
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: Other podcast episodes: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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126 Best of 2024
01/02/2025
126 Best of 2024
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: Fascia science behind the benefits of movement [1:17] Reframing tension: moderation over extremes [4:03] How yoga helps regulate the nervous system [7:12] Are we handling stress as well as we think? [9:38] Safe practice spaces as a refuge from overwhelm [12:21] The causes, components, and symptoms of burnout [14:11] Perpetual optimization of physical health at the expense of mental health [16:29] The “new stigma” of menopause [22:07] Yoga as self-discovery for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence [26:49] Body awareness and self-agency for persistent pain care [31:15] How yoga teachers help keep students “safe” [35:46] Is there one perfect breath rhythm or duration? [38:33] Answering student questions [42:22] Human complexity; we are more than machines [44:35] The power of truly listening [46:47] How to integrate new approaches, tools & techniques [51:33] Cultural relevance and appropriation [55:12] Can we separate yoga from its historical, philosophical, and religious influences? [59:28] Who is yoga for and who should be teaching it? [1:04:02] Is it less about what we do, and more about how we do it? [1:07:10] — Links Mentioned: Find all the episodes mentioned at You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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125 Teaching Yoga in Changing Times
12/19/2024
125 Teaching Yoga in Changing Times
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: Looking back can help us move forward with more clarity [1:18] Early days of yoga in the West: underground, no-frills, “anti-influencer” [3:53] Big changes in the early 2000s [11:00] The first commercial teacher trainings and new yoga brands [15:35] Yoga celebrities, yoga fashion, and growing competition [16:46] Credibility from yoga lineage overtaken by social media following? [21:45] Yoga Medicine and explosive growth in YTT [27:38] The 2010s: The yoga boom and growing pains [31:35] Covid challenges and opportunities: meeting people where they’re at [33:56] Post-COVID era: options versus overwhelm [37:35] Takeaways: find your niche with patience, persistence, and presence [40:03] Takeaways: What feeds you changes over time [48:04] Takeaways: Know what you bring to the table [53:55] Takeaways: Be purpose-driven [58:45] Final thoughts [1:02:33] — Links Mentioned: Listen to Listen to You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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124 Yoga Studio Owner Panel: Community Conversations
12/05/2024
124 Yoga Studio Owner Panel: Community Conversations
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: How things have changed: online vs in-person, classes vs other offerings [2:46] Biggest struggles: teacher consistency, scheduling, managing special events [10:38] What’s working well: variety & choice, price packages, community relationships [19:19] Looking to the future: things don’t have to be the way they were before [42:41] Final thoughts [51:49] — Links Mentioned: Connect with the yoga studio owners: Anne Eberhardt: | | Ashley Gudknecht: | | Dana Diament: | | Lisa Hamre: | | Rachel Workman: | | Shannon Stephens: | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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123 Sequencing Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
11/21/2024
123 Sequencing Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
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: The pressure of the “perfect” sequence [1:26] Pitfall #1: Timing, timing, timing [5:09] Pitfall #2: No central theme to create clarity & cohesion [15:30] Pitfall #3: Too much of a good thing [21:18] Pitfall #4: Picking the wrong theme for your students [26:32] Pitfall #5: Unintentional overload [30:15] Pitfall #6: Sequencing purely for novelty or complexity [36:03] More rapid-fire sequencing tips [41:00] Yoga Medicine® Sequencing with Purpose online training [49:12] — Links Mentioned: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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122 Estrogen Effects on Muscle: Research Roundup
11/07/2024
122 Estrogen Effects on Muscle: Research Roundup
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: Background on estrogen’s relationship with fascia and tissue [1:59] How is the effect of estrogen on muscle being studied [3:31] Different types of estrogen [8:38] Impact of estrogen on muscles specifically [9:43] Importance of individuality when working with women’s bodies [16:29] Impact of estrogen on strength on a molecular level [19:03] Ways that estrogen impacts recovery [24:26] Takeaways [33:41] — Links Mentioned: Connect with Katja Bartsch: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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121 Yoga Sutras for Modern Life: Community Conversations with Diane Malaspina PhD
10/24/2024
121 Yoga Sutras for Modern Life: Community Conversations with Diane Malaspina PhD
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: Defining the yoga sutras [3:16] What yoga philosophy teaches us about the nature of life [6:58] Committed practice (abhyasa) & non-attachment (vairagya) [10:54] Rolf Gates’ definition of abhyasa [14:35] Another definition of sutras 1:12-1:16 – “Trust the Process” [19:42] Ahimsa as a counter to fear & polarization [30:36] The change begins with us; self-compassion leads to connection [35:07] Boundaries as a sustainable balance to Ahimsa [48:15] More resources & Diane’s Yoga Medicine courses [51:02] — Links Mentioned: Suggested reading: Meditations from the Mat, Rolf Gates The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Chip Hartranft The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satchidananda Inside the Yoga Sutras, Jaganath Carrera Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes with Diane Malaspina PhD: Connect with Diane Malaspina: | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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120 Neck Pain Hidden Contributors
10/10/2024
120 Neck Pain Hidden Contributors
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: Myriad potential reasons for generalized neck issues [00:47] A good starting place: stretches or strengthening for the neck itself [2:36] Differentiate between neighboring muscles in neck tension [3:44] Mixed signals around the cue “shoulders back and down” [6:39] Shoulder mechanics as a solution for neck pain [11:06] Posture and neck pain [12:53] More subtle influences on neck pain: stress, living in the future [15:37] MFR favorites for stress relief [18:37] Addressing the posterior shoulder and chest opening [21:56] Core and hip stability as a hidden influence on the neck [23:54] The place for targeted neck strengthening work [26:46 The role of thoracic mobility, respiratory function, and the jaw [30:55] Summing up: Start gently and work indirectly [33:46] Relevant Yoga Medicine Online classes [39:19] Relevant Yoga Medicine Teacher Training options [41:14] — Links Mentioned: Yoga Medicine® Teacher Trainings: Yoga Medicine® Online Classes mentioned: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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119 Body Image in Yoga: Community Conversations with Alison Heilig
09/26/2024
119 Body Image in Yoga: Community Conversations with Alison Heilig
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: Defining body image, and why it matters more in yoga than you think [3:05] How does body image form [7:33] Personal experiences of poor body image [8:58} The added impacts of social media, photoshop, filters & AI [12:50] Body image challenges through life; perceptions of aging [14:39] The surprising ways poor body image can manifest [16:40] Orthorexia, perpetual optimization & the medicalization of body image [20:00] Implications in yoga [24:59] How yoga teachers can foster more positive body awareness [30:58] Tips on teaching groups [39:45] Advice for individuals & the slow journey to positive body image [53:33] The conversation continues: Fit Bottomed Girls [1:02:26] Final thoughts & key takeaways [1:08:04] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Yoga Journal articles: Connect with Alison Heilig: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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118 Pranayama Myths & Misconceptions: Research Roundup
09/12/2024
118 Pranayama Myths & Misconceptions: Research Roundup
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: Myth 1: Breathwork is the new pranayama [3:07] Myth 2: The ultimate goal of pranayama is to fully control the breath [9:02] Myth 3: Pranayama must be practiced over long periods of time to see benefits [16:31] Myth 4: Ujjayi and/or deep breathing is a superior technique [22:29] Myth 5: Breathwork involving hyperventilation is life-changing, always [30:36] Myth 6: Only advanced practitioners should do Pranayama [37:31] Myth 7: Pranayama has one magic rhythm/ pattern [41:17] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Katja Bartsch: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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117 Doing the Hard Work: Community Conversations with Sarah Symons
08/29/2024
117 Doing the Hard Work: Community Conversations with Sarah Symons
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: The mission of Her Future Coalition [2:17] Why it’s so difficult to face gender-based violence [3:25] Sarah takes her inspiration from survivors [7:04] Early mistakes: trying to rush the healing process [10:26] Survivors often can’t return to their family [13:38] Benefits of the shelter environment for survivors [17:05] The power of non-verbal healing modalities – art, movement, games [18:59] Looking to the long-term: vocational education [22:39] Ripple effect: Survivors become part of the solution [24:50] Handling despair [28:51] Keys to success in service work [31:26] Savoring joy [34:48] Final takeaways [40:04] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Sarah Symons: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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116 Yoga for Menopause & Beyond: Community Conversations with Niamh Daly
08/15/2024
116 Yoga for Menopause & Beyond: Community Conversations with Niamh Daly
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: The challenges of measuring the effects of yoga with research [3:00] What inspired Niamh’s fascination with this life stage [5:14] The new stigma around menopause [10:28] Perimenopause can trigger existential angst [14:57] Less discussed impacts of menopause: changes in perceived capacity [19:48] Rage and menopause [24:54] Changes in self esteem [28:47] The medicalization of menopause & health worries [31:01] Shifts in purpose, career, relationships & libido [33:35] Yoga asana through late reproductive stage, perimenopause & menopause [38:32] Differences in approach: perimenopause vs menopause [47:58] The vital importance of Satya in media coverage & in our teaching [51:58] Research on menopause and pranayama [58:00] Meditation, self-judgement, CBT & Pratipaksha Bhavana [1:02:46] Wrap up & more resources [1:05:07] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Niamh Daly: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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115 Who is Yin Yoga NOT For?
08/01/2024
115 Who is Yin Yoga NOT For?
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: Polarized views of Yin yoga [3:33] Yin and hypermobility [6:09] Approaching Yin when you don’t need more range of motion [10:17] Yin during pregnancy [16:00] Yin during spinal injury: disc injury, osteoporosis [17:17] Yin for older populations: osteoarthritis, joint replacement [25:34] Ongoing themes: more isn’t better, take an individual approach [32:43] Yin for sedentary people & desk workers [36:01] Yin for athletes [38:25] Recap: It’s about HOW you approach Yin yoga [45:57] Tips for Yin yoga teachers [48:51] Final takeaways & resources [52:09] — Links Mentioned: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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114 Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
07/18/2024
114 Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
“Is Yoga a religion?” is an often-asked question, and the deeper we delve into the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the practice, the less simple and straightforward the answer becomes. Here to guide us on that complex conversational journey is returning guest Firdose Moonda, who holds an MA in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from the School of Oriental and African Studies and is undertaking doctoral work into the politics of yoga. Listen in to unpack yoga’s historical and present-day entanglements with South Asian religions, and explore the responsibilities of modern yoga teachers in the West. — Show Notes: Defining religion [3:44] Can you be spiritual but not religious [7:02] Evolution of yoga: the Vedic period [10:58] Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism [15:51] Hatha yoga, and separation of yoga from religion [19:30] Is yoga even more entangled with religion today [23:55] Contributions from Tantra & South Asian Islam [24:55] Implications of the International Day of Yoga [29:44] Can yoga teachers avoid politics, history, religion, and philosophy entirely [34:40] Finding your place as a teacher in the modern yoga world [43:50] We are also creating yoga history [48:18] More resources, and a final word of caution [54:49] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Firdose Moonda MA: | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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113 Tissue Stiffness - Friend or Foe?
07/04/2024
113 Tissue Stiffness - Friend or Foe?
Today hosts Tiffany and Katja discuss a topic near and dear to Katja: tissue stiffness. Claims about terms like stiffness and tension in the body can be confusing, so our goal with this episode is to clear up some of that confusion as well as leave some space for what we do not know yet. In this episode, we talk about terminology and physiology around tissue stiffness. We also talk about factors that influence stiffness and if stiffness is a friend or foe when it comes to athletic performance, injury risk, and disease of the musculoskeletal system. Listen in to learn more about common tissue stiffness misconceptions, potential applications, and future learning. — Show Notes: Common misconceptions [2:27] Stiffness terminology [4:22] Factors that influence stiffness [12:40] The role of the nervous system in tissue stiffness [16:21] Athletic performance and stiffness [19:09] Is more stiffness always better? [25:07] Assessing stiffness [30:50] Range of motion versus tissue stiffness [44:51] Takeaways [48:26] — Links Mentioned: Connect with Katja Bartsch: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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112 Autoimmune Conditions & Yoga: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet
06/20/2024
112 Autoimmune Conditions & Yoga: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet
As yoga teachers, most of us will either have an autoimmune condition, or teach students who do. Yoga is uniquely suited to work alongside conventional medical treatment to help manage these disorders and address the symptoms that impact most on quality of life. Today host Rachel speaks with Dr. Nikki Tugnet - a UK-trained physician, board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, and Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist - about yoga and autoimmune conditions. Listen to this episode as we unpack the common denominators of autoimmune conditions, the importance of normalizing prop use, and the power of taking it slow. — Show Notes: What is rheumatology? [2:57] Are autoimmune disorders becoming more prevalent? [4:28] What drives Nikki’s passion for rheumatology [6:04] Common denominators in autoimmune conditions [10:05] What drove a rheumatologist to seek answers in yoga [13:55] Autoimmune uncertainty; mental health impacts of long-term disease [18:02] How yoga can support autoimmune conditions [23:30] The underutilized power of propped yoga poses [28:10] A surprising yoga tool [33:28] Daily Yoga Nidra to improve energy and sleep quality [35:14] Are we handling chronic stress as well as we think? [37:22] Tips for teaching yoga for autoimmune conditions – group classes [39:51] Tips for teaching yoga for autoimmune conditions – one-on-one [43:38] Final tips & takeaways [49:11] — Links Mentioned: Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: Connect with Dr. Nikki Tugnet: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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111 Answering Student Questions: Teacher's Series
06/06/2024
111 Answering Student Questions: Teacher's Series
Today hosts Tiffany and Rachel dive into the topic of student questions and share their thoughts on how to answer them. Student questions can be intimidating, prompting anxiety around whether we will be able to answer “correctly”, but so many positives can come from opening a dialogue with students actively seeking more information. We talk about ways to handle student questions relating to pain, injury, and medical conditions, on pose alignment and progression, and around the choices you make as a teacher. Listen to this episode to learn how to handle yoga student questions and maximize the positive outcomes that can stem from the resulting conversation. --- Show Notes: Anxiety around student questions and a suggested response [1:10] The myth of teacher x-ray vision [3:55] Answering student questions with questions of your own [6:41] Reading the situation around the question [9:00] Questions on pain and injury; how to say “I don’t know” [16:13] When a student flags pain or injury before class [25:55] Questions around alignment [30:50] Using questions as seeds for content [40:10] Questions around yoga teacher choices [41:15] How to handle tangential student questions [46:23] Final takeaways [51:13] --- Links Mentioned: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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110 Fascia Science Meets Acupuncture
05/23/2024
110 Fascia Science Meets Acupuncture
Today hosts Tiffany and Katja are looking at where the fascia and acupuncture worlds collide. There is a lot of info out there on possible mechanisms behind acupuncture, and while research is great, we really need to look into the details for answers. In this episode, we talk about the relationship between fascia and Traditional Chinese Medicine. We also talk about acupuncture and how it can affect the connective tissue matrix. Listen to this episode to learn what we know so far about current research that points to fascia as a potential substrate for energy flow and how to absorb new research while leaving room for the mystery of the unknown. --- Show Notes: Meridians and fascia and acupuncture [2:41] How research brings fascia and acupuncture together [5:47] Anatomical correlations between acupuncture and fascia [6:28] Concept of needle grasp in acupuncture [23:14] How fascia can contribute to acupuncture mechanisms of action [23:28] The importance of the fluid component of fascia [30:57] Current fascia and acupuncture research trends [33:20] --- Links Mentioned: Connect with Katja Bartsch: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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109 Teaching Yoga One-on-One: Community Conversations with Dana Diament
05/09/2024
109 Teaching Yoga One-on-One: Community Conversations with Dana Diament
If you haven’t had or taught a one-on-one yoga session, it might feel like a secret club that you’re locked out of. Today host Rachel demystifies the whole process with returning guest and Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Dana Diament. In this episode, we talk about the therapeutic benefits of being seen and heard and the importance of helping people clarify their felt experience through both objective and subjective assessment tools. Listen in to learn tips for teaching private yoga sessions, how to get and prepare for the first session with a new client, and how to manage the challenges that could arise. --- Show Notes: Dana and Rachel’s first experience teaching yoga one-to-one [2:10] Take the stress out of teaching one-on-one: minimum number of sessions [7:41] Establish area of focus beforehand [10:12] The initial session with a new client: the power of listening [13:12] Using initial intake assessment tools [18:23] Ending the first session constructively [22:52] Developing a working hypothesis between initial and follow-up sessions [25:08] Choosing homework for your student [29:08] When your strategy needs to pivot [33:23] What happens when you hit a wall with a student [41:58] When you are no longer the right teacher for this student [45:00] How to find students for one-on-one yoga instruction [48:58] Final takeaways and resources [53:38] --- Links Mentioned: Connect with Dana Diament: | | | You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at . And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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108 Integrating New Tools in your Teaching: Teacher's Series
04/25/2024
108 Integrating New Tools in your Teaching: Teacher's Series
Coming home from another yoga teacher training, full of new information and techniques to utilize, can be exciting…and also overwhelming. In today’s episode, hosts Tiffany and Rachel talk about how to integrate all the tools you learn in training in a way that is meaningful for your students. In this episode, we stress the importance of a slow and steady approach guided by clarity of purpose for each class. Listen in to learn how to incorporate new material and when to use which teaching tools in both group classes and when working with students one-on-one. ---- Show Notes: The challenge of integrating new information into classes in a meaningful way [1:33] Focus on one area of content at a time, in practice and teaching [4:31] The importance of setting and meeting student expectations [9:30] “Drip-feed” new content or techniques into your teaching [12:10] Creating classes for the students who come back [16:41] Using a class series to introduce new content gradually [18:36] Combining techniques in group classes versus one-to-one [22:05] A real-world example [28:58] Summing up: simplicity, clarity, repetition, patience, and individuality [31:26] --- Links Mentioned: You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at . To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
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