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.

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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 ]

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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.

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