145 Back to the Mat with Tiffany Cruikshank: Shorts

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: Defining Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) [3:38] Surprising causes of brain injury [5:28] Common symptoms of brain injury [6:21] The mission of the LoveYourBrain Foundation [12:45] Evidence-based research outcomes [17:14] Yoga for brain injury versus other trauma [19:29] Challenges for yoga students with TBI (and their teachers) [24:50] Balancing student agency and simplicity [33:23] Suggested practices [39:57] "Cognitive preparation" cueing [45:00] Preferred meditation and breath work techniques [47:32] How to know when students need up-regulation [55:23] Summing up, final takeaways [58:18] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more about LoveYourBrain's certification-level yoga teacher trainings, resources, and research-backed holistic health programs for TBI/concussion Learn more about LoveYourBrain Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury, Level 1 & Level 2, 20-hr online training for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and people in the brain injury community Learn more about LoveYourBrain Yoga for Health Professionals, 20-hr online training for clinicians Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes: Episode 47: Concussion Care with Dr. Daya Grant Episode 30: Trauma Informed Yoga with Dr. Ann Bortz Yoga for Concussions Online Course with Dr. Daya Grant 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: Origins of hustle culture [1:44] Recent trends: moving beyond hustle culture [4:46] How the realms of hustle culture and wellness interact [10:31] Reconciling work as a yoga teacher with capitalism [21:23] Recent changes and challenges [26:50] Advice for people entering the yoga teacher space [28:57] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere References Doc Connect with Katja Bartsch: 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 Listen to the full 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.

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 Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 54: All About the Hip Labrum Online Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training In-Person Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction, & Application Yoga Teacher Training in Bali October 10-17, 2025 Tiffany's "All About the Hips" Playlist on Yoga Medicine® Online (YMO) Rachel's "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: Disclaimer – complexity of the immune system and menstrual cycle research [1:52] Inflammation and the immune system – bird's eye view [4:18] Influence of female hormones on immune and inflammatory processes [6:47] Potential changes in the second phase of the menstrual cycle [14:16] Current meta-analysis and systematic review on female hormones and immune function/ inflammation [15:43] Relationship with exercise [22:41] Current state of menstrual cycle-based training research [29:33] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Female Hormones & Immune System References Doc Female Health Yoga Teacher Training Menopause Yoga Teacher Training Connect with Katja Bartsch: 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: Positives of private yoga [2:08] Pitfall #1: Scheduling and admin time [9:38] Pitfall #2: The unstructured unknown of the first session [12:08] Pitfall #3: Research and planning time [19:08] Pitfall #4: Cancellations and no-shows [24:55] Pitfall #5: Homework that works [28:31] Pitfall #6: Uncertainty whether you'll be able to help [35:34] Pitfall #7: Blurry boundaries [41:38] Pitfall #8: Mismatched expectations; find your niche [50:15] Final takeaways [54:20] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes: Episode 109: Teaching Yoga One-on-One Episode 74: Yoga for All The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course For those left hanging by the podcast, the left hemisphere of the brain is generally associated with analytical thinking, logic, and language, while the right is linked to intuition, creativity, and spatial awareness. Connect with Elena Cheung: 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: Background on menopause and perimenopause [2:50] Symptoms of peri- and postmenopause [14:41] Symptoms that show up in all stages of menopause [27:19] The phenomenon of "not feeling like myself" in perimenopause [29:22] Symptoms related to not feeling like yourself [38:20] The role of fatigue [45:17] New sensations of emotional volatility [46:38] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Menopause References Doc Connect with Katja Bartsch: 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 YouTube Prenatal Myofascial Release Online Course For relevant Yoga Medicine® Online classes, use the search categories "Prenatal" or "Postnatal" Connect with Allie Geer: 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.