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Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Amy Wheeler
Welcome to "The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast," a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, brought to life by Amy's expertise in psychology and public health. With over 100,000 downloads, this podcast delves deep into the principles of yoga therapy, offering expert interviews, practical solutions, and profound insights into real-life challenges.From its inception, the first four seasons have been instrumental in elevating the domain of yoga therapy, emphasizing the pivotal role of lifestyle medicine in addressing both our mental and physical well-being. As we transition into Season 5, 6 & 7, Amy broadens the horizon, reaching out to the masses. Here, listeners will unravel how yoga therapy, when intertwined with lifestyle engineering, can serve as a powerful tool for holistic healing, touching the realms of the mind, body, and spirit.Subscribe now and be part of a transformative journey that bridges the essence of embodied mental health with the spirit's depth. Join Amy in redefining mental and physical wellness. Also, leave us a review if you are enjoying the podcast and consider supporting us at the Optimal State & Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon page -https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhourGo to www.TheOptimalState.com for more details on how to improve your mental and emotional health!
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- 3 days ago53 min
Move More, Breathe Less: Rethinking the Breath with Robin Rothenberg
What if much of what we’ve been taught about the breath in yoga is backwards? In this episode, Amy sits down with yoga therapist and author Robin Rothenberg for a frank, eye-opening conversation that challenges one of yoga’s most cherished cues: “take a big breath.”After a respiratory crisis upended her own health, Robin discovered that the long, dramatic breaths she’d taught for years were making her symptoms worse, not better. The fix ran counter to everything she thought she knew about pranayama: breathe less, build CO2 tolerance, and let the body actually use the oxygen it already has.Robin opens with a short guided practice, then she and Amy dig into the physiology of carbon dioxide, why “move more, breathe less” became her motto, how nasal breathing transformed her exercise and energy, and why the heart of classical pranayama was never the long exhale but the extension of kumbhaka (breath suspension). It’s a warm, candid, occasionally myth-busting conversation for anyone who teaches, practices, or simply breathes.Key TakeawaysBigger isn’t better. Chronic sighing, yawning, mouth breathing, and “taking a big breath” are often signs of over-breathing and distress — not relaxation.CO2 is the catalyst, not the enemy. Carbon dioxide is what releases oxygen from the blood into your tissues. Low CO2 tolerance can drive fatigue, brain fog, achiness, and that “can’t-get-through-the-day” feeling — even when oxygen saturation reads 98–99%.Move more, breathe less. Movement and exercise generate CO2; light, nasal-only breathing keeps it in the system. Together they raise your CO2 tolerance and your real aerobic capacity.Keep your mouth closed. Unless you’re running from a lion or racing to win, there’s no reason to mouth-breathe during exercise. Let nasal breathing set your pace — you’ll get more out of less effort.Pranayama is about kumbhaka. The classical texts emphasize extending the breath suspension after the exhale, practiced several times a day — not the modern habit of simply lengthening the exhale.It’s a transformation, not a quick fix. Dialing the breath down can feel uncomfortable at first because you’re bumping against a subnormal CO2 ceiling. Titrate gradually, raise the ceiling toward normal, and expect it to take months — ideally with skilled support.This is bigger than yoga. Over-breathing is, in Robin’s view, epidemic in our stressed culture and relevant to chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and far more — a call for the whole yoga community to stop passing along breath misinformation.About the GuestRobin Rothenberg, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist, educator, and author who has spent decades studying the breath. A past president and board member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), she trained in the Buteyko method and has worked to bring functional breathing science into the yoga world. She is the founder of Essential Yoga Therapy and creator of the Restore Your Prana (RYP) training program for yoga teachers and yoga therapists, which offers both personal and professional tracks.Books & ResourcesRestoring Prana — Robin’s comprehensive book on functional breathing for yoga professionals.The Svadhyaya Breath Journal — the companion guided-practice journal designed to hold you accountable to the work (Amy contributed the foreword).10-hour online course — an IAYT/YACEP-accredited “weekend workshop” format blending education and experiential practice; a good place to start.Restore Your Prana (RYP) — in-depth training program with personal and professional tracks, plus mentorship support.Recommended reading: James Nestor’s Breath — especially the chapter on his three-week mouth-breathing experiment.Connect with RobinWebsite: EssentialYogaTherapy.com Instagram: @essential.yoga.therapy
- 1 weeks ago37 min
Prāṇāyāma and Modern Breathwork: What's the Difference?
Are prāṇāyāma and modern breathwork the same thing, or do they represent fundamentally different approaches to working with the breath?In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler explores one of the most common questions arising in yoga therapy, wellness, and healthcare today. While both prāṇāyāma and modern breathwork involve conscious breathing practices that can influence stress, mood, attention, and overall well-being, their origins, purposes, and underlying frameworks are quite different.Drawing from the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, the classical Haṭha Yoga texts, and contemporary scientific research, Amy examines how ancient yogic teachings understood the relationship between breath, prāṇa, and consciousness—and how those teachings compare with modern approaches that focus on nervous system regulation, respiratory physiology, emotional health, and performance.Whether you are a yoga therapist, healthcare professional, yoga teacher, or curious practitioner, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how traditional wisdom and modern science can inform our work with the breath.In This Episode, We Explore:The Sanskrit meaning of prāṇa and āyāmaWhy prāṇāyāma is more than a breathing techniqueThe distinction between breath and prāṇa in classical yogaPrāṇāyāma's place within Patañjali's Eight Limbs of YogaKey teachings from the Yoga Sūtras on breath regulation, concentration, and meditationHow Haṭha Yoga expanded prāṇāyāma through nāḍīs, chakras, kuṇḍalinī, bandhas, and mudrāsThe central role of kumbhaka (breath retention) in traditional practiceClassical prāṇāyāma techniques including Nāḍī Śodhana, Ujjāyī, Bhastrikā, Śītalī, Sūrya Bhedana, and BhrāmarīThe presentation of prāṇāyāma in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Śiva Saṃhitā, and Gheraṇḍa SaṃhitāModern breathwork approaches such as diaphragmatic breathing, coherent breathing, box breathing, the Wim Hof Method, and resonance breathing.Scientific perspectives on breathing, including autonomic nervous system regulation, heart rate variability, carbon dioxide tolerance, respiratory physiology, and emotional regulationHow yoga therapists can integrate traditional teachings and contemporary evidence when working with clientsContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
- 2 weeks ago46 min
Breath as a Portal: Conscious Connected Breathwork with Laurie Angress
In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and breathwork facilitator Laurie Angress for a thoughtful conversation about conscious connected breathwork and its potential to serve as a portal into deeper self-awareness, healing, and connection.Laurie shares her personal journey into breathwork, including how curiosity led her to explore a practice that initially felt unfamiliar, despite decades of experience in yoga, meditation, and yoga therapy. What she discovered was a powerful yet accessible approach that helped her access emotional release, profound stillness, and deeper layers of inner knowing.Together, Amy and Laurie explore:What it means to think of breath as a "portal"The relationship between breath, presence, and self-discoveryHow conscious connected breathwork differs from traditional prāṇāyāma practicesThe role of curiosity, beginner's mind, and willingness in transformational practicesLaurie’s experience training with Seven Directions BreathworkWhy trauma-sensitive facilitation and nervous system awareness are essential in breathwork settingsThe importance of agency, choice, and pacing during intense inner experiencesEmotional release, embodiment, and the wisdom that can emerge through breathMusic as a supportive element in the breathwork journeyThe distinction between ethical breathwork facilitation and cathartic group experiencesHow breathwork may support the integration of plant medicine experiencesThe intersection of breathwork, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and contemplative practicePresence as the ultimate goal—not fixing, changing, or seeking a particular outcomeLaurie also shares a deeply personal story about a breathwork session that occurred just hours before the passing of her aunt. The experience became a powerful reflection on love, grief, support, and the mystery of human connection.Throughout the conversation, Amy and Laurie emphasize that conscious connected breathwork is not about chasing extraordinary experiences. Rather, it is about creating a safe and intentional space where individuals can meet themselves more fully, cultivate presence, and reconnect with what matters most.Whether you are a yoga therapist, meditation practitioner, healthcare provider, or simply someone curious about the healing potential of breath, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate exploration of how breath can become a bridge between the seen and unseen, the conscious and unconscious, and the ordinary and sacred dimensions of life.About Laurie AngressLaurie Angress is a Certified Yoga Therapist, meditation teacher, Yoga Nidra facilitator, and Conscious Connected Breathwork Facilitator. Her work integrates nervous system awareness, mindfulness, embodiment practices, and breathwork to support healing, self-discovery, and connection. Laurie is passionate about creating trauma-sensitive spaces that honor the unique experience of each individual while inviting greater presence, compassion, and inner wisdom.www.MindfulYogaTherapy.net@illuminated_breath on IGKey Takeaway"The breath is always available to us. Sometimes it helps us relax. Sometimes it helps us release. Sometimes it helps us remember who we are." Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Our Book is Coming Summer 2026! "Application of Therapeutic Yoga in Integrative Health" by Wheeler & Sullivan Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:<a href="https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certifi
- 3 weeks ago52 min
From Āsana to Lived Experience: Yoga, Tantra, Somatics, and Lived Experience
In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores a fascinating question: What happens when we look beneath the physical practice of yoga and return to its deeper purpose? Beginning with the history of āsana, Amy traces how yoga postures evolved from simple meditation seats into the diverse practices we know today. Along the way, she examines the Tantric influence of the Śiva Saṃhitā, the rise of embodied awareness in modern somatic practices, and the importance of lived experience as a pathway to understanding ourselves more deeply. The episode invites listeners to consider how yoga therapy can serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary understandings of human experience, healing, and transformation.In this episode, Amy discusses:• The Sanskrit root of āsana and its original meaning as a seat or stable posture for meditation• The role of āsana in the Yoga Sūtras and why Patañjali devoted only a few verses to posture• The evolution of āsana through the Haṭha Yoga tradition, including the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā, and Śiva Saṃhitā• Why the Śiva Saṃhitā is considered one of the most Tantric of the major Haṭha Yoga texts• The concepts of prāṇa, nāḍīs, chakras, and kuṇḍalinī as experiential maps of human transformation• How modern somatic approaches emphasize interoception, self-awareness, and embodied regulation• The importance of first-hand lived experience in understanding consciousness and healing• The connection between lived experience, yoga therapy, and the study of consciousness• How Indigenous ways of knowing value observation, participation, relationship, and direct experience• Why lived experience may be one of the most important meeting points between yoga, science, and healingClosing ThoughtsOne of the enduring gifts of yoga is its invitation to investigate experience directly. Whether we approach that inquiry through Classical Yoga, Tantra, somatic practice, lived experience, or Indigenous wisdom traditions, each reminds us that transformation begins with attention. The path of yoga therapy is not simply about changing symptoms or improving function. It is also about learning to observe, inhabit, and understand our lived experience more fully. In doing so, we may discover that the body, breath, mind, and spirit have been teaching us all along.Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
- Aug 21, 202649 min
Finding Your Way Back: Trust, Truth, and Regulation Through the Body
Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with Danielle Burke, a certified yoga therapist and licensed professional counselor, to explore what happens when traditional talk therapy meets embodied practice.Danielle shares her journey from mental health counseling into integrative wellness, where she now blends yoga therapy, somatic awareness, and lived experience to support clients in reconnecting with themselves. Together, they explore what it means to feel “stuck in your story,” how breath and body awareness interrupt that pattern, and why self-awareness is not just insight—but a skill that must be practiced.This conversation offers a steady and honest look at anxiety, burnout, overgiving, and the quiet work of learning to trust yourself again. Through the lens of the yamas and niyamas, Danielle brings forward a practical framework for navigating uncertainty, building inner stability, and reducing unnecessary suffering.Key Themes Explored1. When Talk Therapy Isn’t EnoughDanielle reflects on her work as a licensed counselor and the moment she recognized something was missing—clients could process their experiences cognitively, but often remained disconnected from their bodies. Yoga therapy offered a way to integrate both.2. The Body as the Entry PointClients often arrive stuck in patterns of thinking, or unable to access their thoughts at all due to overwhelm. Danielle highlights a simple but profound observation: many people stop breathing when recounting difficult experiences. Reconnecting to breath becomes the doorway back to regulation and presence. 3. Self-Awareness as a Practice, Not a TraitAwareness is not assumed—it is cultivated. Through consistent practice, clients begin to recognize their internal states, expand their capacity for choice, and shift from automatic reaction toward intentional response.4. Working with Anxiety Without Trying to Eliminate ItRather than attempting to “fix” anxiety, Danielle reframes the work:Can you recognize it?Can you stay with it?Can you also notice what else is present?This introduces the possibility of holding multiple truths at once, rather than being defined by a single state.5. The Yamas and Niyamas as a Regulatory FrameworkEthical principles such as ahiṃsā (non-harming/kindness) and svādhyāya (self-study) become practical tools for daily living. They support clients in discerning how they want to show up—for themselves and in relationship with others.6. Caregivers, Overachievers, and the Cost of Self-AbandonmentDanielle’s primary clients are often women who have spent years supporting others while losing connection to their own needs. The work becomes one of reclaiming worth, voice, and internal alignment.7. Letting Go of Control (Īśvara Praṇidhāna in Practice)Through simple, real-life moments—like dogs barking during a podcast—Danielle illustrates how acceptance reduces suffering. The shift is subtle but powerful:From “this shouldn’t be happening” → to “this is happening, and I can still be here.”8. Change Requires Doing Something DifferentInsight alone is not enough. Sustainable change comes through practice, patience, and a willingness to step outside familiar patterns—even when those patterns are uncomfortable.What a Session with Danielle Looks LikeSessions are adaptive and client-centered, typically including:Reflective conversation and active listeningGentle inquiry and pattern recognitionBreath awareness and regulation practicesMovement or physical practice (when appropriate)Yoga Nidra or guided meditationPersonalized tools such as journaling prompts or recorded practicesThe process remains grounded in yoga philosophy while accessible to clients regardless of their familiarity with yoga.Notable Reflections“Awareness gives us choice. And choice gives us power.” “The only way to change is to do something different.” “We can hold more than one experience at the same time.” About Danielle BurkeDanielle Burke is a certified yoga therapist and licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health. She now works through an integrative wellness model, combining yoga therapy, somatic practices, and psychological insight to support clients in reconnecting with their bodies, their values, and their sense of self.Based in interior Alaska, Danielle works with clients both i
- Aug 14, 202637 min
Satyam & Ahiṃsā: Telling the Truth Without Harm
In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores the second yama, satyam (truthfulness), and its essential relationship to the first yama, ahiṃsā (non-harming). This conversation moves beyond simple definitions and into the lived complexity of speaking truth in real relationships, real bodies, and real moments.Drawing from personal reflection—including her own experience with illness and voice—Amy invites listeners into an honest inquiry:When do we speak too much, not enough, or avoid the truth altogether?In This EpisodeSatyam as Inner CoherenceSatyam is not simply “telling the truth.” It is the alignment between:PerceptionUnderstandingExpressionWhen these are out of sync, confusion and disconnection follow. When they align, communication becomes clear, steady, and trustworthy. Amy emphasizes that most misalignment comes from incomplete information (avidyā) and unexamined assumptions. As clarity improves, so does our ability to speak in a way that others can receive and trust.Ahiṃsā as the ContainerAhiṃsā is not just the absence of harm. It is the active cultivation of:SafetyCareStability in relationshipSatyam lives inside ahiṃsā. Truth must be expressed in a way that reduces harm and supports connection.This creates an ongoing inquiry:What am I saying that may cause harm?What am I avoiding that also creates harm?Avoidance and harshness are two sides of the same imbalance.The Role of RelationshipThe yamas are relational practices. They are not abstract ideals.Amy highlights that we refine truth through feedback:Honest, grounded relationships help us see clearlyMisaligned or dishonest environments distort our perceptionOver time, trustworthy relationships support the emergence of a deeper, more stable truth.Ṛtam: The Deeper TruthThe episode introduces ṛtam (cosmic order) as the underlying intelligence of reality.Ṛtam → what is (the larger truth)Satyam → how we align with and express that truthAmy describes this as learning to release control and personal agenda, allowing timing, context, and perspective to mature. Truth is not only about correctness—it is about alignment with something larger than the individual viewpoint. A Nervous System LensTruth is not just cognitive—it is physiological and relational.In sympathetic activation → truth can become sharp and reactiveIn withdrawal → truth can become suppressed or avoidedIn regulation → truth becomes attuned and constructiveInteroceptive awareness becomes a guide:Changes in breath, tension, or sensation signal misalignmentThe body often recognizes incoherence before the mind doesClinical and Practical ApplicationIn therapeutic settings, satyam is not blunt disclosure.Instead, it includes:Regulated presenceAttuned listeningReflective languageOften, simply reflecting a client’s words allows truth to emerge without force. Truth becomes something discovered, not imposed.Key Reflection QuestionsAmy offers a simple but powerful framework:Is it true? (satyam)Is it kind? (ahiṃsā)Is it the right time, context, and relationship? (ṛtam)This triad supports more skillful communication and reduces unnecessary harm.Closing InsightTruthfulness is not a fixed achievement. It is a lifelong refinement.It asks for:Self-awarenessCourageRegulationWillingness to be wrongTrust in something larger than personal perspectiveAs Amy reminds us, this work unfolds over time, through relationships, and through the willingness to see ourselves clearly.Sanskrit Words of the EpisodeAhiṃsā – Non-harming; active care in relationshipSatyam – Truthfulness; inner and outer coherenceṚtam – Cosmic order; the deeper truth beyond personal perspectiveAvidyā – Misperception; incomplete or incorrect understandingSupport the PodcastJoin the Patreon communityExplore the Optimal State Mobile App (iPhone & Android)Pre-order Applications of Therap
- Aug 7, 202652 min
Living the Niyamas: Ethics, Self-Study, and the Practice of Inner Alignment
Episode OverviewIn this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Marlysa Sullivan, a physical therapist, yoga therapist, and educator working within the Veterans Administration and at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Together, they explore the Niyamas from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as living practices—less about rigid rules and more about ongoing self-inquiry, ethical reflection, and alignment in daily life.Rather than presenting the Niyamas as fixed ideals, this episode invites a more nuanced approach: one that considers context, relationship, and the evolving nature of what it means to act with integrity. The conversation weaves together classical yoga philosophy, modern clinical experience, and real-world application, offering a grounded pathway for both practitioners and clinicians.Key Themes ExploredEthics as a Living Inquiry Ethical practice is not static. Marlysa emphasizes that what is “right” depends on context, relationship, and discernment. This requires ongoing reflection: What is most relevant, kind, and supportive in this moment?Śauca (Clarity and Inner Cleanliness) The discussion reframes purity away from moral judgment and toward clarity. Rather than “fixing what is wrong,” the practice becomes one of noticing what clouds perception—habit patterns, past impressions, and emotional residue—and gently clearing space for more skillful action. Santoṣa (Contentment as Stability and Action) Contentment is explored as a steady inner ground, not passivity. True contentment allows for both acceptance and meaningful action. The conversation highlights the balance between deficiency (chronic dissatisfaction) and excess (avoidance or spiritual bypassing).Tapas (Right Effort and Friction for Growth) Tapas is described as the willingness to meet discomfort in service of transformation. It is the moment where inner clarity meets outward action—often requiring courage to move beyond familiar patterns.Svādhyāya (Self-Study and Honest Reflection) The practice of self-study calls for humility and relational support. Amy and Marlysa emphasize the importance of trusted relationships that can reflect blind spots and support deeper self-awareness.Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender and Letting Go of Outcome) Surrender is presented as an essential counterbalance to effort. One does the work with integrity, then releases attachment to results. This is especially relevant in complex systems, where control is limited and trust becomes necessary.Integrating Kriyā YogaThe final three Niyamas—Tapas, Svādhyāya, and Īśvara Praṇidhāna—are explored as Kriya Yoga, a practical pathway for transformation.Together, they form a cycle:Act with intentionReflect with honestySurrender the outcomeThis dynamic process supports both personal growth and therapeutic presence.Clinical and Real-World ApplicationDrawing from her work in the Veterans Administration, Marlysa highlights how these teachings translate into practice:Healing is not one-size-fits-all; each individual responds differentlyCuriosity supports humility and clinical effectivenessRelationship and co-reflection are essential for growthYoga therapy must move beyond biomechanics to include meaning, perception, and lived experienceThe conversation reinforces that how we approach a simple movement—like stretching a hamstring—often reflects how we approach life itself.Practical ReflectionFor those beginning to work with the Niyamas:Start with the one that feels most relevant or meaningfulReflect on where you tend toward excess or deficiencyUse curiosity as a guide rather than judgmentEngage trusted others in your process of reflectionClosing InsightThis episode reframes ethics not as obligation, but as an enlivening and relational practice. When approached with curiosity and sincerity, the Niyamas become a guide for living with clarity, integrity, and connection—to oneself and to others.Learn MoreVisit Marlysa Sullivan: www.marlysasullivan.comExplore the foundations in The Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://app
- Jul 31, 202648 min
Posture, Presence, and the Language of the Body with Posture Ellie
In this episode, Amy sits down with Posture Ellie, a posture specialist based in the Peak District of England, whose work bridges movement, awareness, and human transformation.Ellie shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and disconnection to discovering yoga as a turning point—one that ultimately led her to specialize in posture as a powerful, accessible entry point into healing.Together, they explore a central reframe: posture is not about “standing up straight.” It is about how the body moves, adapts, and expresses lived experience.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodePosture as a Living System Ellie challenges the common idea of posture as rigid alignment. Instead, she describes posture as fluid, responsive movement—an expression of how well the body functions as an integrated whole.From Symptoms to Root Cause Rather than chasing tension or pain, posture work invites us to restore movement where it has been lost. This shift moves the work from symptom relief toward deeper resolution.Interoception as a Learned Language Amy and Ellie discuss how body awareness is not immediate—it develops over time. Many people begin disconnected from sensation and gradually learn to “read” their body through consistent practice.The Missing Middle of Movement Modern life often swings between stillness (desk, car, couch) and intensity (gym, running). Ellie highlights the importance of restoring gentle, everyday movement—the “middle ground” our bodies are designed for.Patterns of Stress in the Body The conversation explores two common expressions of stress:Over-efforting / rigidity (often high-achieving, driven individuals)Collapse / withdrawal (protective, energy-conserving patterns)Both influence breathing, posture, and nervous system regulation in distinct ways.Breath, Posture, and the Nervous System Postural patterns directly affect breathing mechanics. Restricted diaphragmatic breathing can reinforce stress responses, while restoring breath capacity can support regulation.From Numbness to Feeling A powerful theme in this episode is the movement from disconnection to awareness. Many people initially feel “nothing,” only to later recognize long-held tension and emotion as awareness grows.Posture as a Gateway to Self-Relationship Over time, posture work becomes more than physical. It becomes a way of listening, responding, and relating to oneself with greater clarity and care.Key InsightPosture is not something you hold. It is something that emerges when the body is supported, responsive, and free to move.About the GuestPosture Ellie is a posture specialist and educator helping people reduce pain, improve movement, and reconnect with their bodies. Her work draws from yoga, the Egoscue Method, and a deep understanding of how modern lifestyles shape the human body.She is the author of Posture Power, a practical and empowering guide to understanding and improving posture.Website: www.posture-ellie.comInstagram: @postureellieBook: Posture Power → https://watkinspublishinglinks.com/posture-powerContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.n
About Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler
Welcome to "The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast," a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, brought to life by Amy's expertise in psychology and public health. With over 100,000 downloads, this podcast delves deep into the principles of yoga therapy, offering expert interviews, practical solutions, and profound insights into real-life challenges.From its inception, the first four seasons have been instrumental in elevating the domain of yoga therapy, emphasizing the pivotal role of lifestyle medicine in addressing both our mental and physical well-being. As we transition into Season 5, 6 & 7, Amy broadens the horizon, reaching out to the masses. Here, listeners will unravel how yoga therapy, when intertwined with lifestyle engineering, can serve as a powerful tool for holistic healing, touching the realms of the mind, body, and spirit.Subscribe now and be part of a transformative journey that bridges the essence of embodied mental health with the spirit's depth. Join Amy in redefining mental and physical wellness. Also, leave us a review if you are enjoying the podcast and consider supporting us at the Optimal State & Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon page -https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhourGo to www.TheOptimalState.com for more details on how to improve your mental and emotional health!
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