Yoga Medicine

Tiffany Cruikshank L.Ac, MAOM | Founder of 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

  1. EPISODE 1

    Best of 2025

    In this episode, host Rachel Land revisits topics as varied as managing our behavior during the holidays, how much to depend on technology when it comes to our health, the underestimated power of interoception, signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, common symptoms pre- peri- and post-menopause, practicing in support of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups, ADHD or recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and key challenges facing yoga teachers today.  Listen in to this episode to hear some of the gems you might have missed during the year. — Show Notes: Changing deep-seated patterns around the holidays [01:07] Recent research: female sex hormones and inflammation [5:42] Common symptom clusters during pre- peri- and post-menopause [12:15] Red flags suggesting undiagnosed autoimmune disorder [17:28] Is wellness a personal responsibility? [21:28] Navigating new wellness technology [25:33] Yoga practice during Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups [30:39] Interoception as a learned skill [36:11] Rebuilding body awareness after Traumatic Brain Injury [42:12] Teaching cues: balancing clarity with personal choice [44:46] Repeated and predictable movement for ADHD [50:25] Creating a sustainable teaching schedule [54:10] Shifting cultural and commercial pressures for yoga teachers [1:00:32] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Episode 130: When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's Series  Episode 132: Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik, PhD  Episode 133: Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet, FRACP  Episode 134: ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily Mariola Episode 135: Yoga as Personalized Medicine  Episode 137: Funk'tional Nutrition with Erin Holt  Episode 139: Experiencing Menopause: Research Roundup  Episode 142: Female Hormones, Immune System, & Exercise: Research Roundup Episode 144: The Power of Language: Teachers' Series  Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere  Episode 147: LoveYourBrain: Expert Insights on TBI with Kyla Pearce, MPH, PhD, CBIS, E-RYT  You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-154. 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.

    1h 3m
  2. EPISODE 2

    Yoga's Hidden History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda, MA

    For us to know where we are headed, it is crucial to understand where we came from and how we got here today. To that end, host Rachel Land and returning guest Firdose Moonda MA, spend today's episode discussing yoga's history, examining aspects of that history that are often overlooked. They dive into the challenge of balancing respect for the ancient traditions of yoga with the techniques that are most relevant to modern students, and debate whether teachers need to reference yoga's history in every class they teach. Listen in to learn why yoga history matters, what might be missing from your understanding of it, and what questions to ponder as we all take part in creating the yoga history of the future. — Show Notes: Does yoga's history matter? [2:15] Pros and cons of teaching ancient yoga history [7:38] What is missing from the yoga history commonly taught? [12:05] Western influence on yoga [14:54] The delicate balance of respect and relevance [19:58] Critical missing components of yoga history [25:54] The modern intermingling of yoga and wellness [30:31] Should we always incorporate yoga history in teaching? [35:48] Wrap up and questions to ponder [37:33] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube LIVE Online The History of Yoga Teacher Training Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: 100: Yoga, Politics & History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA 114: Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA Yoga Medicine® Book Club Connect with Firdose Moonda, MA: Firdose Moonda | Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher — Learn more: You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-155. 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.

    43 min
  3. EPISODE 4

    Full-Time Yoga Teacher Panel: Community Conversations with Elena Cheung, Kylie Rook and Caroline Wybar

    In a time of what feels like unprecedented change, the yoga landscape is shifting profoundly. It's a great opportunity for host Rachel Land to connect with other full-time yoga teachers—returning guests Caroline Wybar, Elena Cheung and Kylie Rook—to hear their thoughts. In this wide-reaching and philosophical discussion, we share what life as a teacher looks like right now, what has changed in the recent past, and what challenges and opportunities might lie ahead. Listen in to hear about online fatigue, chasing the hustle, the challenge of work-life balance, diversification for long-term sustainability, and our advice for new teachers. — Show Notes: Current teaching schedules [3:35] Why to diversify your offerings [7:41] Post-pandemic changes for yoga teachers [8:38] Myriad options: for better and for worse [12:35] Making a good living versus making a good life [16:13] Challenges: online fatigue, cultural stress, changing markets and demographics [23:33] Future opportunities [32:02] Closing thoughts for other teachers [43:50] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Connect with Caroline Wybar: Facebook | Instagram | Caroline Wybar Yoga | YMO Guest Teacher LIVE Online Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 68: Approaches for Anxiety Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 136: Yoga Nidra Connect with Elena Cheung: Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | YMO Guest Teacher The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 74: Yoga for All Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (And How to Avoid Them) Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 153: Integrity Beyond the Metrics Connect with Kylie Rook: Facebook | Instagram | Into Being | YMO Guest Teacher Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 66: Beginner's Mind You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-157. 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.

    50 min
  4. EPISODE 5

    What to Expect After Yoga Teacher Training: Bonus Short

    Yoga Teacher Training is such an involved and immersive process that many teachers forget to consider what they'll do when it ends. This final episode in our bonus 200-hour yoga teacher training series includes two short excerpts from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths with Yoga Medicine 200-hour lead teacher Dana Diament. In this episode, Dana and host Rachel share what you will -- and won't know -- after teacher training. They discuss how teaching opportunities are more widespread than ever, and how to capitalize on your unique skills and experiences to find your feet as a teacher. — Show Notes: The work doesn't end when 200hr teacher training does [2:01] What you will and won't know after yoga teacher training [4:04] Translating your personal experience for students [6:18] Teach immediately after 200hr teacher training [7:18] New teaching locations and populations [8:48] Full-time, part-time, or something else [11:25] Final thoughts [12:15] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-158. 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.

    14 min
  5. EPISODE 6

    Foam Rolling Research: Does the Science Reach the Practice?

    For years now, host Katja has been studying contraindications for foam rolling research, and today she sits down with Tiffany to discuss if new foam rolling research is reaching users in a practical way. In this episode, we discuss Katja's latest research project as well as recent findings and their implications for the yoga world. Listen in to learn which findings were most surprising and how yoga teachers can apply new foam rolling research in their classes and practice.  "We are always using, not only the research...but then also pulling in our gut and our experience and what is realistically attainable." - Tiffany Cruikshank. — What You'll Learn: Background on Katja's new research [1:27] In which context foam rolling is applied in practice [13:00] Foam rolling durations [15:14] How often is foam rolling recommended [23:40] Tools for foam rolling [31:13] Recent research on vibration foam rollers [38:04] Surprising findings [42:35] Practicality of collecting data [54:26] Info from non-users [1:08:14] Final takeaways [1:10:58] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Online Myofascial Release Training Connect with Katja Bartsch: Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | YMO Guest Teacher — Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-159. Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    1h 19m
  6. EPISODE 7

    Two Yoga Nidra "Rules" Worth Breaking: Bonus Short

    Some aspects of yoga practice feel more mysterious and opaque than others, which can make them intimidating to teach and practice. For many, Yoga Nidra is one such technique. In this short excerpt from the previous episode, Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline Wybar, Caroline shares two perceived Yoga Nidra "rules" that are well worth breaking to open up its benefits to a wider range of students. You can also join Caroline and Dr. Katja Bartsch from March 30 to dive deep into the what, why, and how of Yoga Nidra in their upcoming 20-hour Yoga Nidra Online Teacher Training. — 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: Watch this episode on YouTube Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 136: Yoga Nidra: Community Conversations with Caroline Wybar Connect with Caroline Wybar: Facebook | Instagram | Caroline Wybar Yoga | YMO Guest Teacher — Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-160. Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    10 min
  7. EPISODE 8

    Mantra Myths & Misconceptions: Community Conversations with Rashmi Bismark and Steph Wall

    Mantra — the sacred sound of yoga — is, for many students and teachers, shrouded in mystery. In this episode, yoga teachers Dr. Rashmi Bismark and Steph Wall join host Rachel Land to unpack the myths, misconceptions, and cultural questions surrounding mantra in modern yoga practice.  Together, they explore whether the practice of mantra is religious, the importance of correct pronunciation, and how teachers can introduce sacred sound into Western yoga classes without alienating students. Listen in to learn why chanting in community might be one of the most powerful nervous system anchors available. "It's not performative. It's an expression of something bigger." — Steph Wall. — What You'll Learn: Is mantra religious? [5:04]
 Does perfect pronunciation matter? [9:10]
 The roles of mantra in western classes [13:40] Do you need an empty mind for mantra to "work"? [16:35]
 Fear of "singing in public" [20:00] Mantra vs. affirmations [25:59]
 Is westernizing mantra cultural appropriation? [27:59]
 How to introduce mantra respectfully [32:13] Yoga Medicine 20-Hour Mantra Immersion [35:31] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube  20-hour Mantra Immersion with Yoga Medicine at the Kali Collective (Glasgow, May 29–31) Yoga Medicine Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training  Podcast Episode 06: The Power of Mindfulness  Podcast Episode 21: South Asian Teacher Panel  Podcast Episode 72: Counter Compassion Fatigue Podcast Episode 59: Explore the Dark Side Podcast Episode 94: Magic of Mythology Connect with Dr. Rashmi Bismark: Facebook | Instagram | Rashmi Bismark MD | X | YMO Guest Teacher Connect with Steph Wall: Facebook | Instagram | Kali Collective Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher — Learn More: Find the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-161. Learn 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 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    39 min
5
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

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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