Hi, this is Amy Wheeler and i have had the good fortune to travel the world learning about Yoga Therapy on a global scale, meeting many of the leaders in the field along the way. I want to share with you what i am learning as i interview our colleagues. My hope is that together we can reduce the suffering of all sentient beings through our work as YogaTeachers and Yoga Therapists! Topics we will cover: Sciences of Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy Research The Art of Yoga Therapy Relationships in Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy Books/Authors Yoga Therapy Leaders in Field Social Justice in Yoga Therapy Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy in Healthcare Systems Yoga Therapy & Insurance Yoga Therapy & National Exam Yoga Therapy & Standards Cultural Competency in Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy & Integrative Medicine Field The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour The new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below. www.OptimalStateApp.com www.GoldZoneBook.com Check out Amy's website https://amywheeler.com
Healing Through Alignment: Embracing Nature, Overcoming Trauma, and the Role of Yoga & Ayurveda with Anjali Deva
In a deeply meaningful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler sits down with Anjali Deva from Rooted Rasa Ayurveda. The two discuss the transformative power of aligning one's life with intrinsic values, from the serenity of living close to nature to the stabilizing force of daily routines. Anjali sheds light on the importance of being with loved ones and animals, the rejuvenating effects of clean air and water, and the role of being in alignment with the circadian rhythms in our daily lives. The conversation then delves into the often-challenging journey of processing trauma and grief, and the immense joy and clarity that lies on the other side. Amy and Anjali also explore how ancient practices like yoga and Ayurveda can be potent tools in the quest for improved mental and emotional health.Unlocking Ancient Wisdom: Understanding what Ayurveda is.Origins of Ayurveda: Tracing its roots and its journey through time.Time-Tested Traditions: How long has Ayurveda been practiced on Earth?Ayurveda vs. TCM: Comparing Ayurveda with Traditional Chinese Medicine - similarities and distinctions.Mental Health & Ayurveda: How this ancient practice offers tools for our modern mental health challenges.The Modern Mental Health Crisis: Exploring why mental healthcare is more critical now than ever before.Inseparable Duo: Mental health and physical health are ONE.Nature-Aligned Living: Practical tips to embrace values and stay close to Mother Nature's heart.Healing Emotional Wounds: Using Ayurveda to process trauma and grief.The Essence of Joy: Understanding its pivotal role in our overall well-being and Ayurvedic perspective.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download. Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowwww.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.optimalstate.comwww.amywheeler.com Contact with Anjali Deva: www.RootedRasa.com & https://www.madhyaayurveda.com
11/10/2023 • 49 minutes, 32 seconds
Polyvagal Theory, Safety and the Therapeutic Relationship in Yoga Therapy with Marlysa Sullivan & Stephen Porges
This amazing conversation comes as an excerpt from a course on Polyvagal Theory and Therapeutic Yoga that Marlsya, Amy and Stephen created together for the Polyvagal Institute. There is still time to join us this fall, and we will be offering it again very soon. Also, we are celebrating 2.5 years and 100,000 downloads with our amazing Yoga Therapy Hour Community. We are sharing this extra episode to say thank you!Guests: Dr. Steven Porges & Marlysa Sullivan Key Takeaways:Definition of "Safety" in Polyvagal Theory:Safety is more than the absence of threat. It encompasses a feeling of connection, belonging, and an internal sense of well-being.Importance of Safety:The foundation of any therapeutic relationship.Influences the outcome of therapy.Defines the quality of interactions and connections.Understanding Internal Safety:The role of the autonomic nervous system.Transitioning from a state of threat to a place of safety.Signs & Signals of Safety:Voice and Intonation: The calming effect of a soothing voice.Facial Expressions: The importance of the upper face, especially the orbital muscle around the eyes.Muscle Tension: How the body communicates its state of being.Hearing and the Vagal System:The middle ear muscle's role.How our nervous system determines what we hear.Finding Mutual Safety:The therapeutic dance between the caretaker and care seeker.Enhancing therapy outcomes through mutual feelings of safety.Why Some Relationships Feel Safer:Recognizing the cues that foster connection or fear.Understanding intuitive feelings of safety or discomfort with certain individuals. Join the Full Course on Therapeutic Yoga and Polyvagal Theory with Amy, Marlysa and Stephen:Dive deeper into the blend of polyvagal theory and therapeutic yoga.www.PolyvagalInstitute.org Connect with us:www.PolyvagalInstitute.orgwww.MarlysaSullivan.comwww.amywheeler.comwww.TheOptimalState.com
10/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 29 seconds
The Importance of a Healthy Yoga Community in Self-Transformation Interview With Ashley McKeachie
On today’s episode, Amy chats with Ashley McKeachie. Ashley is a registered yoga instructor, yoga educator, and yoga therapist. She graduated with her Masters Degree in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University. Ashley spends half her time working as a yoga therapist, where she uses the tools of yoga to help alleviate the symptoms associated with chronic pain, and the other half as part-time faculty at Orange Coast College, leading and facilitating their Yoga Instructor Training Program and teaching about Integrative Health Coaching. Amy and Ashley talk about the importance of being a part of a positive Sangha, or community, for self-regulation and self-actualization. We often hear the phrase “Yoga is Relationship” by TKV Desikachar. But what does that really mean? How do we achieve it? How can we better our relationships and pay attention to those we care about? Have a cup of tea or go for a walk and listen to this inspiring episode with Ashley. They discuss the following topics: l Creating a sangha or community that is happy, healthy and supportive of your authentic naturel Forming lasting relationships and why it is so important to the yogic pathl Figuring out, Who Am I as a young person or a newly self-discovered personl Feeling valued by your community and how to find a healthy communityl Being lifted up by your community and how it changes your self-perceptionl Learning to communicate well to create lasting and healthy relationshipsl Holding each other accountable and being firm is an act of lovel Finding self-love is a life-long journeyl Stop looking for outside validation and turn your attention inward to find YOU! If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. Click the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 sec. to subscribehttps://amywheeler.com/subscribe Please download our new Mobile App that tracks mental and emotional well-being using yoga and ayurveda. Live classes, workshops and membership archive are coming in May of 2023!www.OptimalStateApp.comwww.GoldZoneBook.com To checkout Ashley’s offerings.Visit www.orangecoastcollege.edu and www.ashleymckeachieyoga.com
2/3/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 48 seconds
Living Life in Alignment By Amy Wheeler Ph.D.
Today’s show would be a solo show with Amy. Amy Wheeler, the host of Yoga Therapy Hour, shares very important personal news and update on her life. She also talks about her journey with healing and teaching. Amy talks about the spiritual end game of Yoga Therapy, Living life in Alignment, Fear and ways to lessen fear, how to find more spaciousness and much more. Today’s episode is a must listen! Amy talks about the following · Her recent health diagnosis and how she is receiving the news· Her journey with teaching at the university for 25 years coming to a close· Yoga Therapy spiritual end game and how this informs how we live our lives· Bad habits that can be created as a result of living in fear· Things that can help reduce fear or make you feel safe· How can you get into a deep state of Spaciousness (Bramha) without feeling fear· Yoga Tool Box to help create Spaciousness· Understanding what you need to de-link from to lessen the Fear If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: • Yoga Therapy & Mental Health• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health• Social Justice in yoga & Yoga Therapy• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox• Yoga & Indian Philosophy• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Today’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal State We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. I will be reporting on the website the progress; how much money is coming in at any given time and where we are in the process of getting this project off the ground.Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!Link to click in the description: http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonation The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast also has a Patreon page. We now have 5 staff that help us product the audio and video versions of the podcast. Please consider donating to help us keep this good work for the field of yoga therapy going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhourThe new You Tube Channel for this podcast is: YouTube: AmyWheelerPhd https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphdCheck out Amy's website Feel free to use download our free eBook and mobile App by going to the websites below.www.OptimalStateApp.comwww.GoldZoneBook.com Facebook: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler Twitter: Optimal State of Living with Dr. Amy TikTok: Dr. Amy@OptimalStateofLiving Instagram: Optimal State by Amy Wheeler Pinterest: TheOptimalState https://www.pinterest.com/TheOptimalState
6/10/2022 • 38 minutes, 57 seconds
INTERVIEW WITH ROBYN TIGER & WORKING WITH PHYSICIANS
On today’s podcast, Amy Chats with Robyn Tiger, MD, C-IAYT, RYT-500. She is a life coach for Physicians & trauma-informed self-care coach. She founded StressFreeMD, a wellness practice that provides freedom through self-care education. Dr. Robyn utilizes her unique combination of trainings in medicine, yoga therapy, meditation, and life coaching to educate others in stress management, burnout prevention, and relief. Dr. Robyn is a Western Carolina Medical Society Healthy Healer Partner, Surge-On App Key Opinion Leader for Self-Care for Surgeons, faculty for Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy, Advisory Council member of Yoga Therapy Today, and is an O2X Human Performance Specialist for first responders.Amy and Dr Robyn talk about Her background, how she practices Yoga Therapy, How StressFreeMD started, the benefits of being resourceful and so much more.They talk about the following:· Dr. Tiger’s background as an MD and how it led her to yoga therapy and health coaching· How Dr. Tiger started to serve Physicians with yoga therapy, meditation, and coaching· What motivated Dr. Tiger into creating StressFreeMD· How Robyn came to understand her client’s deepest needs and respond to those needs· The importance of speaking in her client’s preferred language· Resourcefulness and Tenacity as keys to the “Can Do Attitude.”· Working with your mental habits as the key to success in building a business· Importance of having multiple streams of income to create a successful businessIf you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDFs for download.Topics you can choose from include:• Yoga Therapy & Mental Health• Yoga Therapy & Physical Health• Social Justice in Yoga & Yoga Therapy• Yoga/Ayurveda Toolbox• Yoga & Indian Philosophy• Global & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribeToday’s podcasts is sponsored by: Optimal Statehttps://theoptimalstate.com/ We have all benefitted from the ancient wisdom of India and her people, so it feels really great to be able to serve in this way. The Optimal State family has pledged on-going support of $250 per month, to go directly to KYM Mitra (www.kym.org). We will collect the monies and gift them each month. Please consider a recurring monthly payment to the fund. Even a small gift or intention makes a difference! If we make more than $250 in any given month, it will roll into the following month’s payment. The hope is that we can contribute for many years to come. If you even lose the link to donate, it is at the top of the homepage at www.amywheeler.com also. Here is the link for you to get started with your donation. We are so happy that you have decided to join us. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts!Link to click in the description: http://Paypal.me/KymMitraDonationTo see Robyn’s offerings https://www.stressfreemd.netRobyn’s podcast: The StressFreeMD Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stressfreemd-podcast/id1578332294Check out Amy's website http://www.amywheeler.com