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:

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140 Game-Changing Hands-On Assists: Teachers' Series

Yoga Medicine