In this solo episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler dives into the transformative science of Polyvagal Theory. Drawing on her experience as a pod leader for the Polyvagal Institute, Amy explores how understanding the body’s response to perceived threats can guide us to greater self-awareness, embodiment, and healing. This episode is a powerful resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with their body and regulate their nervous system, enhancing resilience and well-being.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to Polyvagal Theory: Amy introduces the basics of Polyvagal Theory, explaining the importance of understanding both top-down and bottom-up processing in the nervous system.
• Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Processing: Amy discusses the difference between cognitive (top-down) and somatic (bottom-up) approaches to processing stress and threat, emphasizing that most data flows from body to brain.
• Body Safety and Trust: Highlighting real-life examples, Amy emphasizes the importance of listening to the body’s signals as indicators of safety or threat, helping individuals discern whether situations align with their well-being.
• Practical Techniques for Regulation: From walking and dancing to tools like EFT (tapping), Amy shares various techniques to help listeners reconnect with their body and regulate their nervous system.
• Neurodivergence as a Polyvagal Strength: She explores how individuals with neurodivergence may have heightened awareness of safety cues, leading to powerful self-awareness and authenticity.
• Incorporating Polyvagal Theory into Yoga: Amy encourages yoga practitioners and therapists to use polyvagal principles to help clients feel safe and embodied, enriching their overall experience of yoga and well-being.

In closing, Amy reflects on the role of yoga and Polyvagal Theory in facilitating deeper embodiment and personal transformation. She invites listeners to submit their own stories of healing through yoga, yoga therapy, or Ayurveda to be featured on future episodes of The Yoga Therapy Hour, creating a community-driven narrative of health and transformation throughout 2025.

Contact Amy to be a guest on the podcast: amy@amywheeler.com

Join us for our Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic in 2025!

Welcome to our Optimal State of Living Yoga Therapy Clinic and Continuing Education program, held every Monday night, designed to enrich your body, mind, and spirit through yoga. Whether you’re deepening your practice or connecting with a supportive community, our clinic offers a comprehensive experience for all.

About the Clinic:

Our program blends healing, learning, and community engagement in a supportive environment, promising growth, wellness, and an enriched understanding of yoga therapy.

What to Expect:

Community Building: Connect with fellow yoga enthusiasts.

Mini-Lecture on Monthly Theme: Deepen your understanding of yoga therapy.

Yoga Practice: Tailored session aligning with our monthly theme.

Closing Circle: Reflect and reinforce community.

Continuing Education for Yoga Professionals:

Deep Dive into Theory: Enhance teaching skills and understanding.

Continuing Education Credits: Recognized by IAYT and Yoga Alliance.

Certificate of Completion: Validate your participation and learning.

Embark on a journey of healing, learning, and connection with our Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic & Continuing Education. Register now to transform your practice, enrich your teaching, and be part of a nurturing community dedicated to wellness and growth.

Transform your Mondays into a sanctuary of peace, learning, and community with us. We look forward to welcoming you to our yoga family!

Cost: $59 for the Four 75-min. classes + recordings and handouts (per household) & $20 for the Four 15-min Continuing Education Units classes + recordings and handouts and a Certificate of Completion

www.TheOptimalState.com

Welcome to this enlightening episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Ella Davar, RD, a longevity nutritionist whose work delves deep into the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, and longevity. Ella brings a wealth of knowledge about gut health, the brain-gut axis, and the role of the vagus nerve in managing our stress response. She discusses how a well-functioning microbiome supports not only our physical well-being but also our mental, emotional, and even spiritual health. Ella’s insights open up an inspiring conversation about how intentional nutrition and mindful practices can lead to a longer, healthier life—a mission that aligns beautifully with the goals of yoga and yoga therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of the microbiome: Ella breaks down how the gut microbiome influences our physical and mental health, and how diet and stress impact this critical system.
• The role of the vagus nerve: Ella discusses the vagus nerve’s pivotal function in “rest and digest,” linking mindful breathing and meditation with better digestion and a balanced nervous system.
• Longevity nutrition: Ella explains her approach to nutrition that goes beyond disease management to support health span—living a vibrant life well into old age.
• The gut-brain axis and emotional health: Learn how emotional states and stress directly affect the gut and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for integrative health practices.
• Practical tools for supporting gut health: Ella shares simple techniques, like mindful breathing before meals, to help stimulate digestive function and promote a healthy microbiome.
• Precision medicine as the future: Ella shares her view on personalized, precision medicine and how understanding individual needs through testing can transform our approach to health.

Closing Paragraph:

Thank you, Ella Davar, for joining us today and sharing your incredible knowledge on how our gut health, emotions, and lifestyle intersect to create a foundation for longevity and well-being. From explaining the power of the vagus nerve to providing practical tips for supporting our digestion, Ella’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that true health involves mind, body, and spirit. As you go into the week, consider not only what you’re nourishing your body with but also how you’re managing stress and supporting emotional balance. For those inspired to explore Ella’s work further, check out her resources on longevity, nutrition, and gut health.

Ella Davar’s Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.gutbrainmethod.com
• TED Talk on Nutrition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXOaCpTT6b8

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

· Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

· Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.

· For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this insightful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, our host sits down with Dr. Eileen Forrestal, a former medical doctor turned entrepreneur and author. Eileen shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a childhood trauma that left her struggling to speak. Through decades of perseverance, personal growth, and yoga therapy, she was able to reclaim her voice, both literally and figuratively. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and courage, offering a powerful message for anyone facing their own challenges and fears.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Trauma and Speech Challenges: Eileen shares how a medical trauma in early childhood affected her throat and her ability to speak, leading to a prolonged struggle with stuttering and silence.
• From Silence to Speaking: Learn about Eileen's transformation from a quiet child into a public speaker and author, detailing the steps she took to overcome fear and embrace her authentic voice.
• Facing Fears Head-On: Eileen offers valuable insights into how facing one's fears, even if it takes decades, can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
• A Message for Everyone: This conversation reminds listeners that the traumas and challenges we face—whether big or small—shape us, but they don't have to define us. Like Eileen, we can all take the courageous step to heal and transform.
• Living Authentically: Eileen’s story inspires listeners to shine their own light, no matter how long it takes to heal or face life's obstacles.

Closing Thoughts: Eileen Forrestal's journey shows us that it’s never too late to find your voice and live authentically. Her experience is a testament to the power of yoga therapy in healing both body and mind. For anyone struggling with trauma or fear, this episode serves as a reminder that the path to healing is always available, and it begins with the courage to take the first step.

You can connect with Eileen on her website eileenforrestal.com or follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter under the same handle.

Check out www.TheOptimalState.com

Yoga workshops on Emotional Intelligence coming soon in 2025! See website above for more details. Each month will have a special topic around Emotional Intelligence.

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com

Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by