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

Special Note: This episode contains swear words and storytelling about sexuality

Introduction:

In this special episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with the vibrant and authentic Susan Weis Bohlen. As a former Board Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and the author of three bestselling books on Ayurveda, Susan shares her deeply personal story of overcoming body image struggles and how Ayurveda helped her transform her relationship with her body. From battling bulimia to losing over 60 pounds, Susan opens up about her path to self-love, Ayurvedic practices, and her passion for helping others on their journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Body Transformation through Ayurveda: Susan discusses how she went from discomfort in her body to losing 60+ pounds and maintaining it with Ayurvedic practices.
• Healing from Bulimia: Susan shares her long battle with bulimia and understanding her Ayurvedic dosha.
• Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices: The role of Panchakarma and daily self-care rituals like abhyanga (oil massage) in maintaining balance and wellness.
• Living with Authenticity: Susan’s experience of opening her heart and creating space in her life, which eventually led to meeting her husband and finding deeper connection.
• American Jewish Ayurveda: Susan explains her unique approach to Ayurveda, blending her cultural background with ancient practices, making them accessible for a modern audience.
• Thoughts on NAMA: Susan discusses her decision to step away from NAMA Board, which has some similarities to what IAYT is facing at this time.

Susan Weis Bohlen’s Contact Information:

Website: www.SusanWeisBohlen.com

Substack Newsletter: Available on her website

Books:

• Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide
• Seasonal Self-Care Rituals
• Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Check out www.TheOptimalState.com

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 episode of the Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler interviews Julie Afsahi and Jessica Cross, two experienced sound healing practitioners and authors of Seasons of Sound. They dive into the fascinating world of sound healing, exploring its ancient roots, the science behind vibrational therapy, and the profound effects it can have on the mind, body, and emotions.

The conversation touches on topics:

• How sound baths can facilitate deep relaxation and healing.
• The role of the subtle body in sound healing and its relationship with Yogic philosophy.
• The concept of the “post-digestive effect” in sound healing and how it continues to impact participants after the session.
• Their personal journeys into sound healing and the significance of various instruments like gongs, crystal bowls, and chimes in therapeutic settings.
• How they make sound healing approachable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• The connection between sound healing and the seasons, as detailed in their book, Seasons of Sound.

Julie and Jessica also share insights into their sound healing trainings, which are offered both in-person in Texas and online, and discuss the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Sound healing operates on many levels, including the physical, energetic, and emotional layers.
• The subtle body and energetic shifts play a crucial role in how sound impacts us.
• Their book, Seasons of Sound, offers a framework for practicing sound healing in alignment with the cycles of nature and the seasons of life.
• There is still much to be explored and researched in the field of sound healing, and they invite more practitioners to dive deeper into the science behind it.

About Our Guests:

• Julie Afsahi is the owner of Soul Strong Yoga in Austin, TX, where she integrates sound healing into her yoga offerings.
• Jessica Cross is a certified sound healer and the founder of Sound for Stress, helping individuals relieve stress through the transformative power of sound.
• Together, they co-authored Seasons of Sound, a guide for sound healing practitioners that aligns sound practices with the seasons of the Earth and life.

Resources:

• Soul Strong Yoga
• Sound for Stress
• Seasons of Sound Book

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 episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Melaney Seacat, a yoga therapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, to discuss the powerful intersection of these two healing modalities. Melaney shares her personal story of recovery from a serious hip injury sustained during a hiking accident, her healing journey, and how it shaped her approach to working with trauma and the nervous system.

Melaney explains how life experiences are like boulders in a stream, and how we can navigate them using the principles of both yoga therapy and somatic experiencing. She emphasizes the importance of regulating the nervous system, titration of trauma release, and building a "healing vortex" through small, manageable steps.

In this insightful conversation, Melaney and Amy dive into:

• The trauma vortex and healing vortex models in trauma recovery
• How yoga therapy uses breath, movement, and mindfulness to stabilize the nervous system
• The integration of somatic experiencing techniques with yoga therapy for trauma resolution
• Practical tools like finger slides and orientation to the senses that empower clients to manage their nervous system
• How to safely navigate trauma processing without re-traumatization

Whether you're new to these practices or a seasoned therapist, this episode offers valuable insights into the healing potential of combining yoga therapy and somatic experiencing.

Key Timestamps:

• [10:24] Melaney shares her personal story of healing from a hiking accident.
• [10:25] Using the metaphor of life as a stream and the trauma vortex.
• [10:27] The role of yoga therapy in stabilizing disorganized nervous systems.
• [10:29] Ethical considerations in integrating yoga therapy and somatic experiencing.
• [10:30] Melaney’s favorite mini-intervention for regulating the nervous system.
• [10:33] Tools for orienting to the senses and reducing hyper-vigilance.
• [10:37] The resolution model in somatic experiencing and its parallels in yoga therapy.

Learn more about Melaney Seacat's work at seacatsomatictherapy.com

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, Amy Wheeler welcomes Anuradha Gupta, an Ayurvedic doctor and educator from Kerala Ayurveda, to discuss best practices for culturally competent care in healthcare, particularly with respect to LGBTQIA+ issues. Anuradha shares her background in Ayurveda and how she has worked to integrate cultural competence into the Ayurvedic healthcare system. She reflects on the challenges of providing care to marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, and the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for healing.

Key points include:

• Cultural Competency vs. Cultural Humility: Anuradha explains the distinction between cultural competence, which involves learning about different communities, and cultural humility, which emphasizes curiosity and respect for individual experiences.
• Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Healthcare: She highlights the systemic issues, such as discrimination and lack of access, that disproportionately affect the LGBTQIA+ community. Anuradha also discusses the health implications of minority stress and trauma.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Both Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda are ideally suited to offer personalized, trauma-informed care that supports the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ clients.
• Historical Context: Anuradha discusses the history of LGBTQIA+ acceptance in India, dating back to Vedic times, and how colonization introduced homophobia and discrimination.
• Best Practices in Care: Drawing from her research, Anuradha outlines best practices for healthcare professionals working with LGBTQIA+ clients, emphasizing the need for open affirmations, trauma-informed approaches, and integrating alternative care with allopathic practices.

Resources shared:

• GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, a resource for culturally competent healthcare practices.
• PFLAG: A support organization for families and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and to create spaces of healing that are inclusive, respectful, and affirming for all identities. You can connect with Anuradha Gupta via LinkedIn or explore her work at Ayurvedic Footprints.

LinkedIn: Anuradha Gupta

Ayurvedic Footprints: Anuradha's private practice focused on sustainability and gentle healing.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that culturally competent care is not only about knowledge but also about empathy, curiosity, and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities.

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

In this solo episode, host Amy Wheeler explores the concept of Ahimsa (non-harming) and being in relationship with one another as the key guiding principle for making ethical decisions and policies in both individual and organizational contexts. Amy focuses on how yoga organizations like Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) can enhance their decision-making processes by prioritizing non-harming, inclusivity, and community involvement from the ground up.

What is Ahimsa?

Amy defines Ahimsa as non-harming and non-violence toward oneself, others, and the environment. Ahimsa applies to emotional, mental, financial, community and societal well-being, guiding how we treat ourselves and each other.

Ahimsa as a Guiding Principle in Organizational Decisions

Amy explores how Ahimsa can shape ethical decision-making in yoga organizations, including Yoga Alliance and IAYT. She encourages a review of their policies and decision-making frameworks to ensure that they uphold the values of non-harming, transparency, and inclusivity. Amy discusses the importance of community involvement in shaping these policies, particularly through a collaborative, ground-up approach that empowers individuals and organizations to take shared responsibility for one another.

Humanistic Secularism and Its Connection to Yoga Ethics

Amy discusses humanistic secularism as an ethical framework based on human values like empathy, social responsibility, and inclusivity, without relying on religious or spiritual beliefs. She highlights how this worldview aligns with Ahimsa and discusses its practical application in modern decision-making, both in personal choices and at the organizational level. Amy also discusses the challenges that organizations face in maintaining ethical practices in a fast-paced, competitive environment and provides solutions on how to stay aligned with Ahimsa.

Call to Action

Amy invites listeners to join the new Facebook Group, "The Future of Yoga Therapy," to voice their opinions, introduce themselves, and participate in shaping the future of yoga therapy. This is a space for meaningful dialogue about ethical decision-making and shared responsibility within the yoga community, with a focus on Ahimsa and being in relationship with one another as a grounding foundational principle.

Follow Us:

• Website: TheOptimalState.com
• Instagram: @TheOptimalState
• Facebook: The Optimal State of Living

Don't forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more expert discussions on yoga therapy and emotional well-being!

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon