By Matthew Huy
Enlightened Anatomy is a deep-dive into the worlds of anatomy, physiology, and science to inspire yoga teachers, yoga practitioners, and general movement nerds who want the latest science-
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The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.
Host Matt Huy interviews Dr. Libby Hinsley, an experienced physical therapist, yoga teacher, and hypermobility specialist. They discuss Libby’s background, her work with hypermobility syndromes, and her approach to teaching anatomy to yoga teachers. Key topics include the importance of understanding anatomy for yoga practitioners and teachers, common misconceptions about body mechanics, the role of pain in yoga practice, and the benefits and considerations of yin yoga for hypermobile individuals. Libby provides insights on how yoga teachers can empower their students through informed anatomical knowledge and reflective practice.
Resources mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast
00:26 Meet Dr. Libby Hinsley: Yoga Teacher and Physical Therapist
01:30 Libby's Journey: From Yoga Teacher to Physical Therapist
03:57 The Importance of Anatomy Knowledge for Yoga Teachers
12:03 Understanding Pain and Its Implications in Yoga
18:17 Hypermobility and Yoga: A Nuanced Discussion
18:44 The Role of Yin Yoga for Hypermobile Individuals
26:48 Debunking Myths: What Yoga Teachers Should Stop Saying
31:58 Debunking Myths About Back Pain and Yoga
32:54 The Fear of Spinal Flexion in Yoga
36:12 Understanding Anatomy for Better Yoga Practice
37:52 Decoding Common Yoga Cues
43:39 The Importance of Individual Anatomy in Yoga
48:38 Empowering Yoga Students Through Self-Discovery
55:11 The Role of Anatomy in Yoga Teaching
58:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
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Matt delves into how the human body adapts to yoga and exercise. Reflecting on past misconceptions from his early teaching days, he clarifies a range of physiological adaptations, such as muscular hypertrophy, neural, cardiovascular, and connective tissue responses. Drawing on historical and scientific insights, including his personal experiences and education, Matt explains how repeated exposure to exercise leads to beneficial adaptations, including increased strength, coordination, and efficiency. He emphasizes the empowerment that comes from understanding these changes and promotes an active lifestyle. The episode also differentiates between adaptations and the broader benefits of exercise and touches on the physiological effects of pranayama.
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
In this episode, Matt interviews Bernie Clark, author of Your Body Your Yoga and other books, discussing his journey into yoga, his influential works on yin yoga, and his deep dive into human anatomy and variations. They address the scientific and experiential aspects of Yin Yoga, the importance of stress and rest on tissues, and the dynamic nature of pain and recovery. They also touch on the evolution of yoga therapy and the nuances of teaching yoga with a focus on individual variations. The episode includes insights into how anatomical differences impact yoga practice and refutes common misconceptions with a critical and informed approach.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:11 Bernie Clark's Journey into Yoga
02:34 Discovering Yin Yoga and Human Variation
03:47 The Importance of Anatomy in Yoga
14:07 Challenges and Evolution in Yoga Teaching
23:54 Yoga Therapy and Scientific Validation
32:53 Understanding Muscle Tension: Hypertonic vs. Hypotonic
33:11 The Role of the Immune System in Muscle Stiffness
33:51 Hormonal Influences on Fascia and Injury Risks
34:22 Tension vs. Compression: Limits of Flexibility
35:02 Personal Experiences with Compression and Injury
36:35 The Reality of Physical Limitations in Yoga
37:47 Debunking Myths: Yoga and Bone Structure
38:57 The Debate on Fascia and Yin Yoga
40:35 Targeting vs. Isolating Fascia in Yoga
42:00 The Science Behind Long-Held Yoga Poses
51:04 Stress and Recovery: The Key to Tissue Health
57:25 The Controversial Credit Card Analogy
01:04:56 Final Thoughts and Current Endeavors
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
Matt is joined by craniosacral therapist and author Nikki Kenward. They discuss Nikki's journey, including her traumatic scuba diving accident, her work in craniosacral therapy, and her innovative concept of post-traumatic gut disorder. The conversation dives deep into the anatomy and physiology of the gut, touching on the enteric nervous system, neuroplasticity, and the interconnectedness of body systems. Nikki also shares practical tips for improving gut health and the importance of fun, play, and creativity in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Follow Nikki on Instagram @Nikki.Circus and check out her YouTube channel 'Colon to Cosmos' for further insights and resources.
Resources mentioned:
00:00 Introduction to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast
00:27 Meet Nikki Kenward: A Multifaceted Healer
01:28 Nikki's Vibrant Lifestyle and Circus Adventures
03:53 Understanding Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
06:35 Nikki's Traumatic Scuba Diving Experience
11:51 The Aftermath: PTSD and Gut Disorders
17:49 Healing and Growth: Overcoming Trauma
20:12 The Enteric Nervous System: The Second Brain
24:02 The Gut-Brain Connection
24:36 Serotonin and Dopamine in the Gut
24:57 Microbiota and Mental Health
25:53 The Enteric Nervous System
29:24 Impact of Trauma on Gut Health
31:35 Emotional Memory in Cells
38:10 Epigenetics and Gut Health
41:37 Practical Tips for Gut Health
44:17 The Role of Yoga and Play
45:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, hosted by Matthew Huy, listeners are introduced to the relationship between science and yoga, with a focus on applying scientific principles to enhance yoga teaching and practice. Matthew shares his journey from dance to a master's in exercise science, emphasizing his rekindled love for science and its importance in clarifying thought and reducing biases. The episode covers the definitions of science, observational and experimental evidence, the significance of evidence and critical thinking in science, and the hierarchy of evidence quality from systematic reviews to expert opinions. Matthew also discusses critical thinking, the burden of proof, and how science can deepen our understanding of yoga's effects on physical and mental health, including the autonomic nervous system and exercise adaptations. He encourages listeners to apply critical thinking to yoga, considering scientific evidence in practice and teaching to improve physical activity and health outcomes.
00:00 Welcome to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast
00:21 The Intersection of Science and Yoga
00:39 A Personal Journey with Science
01:33 Defining Science and Its Methods
02:57 The Importance of Evidence in Science
04:06 Critical Thinking: The Heart of Science
06:53 Understanding the Pyramid of Evidence
15:37 Science Meets Yoga: Enhancing Practice and Teaching
18:26 The Power of Exercise and Body Adaptation
21:50 Concluding Thoughts on Science and Yoga
22:28 Engage with the Podcast
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, host Matthew Huy is joined by Dr. Andrew McGonigle, co-author of the Physiology of Yoga. They discuss Dr. McGonigle's transition from a medical career to teaching anatomy in yoga, the importance of understanding anatomy and physiology for yoga teachers, and the process of reevaluating old beliefs and misinformation within the yoga community. Topics such as the misconceptions around osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are covered, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices in yoga. The episode highlights the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and scientific inquiry in the field of yoga, underscoring the benefits of understanding the body better through anatomy and physiology education.
00:00 Welcome to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast
00:21 Meet Dr. Andrew McGonigle: Co-Author and Anatomy Expert
01:35 The Origin Story: How Matthew and Andrew Met
02:51 Andrew's Journey from Medicine to Yoga and Anatomy
06:59 The Early Days of Teaching Anatomy and Embracing Challenges
13:02 Exploring Arthritis: Shifting Perspectives and New Understandings
20:55 Diving Deep into Osteoporosis and the Power of Movement
24:38 Fascia: The Buzzword of the Yoga Community
29:17 Debunking Myths Around Fascia and Foam Rolling
29:43 The Pendulum Swing in Fascial Fitness
30:10 Movement and Fascia: A Balanced Perspective
31:03 Yin Yoga and Fascial Release: A Critical Look
32:07 Embracing Silence and Introspection in Yoga Practice
33:35 The Interplay of Science and Yoga Philosophy
36:14 The Power of Knowledge in Overcoming Injury
39:15 Addressing Pain and Fear in Yoga Teaching
43:56 The Importance of Staying Active and Challenging Misinformation
52:44 Collaboration and Continuous Learning in Yoga Teaching
54:16 Upcoming Courses and Content Creation Tips
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
In this very first episode, Matt introduces the objective of the podcast: to provide science-based knowledge and insights into anatomy and physiology, specifically targeted at yoga teachers and practitioners. Matt shares his background in teaching yoga since 2005, his educational qualifications, and his aim to help yoga teachers navigate the conflicting views prevalent in the yoga community by providing clear, scientific evidence.
He emphasizes the safeness and benefits of yoga compared to other physical activities, addresses common myths and misconceptions, and outlines the World Health Organization's weekly exercise guidelines.
Additionally, Matthew offers reassurance about the mild and transient nature of most yoga-related injuries, highlighting yoga's role in preventing various health issues and improving overall wellbeing. The episode aims to empower yoga teachers with the confidence and knowledge to help their students, and themselves, lead healthier, more active lives.
Download my free e-document 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
00:00 Welcome to the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast
01:00 The Conflicting Views in Yoga Teaching
01:42 Introducing Your Host: Matthew Huy
02:04 The Journey from Confusion to Confidence
03:10 Debunking Yoga Injury Myths
06:01 The Science-Backed Benefits of Physical Activity
08:04 Exercise Guidelines for Optimal Health
11:26 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
Send us a text message to ask a question or share feedback.
Download my free e-book 5 Truth Bombs to Make You a More Confident Yoga Teacher.
For yoga teaching tips, follow me on Instagram. Or, like my Facebook page.
The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.