As an anatomy teacher and neuromuscular therapist - David has spent most of his career working with people in pain and helping them find a way out. And as the person who literally wrote the book on Yoga Anatomy, it makes sense that yoga students in particular - often with an injury or other physical issues - look to David for answers. At the same time, answers are something David seldom gives. Instead, he’d rather hand the power back to students - encouraging them to do their own exploring and experimentation:

1. Figure out what position makes it feel better relative to what body position makes it feel worse. So you know.

2. Give yourself permission to change the way you’re practicing so you can get closer to that position where it doesn’t hurt. Until you understand more, figure out more.

3. Once things calm down, start exploring even further and widdling things down

Look for David's 3-D animated kinesiology course for anyone who wants to learn their muscles, functional movement, and how the asanas fit together. Visit https://3dmusclelab.com

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The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is edited, produced, and hosted by Peg Mulqueen along with Meghan Powell. Music by Marc Pilley.