Episode #80: Trauma Informed Yoga with Anthea Taeuber

 

Trauma-Informed Yoga: What It Is and Why It Matters

Meet Anthea: Her Art Background and Love for Yoga

Anthea is originally from a small town in Connecticut, where she grew up around farmland and trees. She also has an art background, and her mom is an artist. In college, she studied cognitive neuroscience and international relations, and it was there where she discovered yoga. At first, she enjoyed yoga for its physical benefits, but she soon realized there was much more to it.

 

What is Cognitive Neuroscience?

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the brain at a neurological level. Anthea’s classes covered neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, and how different learning techniques can enhance memory. They also discussed how childhood experiences can shape how people act and how the brain physiologically forms in response.

 

Brain Plasticity and Resisting Change

Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to grow and adjust. Unfortunately, many people resist change, even though it’s a natural and essential part of life. Trauma-informed yoga can help people learn to be more accepting of change and more in tune with their bodies.

 

Why Trauma-Informed Yoga Matters

Trauma-informed yoga is vital for yoga teachers to understand because many students may have experienced trauma in their lives. Yoga teachers need to be aware of how trauma can affect a student’s body and mind, and they need to create a safe and supportive environment for their students. Trauma-informed yoga can help students heal from past traumas and build resilience for the future.

 

How Yoga Helped Anthea Heal from Trauma

After getting out of an abusive relationship, Anthea rediscovered yoga at the age of 22. She found that yoga helped her reconnect with her body and her emotions. It allowed her to process her trauma in a safe and healthy way. She hopes that trauma-informed yoga can help others in the same way it helped her.

 

Final Thoughts on Trauma-Informed Yoga

Trauma-informed yoga is an essential practice for yoga teachers and students alike. It’s essential to understand how trauma can affect the body and mind and create a safe and supportive environment for healing. Yoga can be a powerful tool for healing, and it’s essential to have a trauma-informed approach to make it accessible to everyone.

 

Listen to the full episode to get the complete scoop!

  • (00:00) Studying Byronology
  • (04:07) Welcoming Anthea
  • (06:14) What is cognitive neuroscience?
  • (09:27) Defining trauma…
  • (11:56) Big T and little t trauma
  • (13:18) EMDR therapy
  • (15:46) Right and left brain emotions and logic
  • (18:00) Regulating your amygdala
  • (19:04) Trauma triggers in yoga
  • (22:55) Language and allowing space in your class
  • (26:25) Consent cards for adjustments are powerful
  • (29:00) Energetic and visual cues can be great alternatives to physical adjustments
  • (31:06) One word check in’s for how people are feeling
  • (33:24) Savasana can be triggering for PTSD and trauma
  • (36:44) Pose awareness, which poses trigger you
  • (40:02) We don’t all need to be perfect trauma-informed teachers
  • (41:35) Bilateral stimulation poses
  • (44:40) Metaphors and visualisations
  • (49:27) Recap of trauma-informed yoga teaching skills
  • (52:33) Acroyoga can be a powerful healing tool for trauma
  • (55:54) How to get in contact with Anthea

 

If you want to connect with Anthea on IG: @antheataeuber

Related episode links:
Episode #68 – Trauma Informed with Rusty Price
Episode #43 – Benefits of Practicing Acro Yoga with Caspian Burrell

 

 

Trauma-Informed Yoga: What It Is and Why It Matters

Meet Anthea: Her Art Background and Love for Yoga

Anthea is originally from a small town in Connecticut, where she grew up around farmland and trees. She also has an art background, and her mom is an artist. In college, she studied cognitive neuroscience and international relations, and it was there where she discovered yoga. At first, she enjoyed yoga for its physical benefits, but she soon realized there was much more to it.

 

What is Cognitive Neuroscience?

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the brain at a neurological level. Anthea’s classes covered neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, and how different learning techniques can enhance memory. They also discussed how childhood experiences can shape how people act and how the brain physiologically forms in response.

 

Brain Plasticity and Resisting Change

Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to grow and adjust. Unfortunately, many people resist change, even though it’s a natural and essential part of life. Trauma-informed yoga can help people learn to be more accepting of change and more in tune with their bodies.

 

Why Trauma-Informed Yoga Matters

Trauma-informed yoga is vital for yoga teachers to understand because many students may have experienced trauma in their lives. Yoga teachers need to be aware of how trauma can affect a student’s body and mind, and they need to create a safe and supportive environment for their students. Trauma-informed yoga can help students heal from past traumas and build resilience for the future.

 

How Yoga Helped Anthea Heal from Trauma

After getting out of an abusive relationship, Anthea rediscovered yoga at the age of 22. She found that yoga helped her reconnect with her body and her emotions. It allowed her to process her trauma in a safe and healthy way. She hopes that trauma-informed yoga can help others in the same way it helped her.

 

Final Thoughts on Trauma-Informed Yoga

Trauma-informed yoga is an essential practice for yoga teachers and students alike. It’s essential to understand how trauma can affect the body and mind and create a safe and supportive environment for healing. Yoga can be a powerful tool for healing, and it’s essential to have a trauma-informed approach to make it accessible to everyone.

 

Listen to the full episode to get the complete scoop!

  • (00:00) Studying Byronology
  • (04:07) Welcoming Anthea
  • (06:14) What is cognitive neuroscience?
  • (09:27) Defining trauma…
  • (11:56) Big T and little t trauma
  • (13:18) EMDR therapy
  • (15:46) Right and left brain emotions and logic
  • (18:00) Regulating your amygdala
  • (19:04) Trauma triggers in yoga
  • (22:55) Language and allowing space in your class
  • (26:25) Consent cards for adjustments are powerful
  • (29:00) Energetic and visual cues can be great alternatives to physical adjustments
  • (31:06) One word check in’s for how people are feeling
  • (33:24) Savasana can be triggering for PTSD and trauma
  • (36:44) Pose awareness, which poses trigger you
  • (40:02) We don’t all need to be perfect trauma-informed teachers
  • (41:35) Bilateral stimulation poses
  • (44:40) Metaphors and visualisations
  • (49:27) Recap of trauma-informed yoga teaching skills
  • (52:33) Acroyoga can be a powerful healing tool for trauma
  • (55:54) How to get in contact with Anthea

 

If you want to connect with Anthea on IG: @antheataeuber

Related episode links:
Episode #68 – Trauma Informed with Rusty Price
Episode #43 – Benefits of Practicing Acro Yoga with Caspian Burrell

 

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Priority #1-2 Cues – Movement into Pose/Gentle stability:

Used to move the student(s) into the pose. These cues are the first thing to say to guide movement into the posture combine with occasionally cues for action to stabilize and protect the body.

Action cues are subtle movements in that establish stability to support the posture and protect the body.

These cues are necessary for beginners.

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Front Arm Lines (FAL)

The Front Arm Lines assist the body in stabilization and consists of the Deep Front Arm Line (DFAL) and the Superficial Front Arm Line (SFAL).

The DFAL assists the upper body to move in adduction, rotation, and flexion. This fascial line runs from the area underneath your chest, up the armpit, and connects to the biceps.

The SFAL assists the upper body to move in adduction, flexion, and protraction. This fascial line runs from the clavicle, through the inner biceps, and into the front forearm area.

To lengthen the front arm lines, you need to move your body into abduction, adduction in combination with flexion or extension.

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Priority #1 Cues – Movement into the Pose:

Used to move the student(s) into the pose. These cues are the first thing to say to guide movement into the posture. These cues are necessary for beginners.

Close

Priority #2 Cues – Adjust Common Misalignments:

Used to adjust common misalignment in the body by providing action cues. Action cues are subtle movements in that establish stability to support the posture and protect the body.

Close

Priority #3 Cues – Finishing Touches:

Used for the final touches of the pose. These are the last things you would say after a student has entered the pose (#1) and established alignment(#2).

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Priority #1-2 Cues – Movement into Pose combined with Adjusting Common Misalignments:

This yoga pose is more complex and requires a combination of action cues to stabilize the body before moving into the full expression of the pose.

Action cues are subtle movements in that establish stability to support the posture and protect the body.

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Superficial Back Line (SBL)

This fascial line runs from the bottoms of the feet, up the back of the body, to the third eye.

It assists the body to move in extension, for example to arch the spine.

To lengthen the back line, you need to move your body into a forward flexion.

Muscle areas of the back line include: calves, hamstring, and the spinal muscles.

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Superficial Front Line (SFL)

This fascial line runs from the tops of the feet, along the anterior side of the body, up to the base of the skull.

Assists the body to move forward, in flexion.

To lengthen the front line, you need to move your body backwards, into extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: the shins, the quadriceps, the abdomens, the diaphragm and the muscles in the front of the neck.

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Lateral Line (LL)

This fascial line runs from the base of the outer ankles, up the side of the body, to the base of the skull region underneath the ear.

Assists the body to move sideways, in abduction, for example to stretch the side body.

To lengthen the lateral line, you need to move your body to one side so that you can stretch the other side.

Muscle areas of the lateral line include: the muscles along the sides of the shins (peroneals), the muscles outside of the thighs including the Iliotibial (IT) band, the glute muscles, the side abdominals (obliques), and the side of the neck (scalenes).

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Spiral Line (SL)

This fascial line loops around the body, across the upper back to the opposite shoulder, and around the ribs to cross again at the front.

Assists the body to rotate and twist.

To lengthen the spiral line, you need to move your body in circular and twisting motions.

Muscle areas of the spiral line include: the muscles on the front and sides of the shins, the muscles on the side of the thighs including the Iliotibial (IT) band, the side abdominals (obliques), and the spinal muscles on each side of the neck.

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Deep Front Line (DFL)

This fascial line is composed of the deep inner thighs, hip flexors, deep core and the diaphragm.

Assists the body with core stability, primarily to move in flexion and hip abduction.

To lengthen the deep front line, you need to stimulate these deeper layers of tissue in the body with long holds that target the inner thighs.

Muscle areas of the deep front line include: inner thigh muscles, the hip flexors (Psoas), the deep core including Quadratus Lumborum (QL), and the transversus abdominus.

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Back Arm Line (BAL)

The Back Arm Lines assist the body in stabilization and consist of the Deep Back Arm Line (DBAL) and the Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL).

The DBAL assists the body to move in abduction, rotation, and extension. This fascial line runs from the midline of the back body, through the deep muscles in the back and shoulder area, and into the back of the forearms.

The SBAL assists the body to move in abduction, rotation, and extension. This fascial line runs from the midline of the back body, through the trapezius and tricep area, and into the back of the forearms.

To lengthen the back arm lines, you need to move your body into flexion, adduction, or protraction.

Close

Priority #3 Cues – Soft Finishing Touches:

Used for the final touches of the pose. These are the last things you would say after a student has safely entered the pose to reconnect with their breath, to create awareness, and to relax their body

Close

Spiral Line (SL)

This fascial line loops around the body, across the upper back to the opposite shoulder, and around the ribs to cross again at the front.

The Spiral Line assists the body to rotate and twist.

To lengthen the spiral line, you need to move your body in circular and twisting motions.

Muscle areas of the spiral line include: the IT band, obliques, and the spine.

Superficial Front Line (FAL)

The Superficial Front Line assists the body to move forward, in flexion.

This fascial line runs from the tops of the feet, along the anterior side of the body, up to the base of the skull.

To lengthen the front line, you need to move your body backwards, into extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: the quadriceps, abdomens, intercostals and diaphragm .

Close

Deep Back Arm Line (DBAL)

This fascial line runs from the midline of the back body, through the deep muscles in the back and shoulder area, and into the back of the forearms.

The DBAL assists the body to move in abduction, rotation, and extension.

To lengthen the back arm lines, you need to move your body into flexion, adduction, or protraction.

Muscle areas of the back line include: triceps, rotator cuff muscles of external rotation and rhomboids.

 

Superficial Back Line (SBL)

This fascial line runs from the bottoms of the feet, up the back of the body, to the third eye.

The Superficial Back Line assists the body to move in extension, for example to arch the spine. 

To lengthen the back line, you need to move your body into a forward flexion.

Muscle areas of the back line include: calves, hamstring, and the spine.

Close

 

Deep Front Line (DFL)

This fascial line is composed of the deep inner thighs, hip flexors, deep core and the diaphragm.

Assists the body with core stability, primarily to move in flexion and hip abduction.

To lengthen the deep front line, you need to stimulate these deeper layers of tissue in the body with long holds that target the inner thighs.

Muscle areas of the deep front line include: Adductor Longus, Psoas, Quadratus Lumborum, and the abdominals.

 

Lateral Line (LL)

This fascial line runs from the base of the outer ankles, up the side of the body, to the base of the skull region underneath the ear.

The Lateral Line assists the body to move sideways, in abduction, for example to stretch the side body. 

To lengthen the lateral line, you need to move your body to one side so that you can stretch the other side.

Muscle areas of the lateral line include: the IT band, glute muscles, and obliques.

Close

Lateral Line (LL)

This fascial line runs from the base of the outer ankles, up the side of the body, to the base of the skull region underneath the ear.

The Lateral Line assists the body to move sideways, in abduction, for example to stretch the side body. 

To lengthen the lateral line, you need to move your body to one side so that you can stretch the other side.

Muscle areas of the lateral line include: the IT band, glute muscles, and obliques.

 

Superficial Back Line (SBL)

This fascial line runs from the bottoms of the feet, up the back of the body, to the third eye.

The Superficial Back Line assists the body to move in extension, for example to arch the spine.

To lengthen the back line, you need to move your body into a forward flexion.

Muscle areas of the back line include: calves, hamstring, and the spine.

Close

 

Superficial Front Line (SFL)

This fascial line runs from the tops of the feet, along the anterior side of the body, up to the base of the skull.

The Superficial Front Line assists the body to move forward, in flexion. 

To lengthen the front line, you need to move your body backwards, into extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: the quadriceps, abdomens, intercostals and diaphragm.

 

Deep Front Arm Line (DFAL)

This fascial line runs from the area underneath your chest, up the armpit, and connects to the biceps.

The DFAL assists the upper body to move in adduction, rotation, and flexion.

To lengthen the front arm lines, you need to move your body into adduction or extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: wrist flexors, biceps, pectoralis minor

Close

Lateral Line (LL)

This fascial line runs from the base of the outer ankles, up the side of the body, to the base of the skull region underneath the ear.

The Lateral Line assists the body to move sideways, in abduction, for example to stretch the side body. 

To lengthen the lateral line, you need to move your body to one side so that you can stretch the other side.

Muscle areas of the lateral line include: the IT band, glute muscles, and obliques.

 

Spiral Line (SL)

This fascial line loops around the body, across the upper back to the opposite shoulder, and around the ribs to cross again at the front.

The Spiral Line assists the body to rotate and twist. 

To lengthen the spiral line, you need to move your body in circular and twisting motions.

Muscle areas of the spiral line include: the IT band, obliques, and the spine.

Close

Deep Front Line (DFL)

This fascial line is composed of the deep inner thighs, hip flexors, deep core and the diaphragm.

Assists the body with core stability, primarily to move in flexion and hip abduction.

To lengthen the deep front line, you need to stimulate these deeper layers of tissue in the body with long holds that target the inner thighs.

Muscle areas of the deep front line include: Adductor Longus, Psoas, Quadratus Lumborum, and the abdominals.

 

Superficial Back Line (SBL)

This fascial line runs from the bottoms of the feet, up the back of the body, to the third eye.

The Superficial Back Line assists the body to move in extension, for example to arch the spine. 

To lengthen the back line, you need to move your body into a forward flexion.

Muscle areas of the back line include: calves, hamstring, and the spine.

Close

Superficial Front Line (SFL)

This fascial line runs from the tops of the feet, along the anterior side of the body, up to the base of the skull.

The Superficial Front Line assists the body to move forward, in flexion.

To lengthen the front line, you need to move your body backwards, into extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: the quadriceps, abdomens, intercostals and diaphragm.

 

Deep Front Line (DFL)

This fascial line is composed of the deep inner thighs, hip flexors, deep core and the diaphragm.

Assists the body with core stability, primarily to move in flexion and hip abduction.

To lengthen the deep front line, you need to stimulate these deeper layers of tissue in the body with long holds that target the inner thighs.

Muscle areas of the deep front line include: Adductor Longus, Psoas, Quadratus Lumborum, and the abdominals.

Close

Spiral Line (SL)

This fascial line loops around the body, across the upper back to the opposite shoulder, and around the ribs to cross again at the front.

The Spiral Line assists the body to rotate and twist.

To lengthen the spiral line, you need to move your body in circular and twisting motions.

Muscle areas of the spiral line include: the IT band, obliques, and the spine.

 

Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL)

This fascial line runs from the midline of the back body, through the trapezius and tricep area, and into the back of the forearms.

The SBAL assists the body to move in abduction, rotation, and extension.

To lengthen the back arm lines, you need to move your body into flexion, adduction, or protraction.

Close

Superficial Back Line (SBL)

This fascial line runs from the bottoms of the feet, up the back of the body, to the third eye.

It assists the body to move in extension, for example to arch the spine.

To lengthen the back line, you need to move your body into a forward flexion.

Muscle areas of the back line include: calves, hamstring, and the multifidus along the spine.

 

Superficial Front Line (SFL)

This fascial line runs from the tops of the feet, along the anterior side of the body, up to the base of the skull just under the chin.

The Superficial Front Line assists the body to move forward, in flexion. 

To lengthen the front line, you need to move your body backwards, into extension.

Muscle areas of the front line include: the quadriceps, abdomens, intercostals and diaphragm.

Close

Level 1: Safe to perform in the average body and can be added to the beginning, middle or end of a sequence.

Level 2: Requires one or more areas of the body to be prepared, warmed up, or activated, using a level 1 pose.

Level 3: Requires two or more areas of the body to be prepared, warmed up or activated, using a level 1 or level 2 pose. These postures are recommended for middle to end of a sequence.