Ann Swanson is a certified yoga therapist, mind-body science educator, and author of the beautiful new book, Science of Yoga. She is part heart-based healer and part science nerd. With a Master of Science in yoga therapy and roots studying yoga in India and tai chi/qi gong China, Ann uniquely applies cutting-edge research to mind-body practices while maintaining the heart of the traditions. She joins us on the podcast today to talk about the intersection of yoga and science.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- what the yoga world has to gain from diving deeper into the study of science
- all about the enteric nervous system and how yoga practice might affect it
- some of the Yoga Myths that were Ann’s favorite to bust 😉
- how Ann recommends we teach shapes and movement given that most yoga alignment cues are aesthetic
- what the research shows about yoga, meditation and chronic pain
Learn More From Ann:
it was wonderful listening to another science yoga geek
Awesome! I know… I loved this one too! 🙂
Wow! I just ordered the book, thanks! I’m a newer yoga teacher, but have been personally practicing for years. I love how I can take this information and put it into practice with my students. Chronic pain has been a part of my life for 30+ years, and yoga is how I deal with it. I love how Ann combines both the physical part of yoga with the spiritual side, science + spirit. Thanks for sharing all of this info 🙂
I love that part of Ann’s work too! I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview and you are going to love this beautiful book!
Loved this so much so that half way through I ordered her book. Being a scientist myself and (newish) yoga teacher much of Ann’s comments resonated with me. Great job, both of you. Just have to wait for the book now. Thank you
Thanks so much Sally! I’m happy to hear this all resonated with you so well. Enjoy the book!
Loved this episode! The book is now on my list (at the top) of buys, though the place I usually purchase books from is showing it with Scorpion on the front not Gomukhasana which is a shame. It would have been nice to hear her talk a little about Qi Gong as I’ve recently discovered it myself and have been incorporating it in my classes, perhaps another episode?;) Ann is so knowledgeable and easy to listen to, love your varied but timely podcasts Francesca! Thanks :0)
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this episode and Ann’s wonderful work! Yes– it would be really interesting to do an episode about Qi Gong… I’ll put it on my list! Thanks for the request. 🙂