Being an embodiment teacher touch is a huge part of what I do – Only when it’s appropriate, permission given, safe and I feel 100% confident and clear with my purpose and direction. Then and only then I’ll offer my hands and support with intentionality, deep care and energetically sensitive and tuned into the individual.

I keep hearing how much people love and miss adjustments and assists during classes and also how relieved some people are to not be touched during a class. Then there’s the mixed view of wanting to receive an assist but not trusting the teacher to touch them which potentially came from receiving an adjustment which wasn’t supportive or helpful and perhaps resulted in an injury. This makes me sad because I’m sure that teacher was only trying to help and did the best they could with the skills they have.

I respect all decisions and personal choices and would never dismiss a No because I’m the teacher. We never know someone’s past or reasons for their individual choice or decision. It’s not up to me to change their mind or convince them to let me touch them. If it’s a no then I need to pivot and offer verbal instructions or demonstrate what my hands would do instead.

 Of course not everyone can pivot this easily at first but after a few years of teaching experience it’ll be a skill that develops naturally.

As the teacher I’m there to support their journey, through verbal instructions and cues, physical demonstrations and hands on assists (when and where it’s appropriate and with permission). I’m there to assist their embodiment journey as they experience and explore their unique architecture in their own authentic way.

Body autonomy is vital and so is consent.



In my very first teacher training in 2005 we were taught basic adjustments for alignment of the 12 main Hatha yoga poses. During my second teacher training we covered a lot of hands assists and adjustments which I’m so grateful for as it grew my love for receiving and offering assists! From there I studied Thai Massage which gave me more confidence and the more I assisted Shiva Rea during retreats, workshops and trainings the more I learned and refined my skills.

Many current teacher trainings are not offering hands on assists and adjustments as part of their curriculum which in the current state of the world I understand but also feel by not including them leaves a gap between the teacher and student because we are tactile and kinesthetic beings. Huge topic here I know!

I’m not here to say it’s right or wrong as we’re all doing what we feel is right for our communities but if you would like to include supportive, informed and safe adjustments and assists in your trainings we can make it happen! Reach out via my contact page to connect and chat further.

I’m passionate about consensual touch during a yoga practice! Would love to know your thoughts, experience and views on this in the comments below.