Today hosts Tiffany and Rachel dive into the muddy waters of hands-on assists. We discuss their complicated history, the different types of hands-on assists, and debate their pros and cons. We also talk about the importance of clear communication and consent, and alternatives you could employ instead. Listen in to hear how truly game-changing assists might be the ones that students find their way to on their own.

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• Differing attitudes toward hands-on assists over time [1:11]
• The case for hands-on assists, different types, asking for consent [4:13]
• Can a teacher know how a student feels by looking at them? [10:57]
• The same assists don’t work for every teacher [15:12]
• The case against hands-on assists [16:19]
• Potential for injury [18:27]
• Overriding students’ body autonomy [22:03]
• Alternatives to hands-on assists: language, demonstrations [26:53]
• Is touch within a yoga teacher’s scope of practice? [29:51]
• Physical adjustment might disrupt students’ internal experience [31:27]
• Final takeaways [36:13]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube

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