As a yoga teacher, giving physical adjustments can be a powerful tool for helping students deepen their practice and refine their alignment. However, it’s important to approach adjustments with caution and care, and to be mindful of how we touch our students. Touching inappropriately or without clear communication can be uncomfortable, disorienting, or even triggering for some students. Here are some guidelines on how not to touch in asana adjustments, based on my experience as a yoga teacher:
- Avoid touching intimate areas: As a general rule, it’s important to avoid touching areas of the body that are considered intimate, such as the genitals, breasts, or buttocks. Even accidental contact in these areas can be uncomfortable or triggering for some students, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid touching these areas altogether.
- Be mindful of pressure and duration: When giving physical adjustments, it’s important to be mindful of the pressure and duration of your touch. Applying too much pressure or holding the adjustment for too long can be uncomfortable or even painful for some students. Additionally, it’s important to release the adjustment gradually and gently, rather than abruptly letting go.
- Avoid touching without permission: It’s important to always ask for permission before touching a student, even if it’s a gentle touch on the back or shoulders. Some students may have personal boundaries or traumas that make physical touch uncomfortable or triggering, so it’s important to respect their wishes and avoid touching without permission.
- Avoid imposing your own body weight: Some adjustments require the teacher to use their own body weight to support the student’s posture. However, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of weight you’re putting on the student’s body, and to avoid imposing your own body weight if it’s uncomfortable or too much for the student to bear. Additionally, it’s important to release the weight gradually and communicate clearly with the student.
- Avoid touching without clear communication: When giving physical adjustments, it’s important to communicate clearly with the student, explaining what you’re doing and why. This can help the student feel more comfortable and informed about the adjustment, and can also help prevent miscommunications or discomfort. Additionally, it’s important to be sensitive to the student’s needs and preferences, and to adapt the adjustment if they’re not comfortable with it.
- In conclusion, giving physical adjustments in yoga practice can be a powerful tool for helping students deepen their practice and refine their alignment. However, it’s important to approach adjustments with caution and care, and to be mindful of how we touch our students. By avoiding touching intimate areas, being mindful of pressure and duration, asking for permission, avoiding imposing your own body weight, and communicating clearly with the student, we can create a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their practice.