112: Autoimmune Conditions & Yoga: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet

As yoga teachers, most of us will either have an autoimmune condition, or teach students who do. Yoga is uniquely suited to work alongside conventional medical treatment to help manage these disorders and address the symptoms that impact most on quality of life.

Today host Rachel speaks with Dr. Nikki Tugnet – a UK-trained physician, board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, and Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist – about yoga and autoimmune conditions.

Listen to this episode as we unpack the common denominators of autoimmune conditions, the importance of normalizing prop use, and the power of taking it slow.

“If somebody has an autoimmune condition…although they typically will have inflammation, the cause of that is because their immune system is disregulated.” – Dr. Nikki Tugnet

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“You can lean on something to facilitate your practice; that doesn’t mean your practice is in any way lesser or not as helpful. It is just changing and shifting.” – Dr. Nikki Tugnet

Show Notes:

• What is rheumatology? [2:57]
• Are autoimmune disorders becoming more prevalent? [4:28]
• What drives Nikki’s passion for rheumatology [6:04]
• Common denominators in autoimmune conditions [10:05]
• What drove a rheumatologist to seek answers in yoga [13:55]
• Autoimmune uncertainty; mental health impacts of long-term disease [18:02]
• How yoga can support autoimmune conditions [23:30]
• The underutilized power of propped yoga poses [28:10]
• A surprising yoga tool [33:28]
• Daily Yoga Nidra to improve energy and sleep quality [35:14]
• Are we handling chronic stress as well as we think? [37:22]
• Tips for teaching yoga for autoimmune conditions – group classes [39:51]
• Tips for teaching yoga for autoimmune conditions – one-on-one [43:38]
• Final tips & takeaways [49:11]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Nervous System & Restorative Online Training
• Myofascial Release Online Training
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 15: Shifting Persistent Pain with Marnie Hartman
• Connect with Dr. Nikki Tugnet:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Nikki Tugnet

“Yoga is the main way to build that mind-body connection.” – Dr. Nikki Tugnet