Combining acupuncture with yoga classes is a great opportunity to engage with your patients in a new way, or offer them a new experience in which acupuncture can increase healing and relaxation. Whether you are leading this experience alone or teaming up with a yoga instructor, this article goes through some basics to get you started.
Combining Acupuncture with Yoga: Enhancing Healing and Relaxation
Offering a fusion of acupuncture and yoga classes presents a wonderful opportunity to engage with your patients in a new, meaningful way. Whether you’re leading this experience solo or collaborating with a yoga instructor, this guide will walk you through some basics to get started.
In recent years, we’ve seen a growing interest in combining yoga with acupuncture sessions. This synergy not only enables practitioners to collaborate with other wellness professionals in the community, but it also allows you to reach new potential clientele and offer the benefits of acupuncture to multiple people at once.
Philosophy
Although yoga and acupuncture are rooted in different ancient healing modalities—Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), respectively—they share many common principles.
- Nadis & Meridians: In yoga and Ayurveda, nadis (energy channels) are thought to carry prana (life force) throughout the body. Similarly, in TCM, meridians are pathways through which qi (vital energy) flows. Both practices aim to restore balance to these energy channels.
- Prana & Qi: Prana in yoga and qi in TCM are both viewed as essential energies that sustain life. Both acupuncture and yoga help unblock and move these energies, bringing harmony to the body and mind.
Integrating Acupressure Points into Yoga
A key aspect of combining these practices is educating students on acupressure points during the yoga flow. As the yoga sequence progresses, you can introduce points related to the poses they’re doing, enhancing their understanding of how both disciplines support healing. For example, during a forward fold, you could point out acupressure points like LI4, or Lr3 for relaxation and stress relief, encouraging students to apply gentle pressure.
Class Flow
There are various ways to structure an acupuncture-yoga experience, but a common approach is to conduct a 45-60 minute yoga session, followed by a final relaxation pose (Savasana). During Savasana, acupuncture needles can be inserted while students rest. This combines the deep relaxation of yoga with the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture.
Time Management
Managing time effectively is crucial for a smooth experience. Since the first person to receive acupuncture will have the needles in longer than the last, keep an eye on the room’s comfort level and pacing. Make sure everyone is warm enough and comfortable throughout the session, especially during Savasana, when the body temperature may drop.
Being mindful of the entire room’s energy and adjusting to each individual’s comfort is key to a successful experience. Make sure to have extra blankets on hand and encourage students to use props for support.
Practical Considerations
When combining acupuncture with yoga, having a well-prepared and organized setup is essential. This not only ensures a smooth experience for the students but also for you as a practitioner. The following checklist will help you cover all the necessary components, from equipment to ensuring your clients’ comfort and safety.
Checklist for Acupuncture-Yoga Classes
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Practical Considerations
When combining acupuncture with yoga, having a well-prepared and organized setup is essential. This not only ensures a smooth experience for the students but also for you as a practitioner. The following checklist will help you cover all the necessary components, from equipment to ensuring your clients’ comfort and safety.
Checklist for Acupuncture-Yoga Classes
Consent to Treat Forms:
Ensure that each participant has filled out and signed a consent form before the session begins. It’s essential for legal purposes and ensures that clients are fully aware of what to expect during the acupuncture session. Consider including any specific contraindications or medical conditions they should inform you about prior to needle insertion.
Travel Acupuncture Kit:
Needles: Bring enough sterile, single-use acupuncture needles for all participants, plus extras in case of any unexpected needs.
Travel Sharps Container: A secure container for disposing of needles after the session. It should be compact enough to carry with you but large enough to hold all used needles from the class.
Medical Gloves: Ensure you have gloves to maintain hygiene standards, especially if you’re treating multiple people in one session.
Alcohol Prep Pads: These are essential for cleaning the skin before needle insertion to reduce any risk of infection.
Cotton Balls/Gauze: Handy for any post-needle care, in case a needle point needs pressure applied after removal.
Props for Client Comfort:
Blankets and Towels: Have enough blankets for each student to ensure they are warm during the Savasana portion of the class. Some students may get cold while resting with needles in, so extra layers are always a good idea.
Bolsters and Cushions: While many yoga studios provide these, double-check with the studio beforehand. These can be helpful during the yoga portion and for support during Savasana, making the experience more relaxing.
Eye Pillows: If possible, offer students eye pillows for an added sense of calm and relaxation during the acupuncture portion of the class.
Sanitation Supplies:
Hand Sanitizer: Always useful to have on hand for both the practitioner and the students.
Surface Sanitizing Wipes: For cleaning any shared surfaces or mats after the session. It’s always good to leave the space as clean as you found it, especially in shared yoga studios.
Environment Preparation:
Temperature Control: Ensure the room is adequately heated, especially for the Savasana and acupuncture segment, where students may become chilly. Have space heaters or ensure the studio heating system is on during cooler months.
Lighting and Ambiance: Keep the lighting soft, especially during Savasana. You may want to dim the lights or use candles (if allowed) to create a more relaxing environment.
Music: Soft, meditative music can enhance the calming atmosphere during the class and especially while the needles are in. Check with the yoga teacher if they have specific music preferences or playlists.
Communication with Students:
Pre-session Information: Consider sending out an email or announcement before the class to inform participants about what to expect, what to wear (comfortable clothing), and how to prepare (hydration, avoiding heavy meals beforehand).
Verbal Instructions During Savasana: Give clear instructions to the students on what they might feel during the acupuncture portion. Make sure they understand to stay as still as possible while needles are in.
Post-session Care: Offer advice on aftercare, such as staying hydrated, taking it easy for the rest of the day, and observing how they feel. This can help enhance the therapeutic effects of both the yoga and acupuncture.
Backup and Miscellaneous:
Extra Mats: While the yoga studio typically provides mats, have an extra on hand just in case someone forgets theirs.
Portable Table: If you’re combining a longer acupuncture session after the yoga portion, you might need a portable table for students who prefer sitting or lying in a different position than Savasana.
Emergency Kit: Always have a basic first-aid kit on hand, including adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and anything else you may need for minor issues that arise during the class.
By organizing the space, equipment, and communication flow effectively, you create a seamless experience that combines the benefits of both acupuncture and yoga, offering students a deeply restorative practice that nourishes both body and mind.