Autoimmune Diseases & Yoga – The Science, the Practice, and the Hope with Renu Jain

Autoimmune conditions have been on my list to talk about for a long time. They’re complex, deeply personal, and often misunderstood. So when I came across Renu Jain, a yoga therapist and researcher at Kaivalyadhama, I knew she was the right person to explore this with. Renu bridges modern science and traditional yoga beautifully, and in our conversation, she shares valuable insights on how yoga can support people living with autoimmune conditions, not as a cure, but as a path toward balance and hope.

We unpack what’s really happening in the body during autoimmune disease, how stress and gut health play powerful roles, and why a personalized yoga practice is essential. Renu also offers thoughtful advice for yoga teachers on how to support students safely and compassionately, and how to bring yoga’s philosophy—not just asana—into healing spaces.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to guest Renu Jain and her background at Kaivalyadhama.
• Understanding what autoimmune diseases are and how they affect the body.
• Exploring common shared patterns and root causes behind autoimmune conditions.
• Exploring the connection between stress, the gut, and immune function.
• Understanding the pranic system and how energetic imbalance mirrors physical symptoms.
• The role of yoga in managing autoimmune conditions holistically.
• Importance of personalization in yoga therapy: why no one-size-fits-all approach works.
• Go-to questions yoga teachers should ask students before planning a practice.
• Pranayama practices that support balance and calm for autoimmune health.
• Restorative yoga, relaxation, and mindfulness as healing tools.
• How meditation helps regulate the nervous system and supports emotional healing.
• The mindset and empathy yoga teachers need when working with these students.
• Why yoga philosophy and ethics should always guide therapeutic teaching.
• Final reflections on patience, compassion, and using yoga as a bridge between science and spirit.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Upcoming Workshops: Manage Auto Immune Disorders with Yoga by Ms. Renu Jain
• Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)
• Free upcoming workshop: “Queuing for Yoga Teachers – From Gross to Subtle” (November 14, 10 a.m. PT)
• In-Studio 200-Hour Yoga Study Program (Redmond/Seattle)
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• Let’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTube
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