I can’t believe we’re at episode 200! Instead of throwing confetti, I decided to mark this milestone by diving into one of the most important (and surprisingly overlooked) topics in yoga teaching: pain and inflammation. To help me break it all down, I’m joined by Andrew McGonigle—better known as Dr. Yogi. Andrew has such a unique journey: he trained as a doctor, became a massage therapist, and now teaches anatomy and physiology of yoga around the world. He also runs the Enlightened Yoga Collective and has written two books for yoga teachers. I’ve followed him for years, and I knew he’d be the perfect person to shed light on this subject.
Our chat is packed with research-backed insights about what pain really is, how inflammation works, and what it all means for us as yoga teachers. Andrew explains both the science and the practical side of teaching when students show up with aches, injuries, or confusing labels from the medical world. I came away with so much more clarity about how language, mindset, and lifestyle all shape how pain and inflammation show up in our bodies. My hope is that you’ll feel the same sense of empowerment and relief after listening.
Andrew McGonigle has been studying anatomy for over twenty years, originally training to become a doctor and then moving away from Western medicine to become a yoga teacher, massage therapist, and anatomy teacher. He combines his skills and experience to teach anatomy and physiology on Yoga Teacher Training courses internationally and runs the Enlightened Yoga Collective – an education-based online community membership for yoga teachers. His first book, Supporting Yoga Students with Common Injuries and Conditions: A Handbook for Yoga Teachers and Trainees, was published in March 2021, and his most recent book, The Physiology of Yoga, was published in June 2022. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband. For more information visit: www.doctor-yogi.com Instagram: @doctoryogi Facebook: @doctoryogiandrew