Redefining Safe Touch in Yoga: The Rubber Band Method® Approach

In the world of yoga, touch is both powerful and underutilized. While hands-on adjustments are often part of the classroom experience, most yoga teacher trainings don't offer formal education on the quality and intention behind touch. At Rubber Band Method®, we’re on a mission to change that.

"When we offer touch in yoga classrooms, there isn’t as much formal training behind it," says Kiara Armstrong, ERYT-500 yoga instructor, massage therapist, and author of Hands-On Yoga Assists. "It’s almost like the game of telephone. We experience an assist, then we try to replicate it without truly understanding what we're doing."

This gap in education led her to develop the Rubber Band Method® (RBM) — a comprehensive, trauma-sensitive approach to teaching safe and effective touch in yoga. RBM emphasizes listening with your hands, reading the body's subtle cues, and cultivating a responsive, supportive practice that empowers both teacher and student.

From Experience to Innovation

During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiara was encouraged to turn her years of experience into something tangible. The result? Not one, but three books compiling an array of assists, complete with detailed techniques and guidance.

One of RBM’s core techniques for training tactile awareness is inspired by something as simple as stretching a rubber band: "You start to feel resistance," Kiara explains. "That resistance signals you’ve reached someone’s boundary. It’s the same with the human body." This idea forms the foundation for helping yoga teachers interpret tissue cues and respect physical boundaries.

Assisting vs. Adjusting

A key distinction RBM emphasizes is between "assisting" and "adjusting" — a nuance often overlooked in the yoga world. Adjusting implies correction; assisting offers support. We advocate using light, instructive touch when adjusting, and firm but responsive touch when assisting to enhance a pose without imposing change.

Trauma-Informed, Empowering Practice

RBM is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care. Having navigated complex PTSD, Kiara understands the healing power of safe, consensual touch. One pivotal moment in her own yoga journey came when guided touch helped her reclaim her breath and reconnect with her body.

In settings with incarcerated youth, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative safe, skillful touch can be. Denying this tool in trauma-informed spaces removes choice and agency. RBM seeks to restore that by offering a framework built on safety, autonomy, and trust.

Raising the Bar for the Industry

Our short-term goal is to raise awareness about RBM and the importance of tactile training in yoga education. Long-term, we’re working toward industry reform: integrating touch education into Yoga Alliance trainings and creating clear standards for safe, sustainable, and effective touch.

"Why aren’t we using more touch?" Kiara asks. "It’s a primal need. When offered with consent and skill, it becomes a body-based happy pill."

The Importance of Touch in Yoga

Touch is a fundamental aspect of human connection. In yoga, it can enhance the experience, deepen understanding, and foster trust between teacher and student. However, it must be approached with care and intention.

When touch is used appropriately, it can help students feel more grounded and aware of their bodies. This awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance and healing. It is essential for yoga teachers to develop their skills in this area to create a safe and nurturing environment.

You can explore the Rubber Band Method® at rubberbandmethod.com, where you’ll find over 50 assist techniques and information about our online trainings. For us, this is more than a methodology — it’s a movement to bring safety, connection, and embodiment back into the heart of yoga.

Explore more: Visit Rubber Band Method to learn about upcoming trainings and order your copy of *Hands-On Yoga Assists

Explore more media features