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The Healing Power of Touch in Yoga: A Conversation with Kiara Armstrong

  • Kiara Armstrong, ERYT500 YACEP CMT
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read
Yoga instructor providing a chest press assist to a student lying in a supported supine position, with bold text overlay reading ‘A Different Type of Yoga'

Featured on the Bob & Brad Podcast
Guest: Kiara Armstrong, Yoga Educator & Author of Hands-On Yoga Assist
Host: Mike Keen

In an era where yoga continues to evolve beyond postures and into holistic wellness, one educator is redefining the role of touch in practice. On a recent episode of the Bob and Brad Podcast, host Mike Keen sat down with Kiara Armstrong, yoga educator, massage therapist, and creator of the Rubber Band Method®, to explore the powerful intersection of hands-on yoga and nervous system regulation.


From Accidental Discovery to Intentional Practice

Kiara’s journey began unexpectedly in a college stretching class that turned out to be a rigorous Iyengar yoga course. What started as a course requirement soon became a cornerstone of her healing journey—one that helped her manage complex PTSD and regulate a dysregulated nervous system. This deep personal transformation sparked her passion for teaching and innovating within the yoga space.


Anatomy Meets Intuition

With a professional background in massage therapy and extensive anatomy training, Kiara brought an insightful lens to yoga instruction. Her approach emphasizes the use of safe, informed, and purposeful touch to deepen students’ awareness and create therapeutic outcomes.


Through her book Hands-On Yoga Assist, published by Human Kinetics, Kiara introduces the Rubber Band Method®—a framework designed to help yoga teachers understand “quality of touch” by listening with their hands and tuning into each student’s unique tension patterns.


“Touch is not just a physical cue—it’s a neurological intervention,” Kiara explains. “When done well, it lowers cortisol, supports vagal tone, and enhances mind-body connection.”


The Rubber Band Method®: More Than Just Adjustment

Unlike traditional yoga assists that often focus on correction, the Rubber Band Method® distinguishes between two types of touch:


  • Adjustment: Light, directional touch meant to guide alignment.

  • Assist: Deeper, receptive touch meant to ground, stretch, or provide ease.


The analogy of a rubber band helps teachers understand the appropriate amount of pressure to use—just enough to meet resistance without forcing movement. This teaches practitioners to “listen with their hands,” adapting to each student’s tissue response and nervous system state.



The Healing Power of Touch: Consent, Connection, and Trust


One of the pillars of Kiara’s methodology is the emphasis on consent and autonomy. She advocates for asking permission tactfully and clearly—empowering students to make informed choices about whether or not they want to be touched during class.

“You build trust by giving people agency over their bodies. That’s the foundation for safe and healing touch.”

Applications Beyond the Mat

Kiara’s work doesn’t just resonate in yoga studios—it also holds relevance in therapeutic settings. As Mike noted, even in physical therapy, hands-on care can have profound effects on stress and healing. The conversation revealed a mutual appreciation for the understated power of compassionate, intentional touch.



Practical Takeaways for Yoga Teachers

For yoga teachers, developing skillful hands-on techniques is about more than alignment. It’s about cultivating the healing power of touch — a tool that can ground, empower, and transform the classroom experience. For instructors curious about implementing the Rubber Band Method®, Kiara offers clear steps:


  • Start with her book or one of the four online course levels available on rubberbandmethod.com

  • Practice with colleagues to refine touch sensitivity

  • Introduce one technique at a time in class settings

  • Always prioritize student safety, consent, and comfort


Whether you teach large public classes or intimate one-on-one sessions, the Rubber Band Method® can be adapted to suit various needs and physical capabilities.


Learn More & Connect



🔗 This blog post is part of our Podcast + Media series. Listen to the full interview here and explore more insights on our Podcast + Media page.

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