Yoga for Every Body

Guest Host: Marben Bland (sitting in for Dr. Veita Bland) Guest: Dr. Joanne Spence, Certified Yoga Therapist, Author, Educator, and Former Clinical Social WorkerEpisode DescriptionWhat if one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, ease chronic pain, and calm your nervous system begins with something you're already doing—breathing?In this episode of It's a Matter of Your Health, guest host Marben Bland sits in for Dr. Veita Bland to explore the life-changing benefits of yoga with Dr. Joanne Spence, an internationally respected certified yoga therapist and educator.Dr. Spence explains why yoga is truly "for every body"—regardless of age, fitness level, mobility, or previous experience. She dispels common myths that yoga is only for flexible people or those who can perform difficult poses and demonstrates how gentle movement, mindful breathing, and self-awareness can improve physical and emotional well-being.Listeners will learn:Why breathing is one of the most powerful tools for regulating the nervous system.How yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and poor sleep.The difference between commercial fitness yoga and therapeutic yoga.Why chair yoga makes the practice accessible to older adults and people with limited mobility.How trauma-informed yoga helps people heal while respecting individual experiences.A simple one-minute daily practice anyone can begin today.A guided breathing exercise designed to activate the body's natural "rest and digest" response.Dr. Spence also shares her own remarkable story of recovering from chronic pain following a serious automobile accident and explains how yoga transformed both her health and her life's work.Whether you're completely new to yoga or looking for a gentle way to improve your overall health, this conversation offers practical, evidence-informed advice that you can begin using immediately.About Our GuestDr. Joanne Spence is a certified yoga therapist, author, educator, and former clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience. She served as the first yoga therapist at Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh and has taught yoga in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, community centers, and wellness programs. She is the author of Transform Yoga: A Toolkit for Therapists and co-author of Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Yoga Teaching.Connect with Dr. Joanne Spencewww.joannespence.com https://substack.com/@joannespence Learn MoreVisit www.drblandradio.com for additional episodes, health resources, and blogs from It's a Matter of Your Health.Find more great content on our website www.drblandradio.com