There might be no grayer gray zone than a yoga studio, where physical intimacy, spirituality and power dynamics all come together in a sweaty little room, Katherine Rosman, a New York Times reporter, said on the latest episode of The Weekly, our new TV show.

In her investigation of touch in yoga, Ms. Rosman found that explicit conversations about consent to be touched can be lacking: Not all teachers ask permission before touching a student. And some students are uncomfortable being touched, and are reluctant to speak up.

We asked instructors to share how they approach hands-on adjustments in their studios, and asked yogis how they communicate consent. We received more than 270 responses. Some teachers said they never touch students; others described touch as a cherished part of yoga. Many said they employed techniques to opt in, or opt out, of hands-on adjustments. Here are some of their suggestions, lightly edited for length and clarity.

I am a yoga instructor and choose, very intentionally, not to perform hands-on adjustments on students. While I know that there are many respectful and well-meaning teachers who do choose to correct students alignment in the yoga postures, I dont feel it is the strongest way of teaching a student how to communicate with their own body. On top of that, you never know which students are healing from trauma and would prefer not to be touched. My personal teaching philosophy has led me to give very detailed verbal cues and to demonstrate the postures with my own body. Emily FarrAustin, Texas

I am a yoga instructor and never adjust people. Theres no reason for it. The practice of doing so assumes that the teacher knows more about a persons body than the student themselves, which is frankly arrogant. People have their own wisdom about their bodies, and release will happen in its own time. If and when students need support or spotting to try a new posture, I always explain exactly what Im going to do and then ask for permission and get it before I place my hands on them.Jennifer TersigniTucson, Ariz.

Its really very simple: Yoga teachers at the studio in which I teach are taught to use touch only as a last resort. We are trained to use voice instruction first, then demonstration and finally touch, applied very sparingly and with permission. My belief is that if I must use touch, especially to the extent that some yoga teachers do, I have failed as a teacher.Bill MillerWausau, Wis.

Consent to touch in yoga class is a high priority in my studio. Adjustments are not made physically unless the instructor asks specifically, Is it O.K. to put my hands on (your hips, leg, etc.)? Alternatively, the teacher must make it clear as he or she walks among students, If you would rather I not touch you to adjust your asana, feel free to tell me as I approach you. A good teacher will have no problem offering clearly worded instruction to correct a posture.Dee GoldBrunswick, Md.

Read more from the original source:
Here Are Good Ways Yoga Teachers Manage Touch and Consent - The New York Times