Like many people, I have suffered from back pain. However, a few years ago, my pain progressed to a point of total debilitation. Frustrated, I began to seek advice from a myriad of medical professionals including medical doctors, neurologists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and physical therapists, to name a few. I was diagnosed with two bulging discs that were exasperated by congenital scoliosis. At one point, I was told I would need surgery and endure months of rehab.

During this time, I considered myself useless, and wondered if I would ever live a normal life again that included an active lifestyle of golfing, skiing, and running. To relieve my pain, I began a regimen that included lots of stretching and other yoga inspired poses. Little did I know some of these stretches were doing more harm than good. I figured if I did enough forward folds and child’s pose, my back would loosen up and I would get back to normal.

It was during this time while researching the mind body connection that I was introduced to a new and innovative approach to yoga called Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation (AYAMA). AYAMA was developed by one of the most sought-after yoga teachers today – Yogi Aaron. The hallmark of this technique is that when we passively stretch our muscles, we are creating a disconnect that turns off our muscles and leads to instability and eventually pain. Through AYAMA, we learn to create stability in our body, which in turn, creates a greater range of motion in our body.

Excited by this revolutionary approach to yoga, I decided to attend Yogi Aaron’s 200 hr. yoga teacher training at Blue Osa Yoga School and Resort in Costa Rica. It was there that I learned the muscle activation techniques that would be a life changing experience for me. As a result, I have decided to embrace this practice and teach others the principles of AYAMA so those who are experiencing life debilitating pain can be vastly improved or even cured to be able to live their life’s purpose.