Yoga as Medicine: Alignment-Based Healing for Real People — with Rachel Lundberg

On The Mindful Living podcast, host Sana speaks with Rachel Lundberg, founder of Yoga Oak University and creator of the Alignment-Based Yoga Specialist Certification. Rachel reframes yoga from “poses on a mat” to a practical, teachable system that supports chronic illness recovery, aging bodies, and anyone feeling disconnected. We dig into why many yoga classes feel unsafe or confusing, how biomechanics and precise cueing prevent injury, and how healthcare professionals and yoga teachers can finally speak the same language to improve outcomes. If you’ve ever thought yoga wasn’t for you, this conversation shows a grounded way back—through alignment, honesty, and individualized practice. 

About the guest:

Rachel Lundberg is a lifelong mover, educator, and chronic-illness survivor who founded Yoga Oak University. She certifies Alignment-Based Yoga Specialists, training yoga teachers and healthcare providers to read bodies, cue safely, and tailor practice to real human mechanics.

Key takeaways :

• Yoga’s value isn’t flexibility—it’s alignment: moving bodies in ways joints and muscles are designed to move.

• Many classes “guide flows” rather than teach mechanics; this gap leads to confusion and injury.

• Biomechanics + clear cueing (options, modifications, variations) help every student feel safe and included.

• Healthcare already recommends yoga for stress; bridging with trained alignment-based teachers makes referrals effective.

• Standard teacher trainings often underserve anatomy and assessment; Rachel’s program fills that gap.

• When practice aligns with the person’s story (trauma, age, injury), yoga becomes medicine for mind and body.

• Outcome to seek: students who feel seen, safe, and capable, not pressured to match poster-poses.

• Vision: yoga prescriptions that sit alongside PT and counseling, delivered by teachers fluent in mechanics and care.

How to connect with the guest:

• Website: yogaoakuniversity.com Find details on the Alignment-Based Yoga Teacher Training and the Alignment-Based Yoga Specialist program, current small-group cohorts, and the upcoming year-long intensive.

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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