How to Give Great Hands on Assists

Hands on assists or adjustments are such a great way to connect with your student. Keep them safe, correct their alignment, take them deeper or share love with them. Sometimes the touch simply helps bring them back to the present moment – which is an important role of the teacher.

Hands on are powerful and can make a big difference in the students practice. Practicing Mysore style Ashtanga, is all about hands on adjustments. However, the quality of the touch and more so the intention of the touch is very important.

Hands On Assists

Make sure you know why you are touching them, what is the purpose? Do you know in which direction you are putting pressure? Are you grabbing on to their body or simply touching just as much as is needed? When the student feels that you are taking them to safer or deeper place, and it feels good, they will not question where your hands are. That’s why the intention is so important.

More videos about hands-on

• • Parvrita Trikonasana: Hands on assists
  • Pigeon pose: Hands On Assists
  • Savasana: Hands On Assists

So if you are a teacher, learn to do them well, as they can be either amazing or harming.

Share the Assists

If you enjoyed this video, leave us a comment below. How do you like assists? Which pose is your favorite to receive an assist in? Share the video with some of your friends and start a discussion about how you like being assisted!

To feel the magic of hands on assists for yourself, why not join us for a retreat at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center!

Want to learn more about the principles of assisting? Do you want to have a super tool for sequencing? Want to learn the language for explaining a pose? Check out the Doron Yoga Manual for an extensive guide to all things yoga including mind training and meditation.

Blissful Living, 

Doron