Experiential Anatomy: Therapeutic Applications of Embodied Movement and Awareness

Experiential anatomy is an embodied learning method integrating interoceptive awareness and conscious movement to empower whole-person healing. This subjective and holistic approach views the body as a doorway into deeper self-awareness and self-understanding that can strengthen personal agency and restore mind-body balance and health.

In this illustrated guide to therapeutic applications of experiential anatomy, yoga therapy is used as a framework for somatic exploration. After introducing key foundational and learning principles, subsequent chapters simplify complex anatomical information into digestible components that are integrated into accessible therapeutic practices. Each experiential chapter contains a wealth of explorations incorporating breath, self-palpation, somatic inquiry, and yoga postures that collectively nurture a felt sense of anatomical parts, their interrelationships, and their connection to the multidimensional Whole. These simple embodied practices motivate self-regulation and awaken inner wisdom.

This book will help somatically oriented teachers and therapists work with students and clients to cultivate interoceptive awareness and compassionately repattern habits of breath, alignment, movement, and mind.

With decades of experience as a clinical massage therapist (RMT), Yoga teacher and Therapist C-IAYT, and a lifelong passion for movement of all types, Leila is a pioneer in the field of movement education. She opened one of the first dedicated Yoga Therapy studios in Canada as well as developing The Anatomy of Yoga Therapy, an innovative 300 hour Yoga Therapy training program that she taught for 15 years. Leila is based in British Columbia, Canada.