Should My Yoga Teacher Touch Me?

A gentle look at touch, trust, and the magic of cork blocks

Let’s be honest—some days you arrive at class feeling open, grounded, and ready for a gentle nudge into alignment. Other days, you’re just proud you made it to the mat, and the idea of someone touching you feels about as welcome as a surprise plank hold.

So… should your yoga teacher touch you? The answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes “please don’t even breathe near me unless you’ve brought snacks.”

Touch in Yoga: More Than Just a Nudge

Touch in yoga isn’t about “fixing” someone—it’s a form of communication. A well-timed assist can help you feel safe, supported, and more connected to your body. And science agrees:

• Touch lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin (the “feel-good” one)

• It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax and restore

• In yogic tradition, touch is considered a “knowledge-sense” (jnanendriya), linking physical sensation to deeper awareness

But just because touch can be helpful doesn’t mean it’s always wanted. That’s where our cork block system comes in.

The Cork Block Consent Ritual

We’re introducing a simple, friendly way to signal your preference for hands-on assists in the next few weeks.

• Cork Block: “Yes please—I’m open to adjustments today.”

• Green Block: “Not today—I’d prefer verbal cues or props.”

Two labelled baskets will be available at the studio entrance—one with cork blocks, one with green. Choose what feels right for you that day and place it beside your mat. No awkward chats, no guessing—just a clear, respectful signal.

And the best part? It costs the studio absolutely nothing. We already had the blocks! We’re simply using what we’ve got in a smarter way. Disney might call that “repurposing with flair”—we call it practical magic.

Real Talk: Our Experience

We’ve all had those moments. One day, a gentle shoulder press in child’s pose feels like a hug from the universe. The next, even eye contact feels like too much. That’s why this system works—it lets you decide, moment by moment, what support feels right.

We know it’ll take a little time to get used to. So we’ll explain the system a few times in class, and we’ll be popping up signs around the studio to help everyone feel confident using it.

Why It Matters

In a world where touch can mean comfort, connection, or vulnerability, clarity is kindness. This simple block system isn’t just practical—it’s a way to honour each person’s experience, without fuss or awkwardness. And it’s proof that small changes can have a big impact on how we practice, connect, and care for each other.

So next time you come to class, take a breath, check in with yourself, and choose your block. Whether you’re feeling cork, green, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you.

The Nook Team ❤️