Enlightened Anatomy with Matthew Huy
Enlightened Anatomy with Matthew Huy is a podcast that explores anatomy, physiology, and science for yoga teachers, practitioners, and movement enthusiasts. Hosted by Matthew Huy, a long-time yoga teacher and co-author of The Physiology of Yoga, the show aims to help listeners understand the human body through evidence-based knowledge. Each episode features solo commentary or interviews with scientists and movement experts, covering subjects such as fascia science, lower back pain, hypermobility, posture, breathwork, and pain science. The goal is to give yoga educators and curious yogis the confidence to apply modern science to their practice and teaching.
Episodes
18: Leslie Kaminoff: AI, Alignment, and the Future of Yoga
Leslie Kaminoff on Yoga Anatomy, AI Book Fraud, and What Yoga IsMatt interviews longtime yoga educator and Yoga Anatomy co-author Leslie Kaminoff. They cover Kaminoff’s at New York’s Sivananda, a brief period as a Swami, and his perspective shaped by over 20,000 hours of bodywork focused on breathing. They discuss AI-generated fraud flooding Amazon’s chair yoga rankings, ethical uses of AI as well
17: What Is Prana? Bernie Clark on Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and the Search for Meaning
What Is Prana? Bernie Clark on Breath, Yoga, Science, and the Evolving Story of “Life Energy”Resources mentioned: Buy Bernie Clark’s new book PranaThe Galaxy Song with Eric Idle & Monty PythonMatthew Huy welcomes back yoga author Bernie Clark to discuss Clark’s book Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds and what prana and kundalini might mean in historical, yogic, and scientific contexts. Clark expla
16: Yoga Butt Isn’t About Alignment
June 3rd Workshop: Alignment Doesn’t Prevent Injury — So What Should We Do Instead? Use code POD20 for 20% off!“Yoga butt” is often blamed on poor alignment in yoga poses. But is the science really that simple?In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, Matthew Huy explores the research behind proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT), why alignment probably doesn’t predict injury as much as s
15: In Defense of Vinyasa Flow
In Defense of Vinyasa Flow: Modern Yoga History and the Science of Exercise BenefitsIn episode 15 of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, host Matthew Huy defends strong vinyasa flow against claims that it’s “just gymnastics” or not “real yoga,” arguing that modern postural yoga itself is a recent synthesis rather than an unchanged ancient tradition. Drawing on Mark Singleton’s 2010 book Yoga Body, he
14: Why Your Heart Loves Yoga with Dr. Sarah Samaan
In this episode, Why Your Heart Loves Yoga with Dr. Sarah Samaan - Matthew Huy welcomes Dr. Sarah Samaan, a board-certified cardiologist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience, author of Best Practices for a Healthy Heart and co-author of Diet for Dummies, now a physician development coach blending medical expertise with mindfulness and yoga. She shares how a 1997 horseback riding accident le
13: The Pure Yogi Myth
Join the free workshop: subscribepage.io/yoga-money.In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, Matthew Huy explores the myth of the “pure yogi” — the unspoken belief that spiritual integrity and financial success are somehow incompatible. This episode steps slightly outside anatomy and physiology to look at how yoga shows up in our everyday lives as teachers, particularly in how we relate
12: Twists & detoxes, shoulderstands & thyroids
This episode, extracted from a recent webinar, focuses on whether twists detoxify the liver and whether shoulder stands stimulate the thyroid gland. Matt explores liver functions, the science behind detox diets, and the role of the thyroid gland in the body's endocrine system. The episode also highlights the significant health benefits of exercise, including yoga, in reducing systemic inflamm
11: Are emotions stored in the hips?
Matt explores the popular claim that emotions and trauma are stored in the hips. Drawing on his background as a yoga teacher and anatomy educator with a master's in exercise science, he reviews scientific evidence to debunk this myth. The episode discusses how oversimplified views on trauma can create unnecessary fears and misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of precise language in yoga
10: Do chakras, kundalini, and prana exist?
Host Matt Huy discusses the abstract concepts of kundalini, chakras, prana, and nadis. These are often considered “subtle energies” in yoga but they do not align with scientific findings. Using Bertrand Russell's teapot analogy, Matt explains the need for critical thinking and the burden of proof. He compares these concepts to love—a real yet abstract idea. While acknowledging the spiritual b
9: Holger Cramer on yoga injuries and yoga for depression
Matt welcomes Dr. Holger Cramer, a leading researcher in complementary and integrative medicine, to discuss the scientific evidence behind yoga's impact on health. They explore Dr. Cramer's extensive research on yoga's benefits for cancer patients, low back pain, asthma, and its role in mental health, particularly depression. The conversation delves into the safeness of yoga, compar
8: Jules Mitchell on yoga butt, foot-on-knee and stretching science
Resources mentioned:Buy Jules’ book: https://amzn.to/48Hmtd2 Jules’ website: https://www.julesmitchell.com/ Follow Jules on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesyoga/Join Matt’s email newsletter: https://www.matthewhuy.com/5-truth-bombsHost Matthew Huy interviews Jules Mitchell, author of Yoga Biomechanics, who shares her background in yoga and biomechanics, discussing the integration of scie
7: Libby Hinsley on why you gotta know anatomy & physiology
Host Matt Huy interviews Dr. Libby Hinsley, an experienced physical therapist, yoga teacher, and hypermobility specialist. They discuss Libby’s background, her work with hypermobility syndromes, and her approach to teaching anatomy to yoga teachers. Key topics include the importance of understanding anatomy for yoga practitioners and teachers, common misconceptions about body mechanics, the role o
6: How your body adapts to yoga -- and exercise in general
Matt delves into how the human body adapts to yoga and exercise. Reflecting on past misconceptions from his early teaching days, he clarifies a range of physiological adaptations, such as muscular hypertrophy, neural, cardiovascular, and connective tissue responses. Drawing on historical and scientific insights, including his personal experiences and education, Matt explains how repeated exposure
5: Bernie Clark on yin yoga, fascia, and your spine
In this episode, Matt interviews Bernie Clark, author of Your Body Your Yoga and other books, discussing his journey into yoga, his influential works on yin yoga, and his deep dive into human anatomy and variations. They address the scientific and experiential aspects of Yin Yoga, the importance of stress and rest on tissues, and the dynamic nature of pain and recovery. They also touch on the evol
4: Gut health and healing with Nikki Kenward
Matt is joined by craniosacral therapist and author Nikki Kenward. They discuss Nikki's journey, including her traumatic scuba diving accident, her work in craniosacral therapy, and her innovative concept of post-traumatic gut disorder. The conversation dives deep into the anatomy and physiology of the gut, touching on the enteric nervous system, neuroplasticity, and the interconnectedness of
3: Can science and yoga co-exist?
In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, hosted by Matthew Huy, listeners are introduced to the relationship between science and yoga, with a focus on applying scientific principles to enhance yoga teaching and practice. Matthew shares his journey from dance to a master's in exercise science, emphasizing his rekindled love for science and its importance in clarifying thought and re
2: Demystifying anatomy with Andrew McGonigle
In this episode of the Enlightened Anatomy Podcast, host Matthew Huy is joined by Dr. Andrew McGonigle, co-author of the Physiology of Yoga. They discuss Dr. McGonigle's transition from a medical career to teaching anatomy in yoga, the importance of understanding anatomy and physiology for yoga teachers, and the process of reevaluating old beliefs and misinformation within the yoga community.
1: Risks & benefits of yoga
In this very first episode, Matt introduces the objective of the podcast: to provide science-based knowledge and insights into anatomy and physiology, specifically targeted at yoga teachers and practitioners. Matt shares his background in teaching yoga since 2005, his educational qualifications, and his aim to help yoga teachers navigate the conflicting views prevalent in the yoga community by pro
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