Below you will find a comprehensive list of the practice aids we use on a regular basis.

Dozens of hours have gone into researching and finding the best options in each category. Collectively we have thousands of hours of experience utilizing the tools below. We’re happy to answer questions you have about why we use them, how to use them and other model/options. You can contact us, here. We will update this page regularly with new items, so check back often!

If you know of an item that is not listed here that you think we might be interested in or want to know if we have experience with, please let is know!

Consult with a skilled health professional before use of these items.

Spinal Health

  • Inversion Table

    Inversions offer one of the highest returns in healing results for the time you invest in them daily. Using the inversion table targets spinal and joint issues, but reversing blood flow and gravity also helps with nearly all bodily functions! The only time caution must be used is with cardiovascular ailments. We highly recommend the Teeter brand, but other less expensive options are definitely adequate.

  • Back Roller

    Spinal alignment is essential to good health. Proper use of rollers lets you make effective spinal adjustments anytime, anywhere. These Inviguri rollers are by far the best we’ve used (and we’ve tried a lot of them).

  • Acupressure Mat

    Acupressure is an ancient technique with a wide array of applications and methods. Fundamentally, acupressure stimulates the immune response to speed healing. A good acupressure mat is also an amazing meditation and sleep aid. We recommend the Pranamat Eco brand for its use of natural and organic materials.

  • Chi Machine

    A so-called Chi Machine (Sun Ancon is the original and best) is a therapeutic massager and aerobic exerciser that oxygenates your cells, tones your body, and leaves you feeling relaxed and energized. It also stimulates the lymphatic system and keeps the spine supple. To use it, you just lie face-up on the floor with your feet on the footrest. The device rocks the entire body from side to side in a gentle, undulating motion at exactly the right rate.

  • Meditation Cushion

    Your posture during meditation is extremely important. The right cushion can make all the difference. We recommended Boon Decor for their quality and selection.

  • Meditation Music

    Sound can positively influence our brainwaves and inner experience. For example, as you listen to an alpha (relaxed awareness) brainwave audio track, certain areas of your brain will literally follow the rhythm, bringing you to a state of relaxation and release. These iAwake recordings really work to support meditation and enhance your life through this “brain entrainment” approach.

  • Shoyiedo Incense

    The purpose of incense is to support meditation. But some incense is irritating or toxic, so it does the opposite. As Yogis, we really like Shoyiedo incense, especially the traditional scents.

  • Tibetan Incense

    For outdoor use or if you prefer Tibetan incense, we recommend Nagarjuna brand. This is superior quality handmade traditional Tibetan incense with no camphor or synthetic ingredients. Also great for purification and energetic clearing.

  • Agarwood Incense

    Many consider Agarwood the finest natural incense. But the tree is now extremely rare and most natural sources are illegal. Sacred Mountain uses cultivated Agarwood and is very good quality.

Environmental Aids

  • Air Purifier

    Negative ions in the environment electrochemically support every cellular function in your body. This is why you specifically want an air purifier that produces negative ions. One of our favorite brands is Heaven Fresh.

  • Music for Mental Clarity & Upliftment

    This collection of iAwake recordings is designed for use when being active, working, and for general daily activities. These “brain entrainment” audio tracks bring you to states of deeper focus, enhance productivity and are emotionally uplifting.

Yogi “Fitness”

  • Rebounding

    For both fitness and wellbeing, rebounding offers one of the highest returns on time spent within the wide array of physical exercise options. With the proper trampoline and technique, rebounding puts virtually no stress on the joints. Plus it’s just so fun! Our favorite brand is JumpSport.

  • Zero Drop Shoes

    Unless otherwise specified, all shoes raise your heel enough to throw your posture out of alignment. This leads to chronic joint and back problems. Standard shoes are also narrow and don’t allow your foot and toes to splay properly. Zero drop (no heel rise) shoes offer the same cushioning and support as standard shoes without misaligning your stance and stride. They also have a wide toe box allowing for proper toe and foot function. Altra is our favorite zero drop shoe brand, especially their hiking line.

  • Barefoot/Minimalist Shoes

    Barefoot or minimalist shoes are just that. They have just enough material to protect your feet while leaving them free to engage with the environment the way they’re meant to! The health benefits go way beyond stronger, pain-free feet and proprioceptive joy! Softstar has some innovative minimalist styles, made in the USA.

Hygiene

  • Eco-Dent Tooth Powder

    The cleaner your teeth, the less decay-promoting bacteria in your mouth. Eco-Dent tooth powder helps keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh without fluoride additives. And without the water and glycerin that make up up to half the weight of pastes and gels—so it’s more economical.

  • Tongue Scraper

    Tongue scraping gets toxins and decaying matter out of your mouth very efficiently. Any tongue scraper you use regularly is great, but copper designs are preferred.

  • Dental Floss

    Yes, logically there is even a preferred dental floss to support the internal Yoga practice environment. EcoRoots is super strong bamboo floss waxed with vegan candelilla wax. It glides well between your teeth and won't break even in tight spaces. Highly recommended for people with sensitive gums. (Wait, who doesn’t have those?) Also bamboo is a less environmentally destructive end material than plastic.

Sleep Support

  • Mouth Tape

    Forget snoring—mouth-breathing in your sleep can cause sleep disorders and alter your facial structure. Mouth tape is a natural way to restore natural nose breathing for those who can physically breathe freely otherwise.

  • Magnesium Supplementation

    If you’ve been advised to take a magnesium supplement, we recommend Calm. As magnesium citrate when dissolved, it is more absorbable than magnesium oxide.