top of page
20231105_105427[17001].heic

Ashwini Shannikodi. PhD 
Yoga Pranayama and Yoga Nidra Facilitator 
Trauma Informed and Trauma Sensitive Facilitator 
Body - Mind Approach to Trauma and Mental Health 
PhD in Social Work 

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

My Story

Yoga has been an essential part of my life, helping me navigate through challenging times and heal from past traumas. Growing up as a sibling to someone with special needs, I was constantly juggling emotional and physical caregiving responsibilities. This left me feeling neglected and unsupported, I emotionally neglected and disconnected from my own needs and emotions, which did take significant toll on my mental and physical health. However, I did not realise its impact then but when I moved to United Kingdom after marriage, leaving behind everything familiar and entering a new culture; the transition was tough, the weight of grief from losing my sibling was still heavy on my heart, it’s here that I felt lost and disconnected. My daily yoga practice fell by the wayside, and I found myself struggling with chronic social anxiety, depression, burnout, along with mood swings. All these were the impact of the trauma, the way I have perceived the world; however, I was not aware then. 

​

​Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often stigmatized and overlooked in many communities. In the Asian community, mental health is often viewed as a taboo topic, and those who struggle with mental health issues may face even more barriers to accessing the care they need due to lack of trust, barriers of language, denial as a defence mechanism. For years was aware what I was experiencing is due to the results of lived experiences of trauma, but I was denying, resisting its impact which started showing in my body in the form of chronic pain; flareups, that is when I knew this is it, I needed somethings to help me cope and reprogram myself. Yoga became that something for me.

​

​Through my daily practice, I was able to find a sense of inner peace and balance that helped me navigate these challenges. I began to reconnect with myself, to find a path forward that worked for me. My daily practice helped me improve my flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Daily practice is nurtured through self–reflection on behaviour, habits, and patterns (Samskaras in Yoga Philosophy) and meditation aiding in focusing inward to observe stillness and peace within self. ​I found strength in my pains both physical and emotional; embraced them completely, accepted their existence in my life with empathy and compassion; I still do them and now started recognising the resilience and inner wisdom and resources that I possess, even during difficult experiences. I understood that, by acknowledging the challenges and the pain in situations, recognising my capacity for growth, have the choice to design life with a sense of hope and empowerment. For me, yoga is more than just a physical practice. It is a way of life that involves self-reflection, mindfulness, and an inner journey towards stillness and peace. In my healing journey I am using approaches such as pranayama, meditation, storytelling, movement, and sound to heal from inside out with the support and authentic connection with others, now I am navigating in life. 

​

​As a yoga teacher and Trauma Informed facilitator now, I am passionate about helping others who may be going through similar struggles. I offer a safe and inclusive space for others to explore their own unique path to healing and transformation. My classes are grounded in  healing practices, such as asana/movement, chanting/sound, pranayama/breathwork, and meditation, all aimed at helping students or clients to connect with themselves on a deeper level and find their unique path to healing and transformation.

​

For those dealing with trauma or burnout, my yoga classes offer a safe and inclusive space for healing and growth. I aware the subjective nature of trauma and how it can impact us differently, so my teaching is focused on meeting each student where they are in their journey. Through the practice of yoga, I hope is that students will find their inner peace and balance that has been a lifeline for me. If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, physical pain, or simply looking to make a positive change in your lifestyle, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth through yoga.

My Qualification and Training 

Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga Teacher (LVCYT) Training with Liz Oppedijk, The Minded Institute Training - 2023 

Accredited Trauma Informed Yoga Teachers Training with Susi Wrenshaw, Trauma Therapy Manchester - 2022

Accredited Breathwork and Pranayama Yoga Teachers Training with Laurent Roure- 2021

 Yin Yoga Teachers Training Immersion With Dawn Wright - 2020

Yoga Nidra Teachers Training with a1000 Yoga Academy, Bangalore  YACE - 2020 

Ashtanga Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga Teachers Training - Rama School of Yoga, Kerala (YA Accredited -2019 

Trained as Hatha Yoga Student  with Ms. Veena, Bihar School of Yoga at Mumbai - 2006 to 2012 

​CPD and Professional Workshop

Yoga Therapy for PTSD 35 Hours Training with Heather Mason, The Minded Institute – 2023

Embodied Anatomy Workshops ( Heart, Blood and Breath, Soft Spine and Organic Psoas)- With Beverley Nolan - 2023 

Trauma Centre, Trauma Sensitive Yoga 20 hour foundation with Alexander Cat (The Yoga Clinic, UK) - 2022 

Yoga As Trauma Informed Practice CPD- Trauma Training For Yoga Teachers With Susi Wrenshaw, Trauma Therapy Manchester- 2021

bottom of page