Piper Abbott

Editorial Board Member

Integrated Yoga Therapist,
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher,
Burlington Yoga, USA

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Department / University Information

Biography

Piper Abbott is an IYT (Integrative Yoga Therapist), ERYT-500+ (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher), Certified Level 1: Foundations of Ayurveda, YCEP (Continuing Education Provider) and IAYT (International  Association of Yoga Therapists). Piper first became a student of Yoga in 1992, seeking the balancing and meditational aspects of this ancient practice as a complement to academics, running, climbing and skiing. She was immediately impressed by the transformational effects on the body, mind, and energy. As a Psychology student at the University of Vermont she completed her honors thesis in "Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention" and embarked on a lifelong exploration and study into the healing aspects of Yoga. She received her Integrative Yoga Therapy (300 hr IYT) certification in 1995. Her early training in the Iyengar, Astanga and Anusara styles led her to the primordial Tantric roots of the yogic tradition in 2004 under her teacher, Dharma Bodhi Saraswati based in Kailash Acharya, Thailand. With over 2,700 hours of instructor training and 23 years of teaching experience, Piper specializes in working one-on-one therapeutically with beginner to advanced students. Emphasizing alignment, breath directed movement, pranayama, meditation and relaxation. Certified in the Foundations of Ayurveda by Dr. Claudia Welch and Dr. Robert Svoboda, she teaches with an in-depth understanding of the synergy of these sister sciences. She is particularly invested in the healing capacity of this ancient art and science, and the profound effects on the mind, body and energy. With continuous study into all aspects and forms of Yoga, Piper has developed innovative methods of teaching. Her perceptual approach to posture has led her to create a practice that utilizes grounding points to feel our connection to earth, and a simultaneous sensory awareness of alignment in relationship to our surroundings. In this way we establish a balanced perceptual orientation with a deeper felt-sense of embodiment.​ Owner of Burlington Yoga since 2001 and director of the Burlington Yoga Teacher Training since 2010, she is especially inspired by and focused on the integration of the paths of Yoga and Ayurveda with daily living and vibrant health.

Research Interest

Piper's research focuses on the integration of the paths of Yoga and Ayurveda as a way to cultivate self regulation through relaxation, correct breathing and awareness techniques. She is particularly interested in the role of the nervous system and the techniques and practices to increase vagal tone and well-being.