Love At First Science

What if the secret to healing, energy, and resilience has been sitting quietly beneath the surface of your skin all along? Most of us have barely heard about the lymphatic system yet it could hold the key to everything from chronic swelling to brain fog to emotional wellbeing.In this powerful conversation, Celest sits down with Leah Levitan, licensed massage therapist, lymphatic drainage specialist, and founder of the global community The Lymph Love Club. Together they explore why the lymphatic system is so often ignored in medical training and why it deserves centre stage in how we think about health.Leah shares her journey from traditional massage into the world of fascia, fluid, and flow, and why treating the body as an interconnected ecosystem brings more ease and results than chasing symptoms. You’ll hear about emerging research on fascia and lipedema, how swelling shows up in the body (from post-surgical lymphoedema to everyday puffiness), and why yoga teachers might be supporting lymph far more than they realise.In this episode:We learn:Why the lymphatic system is overlooked yet essential for healingThe difference between oedema, lymphoedema, and “invisible swelling”How fascia, nervous system, and lymph work together as the body’s three amigosSimple ways yoga, breath, and movement stimulate lymph flowDebunking the myth that twists don’t “detox”and why movement mattersIf you’ve ever felt heavy, swollen, or stuck in your body, or if you teach students who do this episode will completely shift how you see fluid, fascia, and flow.About LeahWith her extensive training in Myofascial Release Techniques, scar tissue work, trauma informed somatic therapy, organ manipulation, and The Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Leah has woven together a unique body of work that's designed to support individuals with chronic illnesses. Our body is an ecosystem, and she uses a global approach.Leah created Lymph Love Club as a way to walk people home to their lymphatic systems world wide, and she is s certified lymphedema therapist, Lymph Literacy Advocate, and expert guide into the depths of the lymphatic system's terrain.Follow Leah on Instagram here.About Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when we get breathwork wrong — and how can we use it wisely for health and balance?In Part 2, Patrick and Hannah dig deeper into the nuances of breath practice, from hyperventilation methods to breath holds, and the role of carbon dioxide in nervous system regulation. Patrick explains where breathwork can heal, where it can harm, and how yoga teachers can cue breathing safely and effectively.This half of the conversation is packed with practical takeaways, cautions, and inspiration to bring into both your teaching and everyday life.We explore:Why some popular hyperventilation practices may carry real risksBreath holds: stress vs relaxation, and how to use them wiselyThe role of CO₂ in blood flow, oxygen delivery, and calmBreathing differences in women across the monthly cycleWhy breathing is the most powerful free tool for stress, sleep, and focusAbout PatrickTo date, Patrick has worked with some of the top athletes in the world across a variety of sports including tennis, cycling, weight lifting, American Football, MMA and track and field. Patrick’s professional memberships include Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology, and Chairman of Buteyko Professionals International (BPI).A TEDx speaker, Patrick’s work has touched the lives of thousands and more worldwide. His work has been published by leading publishing houses including Harper Collins (UK), William Morrow Press (USA), Red Wheel Weiser (USA), Sperling & Kupfer (Italy), Kanki Publishing Inc. (Japan). Journal publications include the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Journal of the American Orthodontic Society and Clinical Otolaryngology.Patrick’s book, ⁠⁠The Oxygen Advantage⁠⁠ is an extension of this work, combining simulation of high-altitude training and specifically-formulated exercises which empower athletes to improve their sports performance safely, legally and at no cost. For the first time, athletes are afforded a reliable and accurate means to measure their progress using the Body Oxygen Level Test, enabling them to address poor breathing habits; understand in simple terms how oxygen is released to working muscles; and to practice breath hold exercises that naturally increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity.The team at Oxygen Advantage have granted listeners to this podcast an incredible 20% off their ⁠Breathing For Yoga Instructor training Course⁠ - use code ALBA20 at checkout!About Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging conversation with Patrick McKeown, a renowned breathing expert and educator, listeners discover the life-changing benefits of functional breathing. Patrick shares his personal triumph over asthma and sleeplessness through the Buteyko method. He reveals why the common advice of 'deep breathing' isn't always beneficial and emphasizes the crucial role of nasal breathing. The discussion also uncovers the historical context of yoga breathing and how small adjustments can significantly enhance mental clarity, physical performance, and overall well-being.

What really happens when we experience touch? How does your nervous system take something as simple as pressure on your skin and turn it into safety, movement, or even emotion?In this solo episode, Celest takes you on a fascinating journey through the science of touch. From the receptors in your skin to the speed of nerve fibres, the mapping of the spinal cord, and the emotional processing of the insula, she unpacks how your body translates sensation into meaning.You’ll discover:Why sensation is essential for safety and movementThe role of different receptors in the skin (pressure, vibration, stretch and more)How your peripheral nerves send signals at lightning or slower speeds, each with a unique purposeWhy the parasympathetic system should really be called "repair and digest"How touch links not just to the body, but also to emotion and social connectionThis episode blends anatomy, neuroscience and practical insight to remind us just how magical and adaptable our nervous system really is.About Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if healing doesn’t have to be hard?In Part 2 of this episode of Love at First Science, Hannah and Sarah Beth dive into the next chapter of her healing: navigating complex PTSD, discovering the power of ketamine therapy, and learning to live from self-compassion—not hustle.We explore:The science and personal impact of ketamine therapy for traumaHow yoga, breathwork and a “bare ass minimum” mindset help regulate her nervous systemHer unique approach to sequencing trauma healing through the arc of a yoga classThe deeper meaning behind her book Trauma AlchemyYou’ll leave this episode with practical insights and permission to do less, feel more and trust your body again.About Sarah BethSarah Beth is a global yoga teacher reaching over 1.75 million practitioners through YouTube and the SarahBethYoga APP, where she helps people live their best lives through mindful movement and self-discovery. Known for her functional approach to mobility and sustainable sequencing, Sarah Beth brings authenticity to every practice – whether she's sharing her healing journey with CPTSD and childhood trauma (as explored in her book "Trauma Alchemy") or navigating life with ulcerative colitis. Students are drawn to her genuine nature, practical teaching style, and heartfelt messages of self-compassion and non-judgment, making yoga accessible and transformative for yogis of all levels.⁠Sarah Beth's YouTube⁠⁠Sarah Beth's app ⁠⁠Sarah Beth's book⁠About Alba Yoga Academy⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when your childhood shapes your identity and your healing shapes your purpose?In this deeply moving episode, global yoga teacher Sarah Beth shares how a lifelong journey with ulcerative colitis, emotional neglect, and generational trauma led her to yoga, and how that practice helped her reclaim safety, softness, and self-trust.You’ll hear:How Sarah Beth discovered yoga as a teen and how her practice evolved through motherhood and traumaThe raw truth about growing up with chronic illness and taking herself to court at age 12Why her journey with masculine and feminine energy is reshaping her entire life and businessThis episode is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t a straight line, and yoga isn’t just movement, it’s remembering who you are beneath the survival patterns.About Sarah BethSarah Beth is a global yoga teacher reaching over 1.75 million practitioners through YouTube and the SarahBethYoga APP, where she helps people live their best lives through mindful movement and self-discovery. Known for her functional approach to mobility and sustainable sequencing, Sarah Beth brings authenticity to every practice – whether she's sharing her healing journey with CPTSD and childhood trauma (as explored in her book "Trauma Alchemy") or navigating life with ulcerative colitis. Students are drawn to her genuine nature, practical teaching style, and heartfelt messages of self-compassion and non-judgment, making yoga accessible and transformative for yogis of all levels.Sarah Beth's YouTubeSarah Beth's app Sarah Beth's bookAbout Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In Part 2 of this powerful solo episode, Celest takes us deeper into the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and why it matters so much for your health.You’ll learn:How fluid flows between blood vessels, interstitial space and lymphThe difference between hydrostatic and osmotic pressureThe essential roles of lymph: transport, detox, immune defence and fluid regulationWhy movement is non-negotiable for lymphatic flow (and what happens when we stop moving)A breakdown of key lymph node regions (including the ‘Big 6’)The critical drainage point at the collarbones and why 75% of lymph drains into the left sideA personal story involving lymphatics, a mystery swelling and how simple self-care made a massive differenceCelest wraps with a rallying call to include lymphatic care as part of any healing strategy alongside holistic support and nutrition.Want to know more? If you're listening to this at the time of publication, join Celest for a ⁠3-day immersive workshop⁠ in London on this very topic.

In this solo episode, Celest opens up about her personal journey through chronic skin issues, insomnia, anxiety, gut dysfunction and relentless fatigue. What she thought were separate health battles turned out to be connected by one overlooked system: the lymphatic system.Celest shares:Her deeply personal story of struggling with chronic health symptomsThe discovery of the MTHFR gene mutation and how it disrupted her detox pathwaysThe underestimated role of the lymphatic system in clearing cellular waste, toxins, pathogens and inflammationWhy supplements alone weren’t enough – and how supporting detox pathways made all the differenceWhat happens when you start working with your lymphatics (and why you might feel worse before you feel better)A list of health conditions that require caution when stimulating lymph flowWhy movement, breath and relaxation are key to supporting your body’s detox systemsWhether you’re a yoga teacher, wellness practitioner or simply curious about the science behind healing, this episode sets the stage for why lymphatics deserve your attention.Want to know more? If you're listening to this at the time of publication, join Celest for a 3-day immersive workshop in London on this very topic.

What if your gut bacteria could influence your stress levels, sleep quality and even hormone balance? Welcome to the science of the gut-brain connection.In Part 2 of Hannah’s conversation with Dr Megan Rossi, things get personal, practical and deeply empowering. From the microbiome’s role in mental health to probiotics that actually work, they unpack the latest science—without the jargon.Inside this episode:The truth about good vs bad gut bacteriaWhy personalisation is the future of nutrition (but we’re not quite there yet)What Smart Strains are and how they’re different from typical probioticsGut-directed yoga and how movement supports digestion and mental clarityHow your microbiome may influence oestrogen and hormone healthPlus, Megan shares surprising gut-friendly tips you can try today, like pairing white chocolate with carrots and explains how the gut responds to stress, breathing and even mindset.If you’ve ever felt confused by wellness trends, this episode will bring clarity, backed by real science and grounded in compassion.About MeganDr Megan Rossi (PhD, RD) founded The Gut Health Doctor in 2017 with a dream to empower everyone to take control of their health. As a scientist and practising clinician, she became frustrated that the ground-breaking research from her team and other colleagues around the world wasn’t reaching the public. Instead, dangerous myths and fads shared online were negatively impacting on the wellbeing of her patients.In 2019, Megan founded ⁠The Gut Health Clinic⁠, leading a team of gut-specialist dietitians with virtual and face-to-face clinics in London and Manchester. She has also created the multi-award-winning gut health food brand ⁠Bio&Me⁠ to bridge the gap between science and the food industry. More recently, she founded⁠ SMART STRAINS®,⁠ a family of four clinically proven, condition-specific live bacteria products which challenges the current – and outdated – market offering using the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.Our mission is to inspire and transform everyone’s gut health using the latest science. ⁠Follow Megan on Instagram here.⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is your gut trying to tell you something? It might be the key to your mood, energy and overall health, and it’s not about cutting things out.In this episode, Hannah is joined by leading gut health researcher and dietitian, Dr Megan Rossi (aka The Gut Health Doctor), for a myth-busting deep dive into the microbiome. They unpack why gut health is not about going gluten-free, the real reason fibre is your best friend, and how plant diversity can radically change your well-being.Dr Megan shares:Why the gut is the gateway to overall healthThe biggest myths about gut health (including green powders and daily probiotics)What really feeds your microbiomeThe ‘Super Six’ plant categories you should include dailyHow to build up your gut’s resilience (yes, even if beans make you bloat)You’ll also hear the truth about microbiome tests, food intolerance kits, and whether your morning coffee is friend or foe. Packed with research and easy-to-apply tips, this is an empowering listen for anyone curious about eating and living well.About MeganDr Megan Rossi (PhD, RD) founded The Gut Health Doctor in 2017 with a dream to empower everyone to take control of their health. As a scientist and practising clinician, she became frustrated that the ground-breaking research from her team and other colleagues around the world wasn’t reaching the public. Instead, dangerous myths and fads shared online were negatively impacting on the wellbeing of her patients.In 2019, Megan founded The Gut Health Clinic, leading a team of gut-specialist dietitians with virtual and face-to-face clinics in London and Manchester. She has also created the multi-award-winning gut health food brand Bio&Me to bridge the gap between science and the food industry. More recently, she founded SMART STRAINS®, a family of four clinically proven, condition-specific live bacteria products which challenges the current – and outdated – market offering using the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.Our mission is to inspire and transform everyone’s gut health using the latest science. Follow Megan on Instagram here.Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠