Touch with Care Policy

At Namaspa Yoga & Massage, we are committed to fostering an environment that is as safe, respectful, and inclusive as possible for everyone. Physical touch can be a valuable part of yoga practice, and it must always be consensual at our studio. In line with yoga philosophy, we aim to empower individual communication and boundary-setting in a direct and respectful manner. This policy outlines guidelines for consensual touch in all parts of the studio, including but not limited to the lobby

areas, classes, workshops, trainings, and massage areas, as well as the processes

to report and address inappropriate behavior regarding consent to touch.

 

I. Guidelines for Consensual Touch:    

1. Consent Is Paramount:    

• Physical touch must always be preceded by explicit consent, either verbally or via a consent card.

• We recognize that a student’s decision about physical touch may change throughout a class. Consent cards allow students to change their opt-in at any time. Consent cards are required for adjustments in all classes and workshops in which hands-on assists will be offered.

2. Personal Boundaries: 

• Everyone must respect an individual’s comfort levels, particularly in yoga poses involving sensitive areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, the lower back, buttocks, hips, inner thighs, or other private areas.

• Individuals may define sensitive areas differently due to prior life experiences or injuries. Do not assume an individual's comfort level without first checking with the individual and obtaining written or verbal consent.

 

II. Reporting Inappropriate Behavior:

1. Safe and Confidential Reporting:

   • Reports of inappropriate touching can be made to any staff member, the studio manager, or via a designated anonymous reporting channel (such as the confidential comments box). Namaspa has a Resolution Committee comprising three teachers (2025: Lauren Ash, Rian Kilgore, Ian McLane) who can be reported to for these concerns. Affected Individuals or witnesses are encouraged to report as soon as possible so the issue can be addressed promptly.

   • All reports will be treated as confidential.

   • We will not retaliate against anyone for having reported or threatened to report inappropriate touch, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or violations of our Code of Conduct or other policies or for participating in a related investigation. Anyone who retaliates against a Reporting Person will be subjected to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or removal from the studio.

   • The staff member receiving the report will complete an Incident form with the Reporting Person's input and send it to the Studio Manager.
      

2. Immediate Action:

   • Once a report is received, the Reported Individual will be informed. Depending on the severity of the action:

     • The Reported Individual will be asked to refrain from teaching/attending classes until an investigation is completed.

     • An example of a less severe report might include assisting despite a “no” consent card that was not seen. As long as the Reporting Person or student affected expressed no other concern about the touch, a written warning would be issued for the first infraction.

   • The Reporting Person will be made aware of the action taken/initiated.
      

3. Investigation Process:

   • For more serious reports, as defined by the Reporting Person or management, either studio management or members of the Resolution Committee will oversee the investigation process, depending on where the report was made and who would be best and most impartial to guide the process.

   • Note: Parties will be asked or encouraged not to communicate with each other or other community members unless both parties agree, all parties are involved in every communication, and each party is given an equal opportunity to speak.

   • An impartial review will be conducted, including:

     • Collecting statements from all parties involved and witnesses, if any.

     • Reviewing any past incidents or reports involving the Reported Individual.

• Note: Parties will be asked or encouraged not to communicate with each other or other community members unless both parties agree, all parties are involved in every communication, and each party is given an equal opportunity to speak.
  
  4. Outcome Notification:

  • The Reporting Person and the Reported Individual will be informed of the findings and any next steps.

 

 

III. Accountability Process for Reported Individuals:

1. Acknowledgment and Suspension:

   • The Reported Individual must acknowledge their actions and agree to take a leave of absence from the studio for an amount of time determined by management (alternatively, this may be at the recommendation of the Resolution Committee.)

   • Depending on the circumstances, this suspension may be permanent.

 

1. Educational Requirements:

   • Before returning, the Reported Individual must complete one or more of the following, as appropriate for the context:

     • Attend a seminar or workshop on consent and boundaries, such as those offered by The Embody Lab or Allyship in Action.

     • Read and provide a reflection on books such as:

       • The Consent Primer by Kitty Stryker

       • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

       • The Politics of Trauma by Staci Haines

       • Who is Wellness Culture For? by Fariha Roisin

 

1. Written Commitment:

   • The Reported individual will submit a written statement demonstrating an understanding of the impact of their actions and a commitment to respect boundaries in the future.

 

1. Reintegration:

   • The Reported individual will meet with the studio leadership to discuss what was learned and establish clear behavioral expectations.

   • Studio management will communicate with the Reporting Person(s) and other staff members so everyone is clear that the requirements for reintegration have been met.

 

 

IV. Preventative Measures for the Studio:

1. Community Training:

   • Offer workshops for staff and students on topics such as trauma sensitivity, boundary-setting, and consent culture.

   • Integrate reminders/lessons from these trainings in weekly staff communications.

2. Studio Practices:

   • Consent cards are required for adjustments in all classes in which hands-on assists will be offered.

   • A poster reinforcing the importance of consent and respect for personal space and this policy will be posted in each lobby space and on the website.

3. Incident Log:

   • The Studio Manager will keep a confidential log of reported incidents to track patterns and address recurring issues.

   • All staff members will have access to an online report form. They can make a copy of this form, complete it right after a report is made, and send it to the Studio Manager and Owner.

4. Feedback Mechanism:

   • Staff meetings will regularly include time to review this process and identify areas for improvement.

   • Students will have a confidential “comments box” in each studio to provide anonymous feedback and reports.

 

 

By implementing this policy, we aim to create a culture of respect and accountability. All members of the Namaspa Community share the responsibility to uphold these principles, ensuring that the studio is as safe and welcoming as it can be for everyone who enters.