Mini CV
Tiril Elstad holds a Medical degree from the University of Oslo and a Master's degree in Arts (honours) in Economics and International Relations from the University of St Andrews. Her dissertation focused on Global Health Security, using the SARS epidemic as a case study.
Along with her medical background, Tiril has worked as a consultant in the health and technology sectors for private companies. She has over 10 years of experience teaching yoga and has taught at numerous yoga studios, workshops, and courses. Tiril is certified by the It's Yoga Yoga Alliance program with Ricardo Martin.
Tiril is also a co-founder of a private science school in Norway and has a passion for education. She has mentored others and received training in motivational interviewing. With her research background, Tiril has published a research trial on the impact of yoga on student health.
About
THE YOGA STORY
I was first introduced to yoga through a gathering with the Norwegian national team for equestrian show jumping - we did body scan and since I liked the effect on my body I became very curious about learning more. Later on, whilst studying Economics and International Relations in St Andrews, Scotland, I started a regular yoga practice. I felt not only how yoga helped for my physical body (reduced pain, stronger muscles, better balance, more flexibility), but also on mental health, focus, and wellbeing.
Later I decided to study medicine to learn more about the body (and universe), and especially the relationship between lifestyle and health. Whilst I studied I deep dived into the yoga science and started on my PhD in yoga. We did a randomised controlled trial on the effects of yoga on student mental health - and found that yoga had the potential to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase sleep quality, and the effects lasted for at least three months after the yoga course ended. Later we also did a qualitative analysis where we saw how the space and “pause” of a yoga practice from everyday hectic life was key.
Since yoga is cost effective and has low-barrier to entry, I became interested in preventive medicine and holistic health, and to bridge the gap between traditional western medicine and yoga. I believe that we should put more resources into preventive medicine.
I now work at a functional medicine practice in Oslo, Norway. I feel lucky to have time with my patients (90 minutes per consultation) to dig deep into root causes of the presented symptoms and to get overview - to motivate toward a healthy everyday with “work-life-balance” and to find sustainable and often regenerative solutions for each individual.
I also hold yoga courses, teacher trainings, and circles of breathwork, meditation, sensing, and art expression. I burn for living in the moment - to get out of the mind and into the body.
Would love to hear from you - please reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect :)