Ariel's Story
Dr. Ariel Talts is a retired family physician and second generation yoga teacher from Danville, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia & Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) before landing in Charlotte for residency training in 2016.
After burning out in the broken system of corporate healthcare, Ariel reawakened her familial lineage of alternative medicine to address the root causes of her c-PTSD from childhood. Ariel’s quest for spiritual healing coupled with intellectual curiosity enabled her to become patient zero and begin testing her holistic theory of wellness.
Over the past 12 years, Ariel has found healing by creating her own Osteopathic approach to Therapeutic Yoga that enabled her body to release the traumas that her mind was not yet ready to face. Her unique approach empowers practitioners to take healing into their own hands through intuitive embodiment and mind-body-spirit medicine.
Ariel weaves community into every space she enters - from kirtan and song circles to hosting Stone Soup village gatherings for Mothers in her home. Her life's purpose is to use her own traumatic experiences to connect with others and bring hope and healing.
In addition to her background as a doctor and lifelong yogini, Ariel is an herbalist, musician, and newly certified Beekeeper who plans to soon offer apitherapy as part of her healing bag of tricks.
Research & Vision
Ariel has degrees in Neuroscience and Spanish, with a thesis written on the advantages of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques over the traditional medical model of pharmaceuticals + talk therapy. Her clinical research at UVA centered on the circadian rhythms of fruit flies as she sought to understand the correlation between the human sleep cycle and behavior - a topic that won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2017.
The OsteoYoga Institute was founded on a vision of compassionate healing within a like-minded community, offering an introduction to a rainbow of holistic and alternative modalities. Offerings like this not only nurture connection and growth but also support harm reduction for individuals living with trauma—many of whom, like Ariel, have been misdiagnosed or overlooked within traditional healthcare systems.
Holistic Healing
The OsteoYoga Institute emphasizes transforming self-care into a sacred ritual, while guiding individuals to discover the movements that feel most supportive in their bodies through therapeutic embodiment practices. This approach is enriched by offerings such as breathwork, sound healing, ecstatic dance, art therapy, journaling, and meditation—coming together to create a well-rounded, deeply restorative experience designed to resonate with a wide range of individuals
OsteoYoga Therapy represents a profound synthesis of structural osteopathic principles and ancient yogic wisdom. We address trauma through a somatic lens, focusing on the subtle recalibration of the nervous system as the foundation for recovery. Our approach honors the body’s intrinsic intelligence, inviting individuals to rediscover their capacity for emotional agency as we weave together this multidimensional sanctuary for growth.
Empowering Journeys & Healing Retreats
Join us for deep somatic exploration and restorative practices in tranquil settings, designed to facilitate profound trauma healing and personal growth.
Upcoming Events
Multiple DatesFREE Farmers Market Yoga Series3 days to the eventSat, Aug 01Charlotte Regional Farmers MarketAug 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AMCharlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA
Moms & Munchkins: Yoga, Sound & Meditation18 days to the eventSun, Aug 16Gibson Mill MarketAug 16, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMGibson Mill Market, Bldg. 200, 305 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA
Bloom & Breathe - YMCA Healing Retreats (Session 6)Sun, May 10Harrisburg YMCAMay 10, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMHarrisburg YMCA, 5055 Z-Max Blvd, Harrisburg, NC 28075, USA
Zen Fest! *9:30 AM Special Offering*Sat, May 021670 Southwest BlvdMay 02, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM1670 Southwest Blvd, 1670 Southwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658, USA- Bloom & Breathe - YMCA Healing Retreats (Session 5)Sun, Apr 26Harrisburg YMCAApr 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMHarrisburg YMCA, 5055 Z-Max Blvd, Harrisburg, NC 28075, USA
Community Offerings
Individuals - Groups - Retreats - Festivals
Stone Soup Mama Village Gatherings - Song Circles
Includes comprehensive health coaching + OsteoYoga Therapy training with hands-on assists.
2 hr
Sliding Scale1 hr 30 min
Sliding Scale1 hr 30 min
Sliding Scale6 hr
Sliding Scale
OsteoYoga Institute Courses & Certifications
Welcome to The OsteoYoga Institute family!
We are so glad you are here :)
Connect With Us
Please fill out the form or email OsteoYogaInstitute@gmail.com
for all inquiries.