# Rachel Zinman Yoga: ISHTAM yoga in Byron Bay and online

> Rachel Zinman Yoga is the teaching practice of Rachel Zinman and John Weddepohl, based in Byron Bay, Australia, with in-person courses nearby in Mullumbimby and an online ashram called Sundaram. It suits students and yoga teachers who want a thoughtful, traditional approach rather than a resort-style retreat.

Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/rachel-zinman-yoga/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Type: yoga, meditation, teacher training
Official website: https://www.rachelzinmanyoga.com
Best for: Serious students and yoga teachers looking for mentoring
Base: Home studio in Byron Bay, courses at Living Yoga Sanga in Mullumbimby
Style: ISHTAM, blending asana, pranayama, mantra, meditation, Ayurveda and Vedanta
Teachers: Rachel Zinman and John Weddepohl, teaching together since 2011
Programs: Classes, workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, mentoring, online membership
Book: Rachel wrote Yoga for Diabetes

## What it's like

Rachel Zinman Yoga isn't a retreat center with buildings and guest rooms. It's the teaching home of two long-time teachers, Rachel Zinman and John Weddepohl, who've taught together since 2011. Rachel teaches from a home studio in Byron Bay, runs in-person courses at Living Yoga Sanga in nearby Mullumbimby and reaches students around the world online.

Rachel has a long history with yoga. She's practiced since 1983, taught since 1992 and trained teachers since 2000. Before that she trained as a professional dancer, and she's also a Steiner-trained educator, a singer-songwriter and a poet. Her teachers include Louisa Sear, Dena Kingsberg, Alan Finger and Mark Whitwell, and she studied Vedanta in the lineage of Swami Dayananda. John introduced her to the tradition of the ancient Tamil Siddhas, which shapes much of what they teach together.

She's also the author of *Yoga for Diabetes: How to Manage your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda*, and she writes regularly for her students.

## The programs

Rachel and John call their approach ISHTAM. It weaves together physical postures and breathing with mantra, mudra, yantra, chanting and meditation, and draws on Ayurveda and Vedanta. The focus is on self-knowledge, not just a workout. You can study with them in a few ways:

- **Classes in Byron Bay**, private or in small groups
- **In-person courses** at Living Yoga Sanga in Mullumbimby
- **Workshops, retreats and teacher trainings**, announced on their website and newsletter
- **Mentoring for yoga teachers**, with Rachel or John
- **Sundaram**, an online ashram membership with ongoing access to classes and teachings

Their website doesn't currently list fixed retreat dates or venues, so if a retreat is what you're after, sign up for their updates or ask them directly.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

This is a good match if you've practiced for a while and want to go deeper into the philosophy, breathwork and meditation side of yoga, or if you're a teacher looking for a mentor. People managing diabetes may also find Rachel's work especially relevant, given her book on the subject.

It's not the right choice if you want a packaged holiday with accommodation, meals and a pool. There's no lodge to book into. If you're traveling to Byron Bay for their classes, you'll arrange your own place to stay. Complete beginners can still join, but the teaching leans toward depth over a quick class.

## Getting there

Byron Bay is on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Mullumbimby is a short drive inland. For online study, all you need is an internet connection and a Sundaram membership.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Rachel Zinman Yoga a residential retreat center?
No. It's a teaching practice with classes in Byron Bay, courses in Mullumbimby and an online ashram, plus occasional retreats.

### What is ISHTAM yoga?
It's Rachel and John's own approach, combining postures, breathwork, mantra, meditation, Ayurveda and Vedanta with a focus on self-knowledge.

### Can I study with Rachel online?
Yes, through the Sundaram online ashram membership and online classes.

### Does Rachel offer teacher mentoring?
Yes, both Rachel and John offer mentoring for yoga teachers. Details are on the [official website](https://www.rachelzinmanyoga.com).