bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Application of Iyengar Yoga for Healing Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Williams Kimberly , Steinberg Lois , Petronis John
Published: July 2020

Low back pain is a significant public health problem that has reached epidemic proportions. It places a substantial burden on the workforce and the health care system.1It has proven very difficult to treat, and it is one of the most commonly reported reasons for the use of complementary and alternative medicine.2 Many different methods of Yoga exist and each has its own technique for preventing and treating disease. This article describes the rationale and method for the therapeutic application of Iyengar Yoga for chronic low back pain. Preliminary results are also presented from a pilot study evaluating the efficacy of a 16-week program of Iyengar Yoga therapy in persons with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Yoga Practice in People with Diabetes
Authors: Mercuri Nora , Olivera Ercilia , Souto Alicia , Guidi María
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and metabolic changes observed immediately and 3 months after daily Yoga practices in a group of people with diabetes mellitus (DM). The study included sixteen women(3 with Type 1 DM, 12 with Type 2 DM, and 1 with type 2 DM treated with insulin; mean age 61 ± 11 years; DM history 21 ± 14 years) attending the Physical Activity Program at CENEXA – Center of Experimental and Applied Endocrinology (UNLP-CONICET, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center), National University of La Plata School of Medicine, La Plata, Argentina. Group Yoga practices consisted in âsanas (postures), prânâyâma(breathing exercises), relaxation, and meditation techniques performed twice a week (27 sessions in all), complemented by daily individual sessions practiced at home the remaining days of the week. Data recorded at the beginning and at the end of the study included personal information, clinical and metabolic characteristics, type of treatment and control, and complications. Blood pressure(BP), heart rate (HR), and glycemia also were recorded at the beginning and end of 13 alternate sessions. Both attendance and compliance with the proposed schedule were high (> 80%), excepting 2 people who deserted but completed 50% of the study. There were no overall significant differences (beginning vs. end of the study) in BMI, HbA1, lipid profile, dietary plan, habitual physical activity practice, BP, and treatment schedule. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in HR (8 sessions; p < 0.03) and glycemia (10 sessions; p < 0.03) immediately after the Yoga sessions.

The immediate positive effect of Yoga practices on glycemia and HR suggests that such practices would be beneficial for the treatment of people with DM.
Rebuttal to a Surgeon's Warnings
Authors: Katz Steven
Published: July 2020

Editors' note: This past year, we came across an article from the early 1980s that was shrill in its criticism of some popular Yoga âsanas. Given the recent increase in Yoga-related injuries, we asked Dr. Steven Katz, anatomy instructor for our teacher training program, to comment.
Therapeutic Yoga 101: A Course in Self-Acceptance
Authors: Rothenberg Robin
Published: July 2020

This article is a personal essay describing the methodology for and orientation to teaching therapeutic Yoga in a mixed milieu. Many of the students have complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia,rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or chronic fatigue. Others have suffered structural trauma from car accidents and are contending with soft tissue injury and disc compression. In spite of the irrefutable challenge of addressing these various conditions simultaneously,years of working in this field has convinced the author that not only is it possible to do so, but it is highly rewarding for both the students and the teacher. It is the author's hope that by sharing her experience it will encourage other therapists to move beyond the container of a specific pathology and reunite body, mind, and spirit in a healing, communal environment.
The Role of Yoga Therapy in Knee Rehabilitation
Authors: Whiting Nicole DeAvilla
Published: July 2020

Therapeutic Yoga can be especially well-suited to aiding in the rehabilitation of knee injuries. This article discusses some common types of knee injuries and how Yoga can help rehabilitate some knee injuries. Specific âsanas for the knees are discussed, as well as how to work with the wellness of the whole person through âsana, prânâyâma, and meditation. Consideration is given to how Yoga therapists can work with other healthcare providers to improve the safety and efficacy of Yoga therapy. Two case studies of knee rehabilitation through Yoga therapy (one in a group class setting, and one in private Yoga therapy) are described, including details of the Yoga interventions that helped both individuals avoid surgical intervention.
Teaching Therapeutic Yoga to Medical Outpatients:Practice Descriptions, Process Reflections,and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Gabriel Kirsten , Edwards Katie , Salstrom Seoka , Spears Manjula , Panico Richard
Published: July 2020

This article describes therapeutic Yoga practices designed for a medical population with mixed diagnoses and a wide range of health challenges. We present preliminary data from 54 adults who participated in Yoga classes at a community medical center serving seventeen counties in Northeast Georgia. Findings suggest that attending therapeutic group Yoga classes can improve health perceptions and mindfulness. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for clinical practice and future research. The Yoga practices are described in detail, for the benefit of teachers and researchers who wish to replicate the practices.
Integrating Yoga Cikitsâ in the West: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Douglass Laura Sevika , Tiwari Subhas
Published: July 2020

With acceptance of Yoga in the West come challenges to Western understanding of what healing is, and how healing happens. The principles of spirituality and holistic living, which form the basis of Yoga, are largely being edited out of Yoga practice in America in an attempt to hold on to cultural perceptions about the nature of healing. This deletion has been a concern for many contemporary Yoga practitioners. This article explores Western cultural values as a backdrop for understanding the tendency to edit "practices" from other "traditions." Suggestions are made for how contemporary Yoga therapists can actively promote the traditional practices of Yoga through the language used to discuss Yoga, scientific studies, and reflection on Western preconceptions about health and healing. Yoga need not be divested of its spiritual heritage to live alongside biomedical approaches to health. By holding multiple theories of health and wellness as correct and useful within their own specific contexts, we will have more to offer those who are suffering with physical or mental illness.
Healing Mind and Body: Using Therapeutic Yoga in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Authors: Visceglia Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

This article offers insight into the causes and nature of schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness, and describes practical ways Yoga can be integrated as an aspect of treatment. Yoga offers a safe, effective intervention to address both the physiological and psychological stress prevalent in this population. With a practice grounded in the movement of the breath, Yoga can create a sense of community, self-awareness, and self-care that traditional psychiatric practice is frequently unable to foster. This article also discusses some of the concerns specific to teaching this population, and to teaching in a psychiatric hospital. Clinical cases are shared to illustrate the benefits individuals with schizophrenia may receive from a practice of Yoga.
A Study of the Impact of Yoga Âsana on Perceived Stress, Heart Rate, and Breathing Rate
Authors: Wheeler Amy , Wilkin Linda
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine how practicing Yoga âsana influences perceived stress level and physiological indicators of stress,such as resting heart rate and breathing rate. The sample consisted of 79 moderately-stressed students enrolled in Yoga âsana classes at a university in Southern California. Students participated in Yoga âsana classes for ten weeks as part of the General Education (GE)Physical Education curriculum. Participants reported data pre- and post-class on resting heart rate, unregulated breathing rate, and perceived stress level. We hypothesized that the practice of Yoga âsana would be associated with decreased stress. Results: Yoga âsana was associated with positive pre- to post-class changes on perceived stress, heart rate, and breathing rate. Participants' pre-class perceived stress and breathing rate decreased during the ten-week period. However, participants' pre-class resting heart rate did not change significantly over the course of the study.
Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing
Authors: Bossart Chase
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing modality. It is important to distinguish between adapting a system of knowledge, like Yoga, to specific contexts, and altering the system to fit it into another quite different system of knowledge, such as conventional Western medicine. To illustrate this difference, the paper demonstrates how three ancient Indian anatomies (the pañcamaya model, the prâna vâyus model, and the subtle anatomy model) are foundational to the practical application of Yoga for healing. The practice of Yoga as a healing modality is based on theory and principles, and not only on methods and techniques.
A Fork in the Road: "Doing to" or "Being with"?
Authors: Taylor Matthew
Published: July 2020

The pace of Yoga therapy's adaptation and acceptance into our culture continues to accelerate. This past year has seen more public media attention and more studies published. A person can now find an instructional video or book for nearly any medical ailment. While these changes are exciting and gratifying for those of us who have been working so long to promote Yoga therapy, I believe this phenomenon represents an important "fork in the road" for us as a profession. The koan Yogi Berra offers us on first blush seems to mean, "Go one direction or the other at the fork in the road," but quite possibly he might be imploring us to be aware that we are making a deliberate choice at the fork.
On Scope of Practice and Ayurveda:A Conversation with NAMA President Wynn Werner
Authors: Kepner John
Published: July 2020

Wynn Werner is a founding director and the current president of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). He is also the longtime administrator of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded and directed by Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad. As sister associations, IAYT and NAMA have a growing working relationship in support of each other and our complementary missions. This year, IAYT will be presenting a series on Yoga therapy for Ayurvedic practitioners at NAMA's annual conference in October in Albuquerque. We have also worked together on improving the nuts and bolts of membership service.

John Kepner, executive director of IAYT, visited the Ayurvedic Institute to interview Wynn about the challenges of building a professional organization and the development of training standards for Ayurvedic practitioners, to see what insights and inspiration the experiences of NAMA might provide for IAYT and the development of our own field.
Perceived Benefits of Kripalu Yoga Classes in Diverse and Underserved Populations
Authors: Wilson Angela , Marchesiello Kate , Khalsa Sat Bir
Published: July 2020

Objective: To determine if diverse and underserved populations report benefit from Yoga practices and report an intention to continue with Yoga, meditation, or breathing practices.

Design: This was a retrospective study using archival data from exit questionnaires acquired at the end of Yoga programs serving diverse populations. Qualitative data was also collected from the Yoga teachers.

Setting: Free Kripalu Yoga classes offered to diverse and underserved/underprivileged populations (e.g., minority groups, the elderly, gay populations), as part of the Teaching for Diversity (TFD) program through the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (KCYH).

Participants: 220 participants, ranging in age from adolescence through old age.

Measures: Nine questions about the perceived benefits and usefulness of Yoga practices in everyday life were administered to participants on the last day of class. Qualitative data was collected from teachers regarding their experience teaching underserved populations.

Results: Of the 220 respondents, 89% reported that the Yoga class left them with a feeling of overall wellness, and 83% found the practices helpful. 98% reported that they would recommend this Yoga class to others. Participants found the individual Yoga components of the breathing, Yoga postures, and meditation practices effective and said they were useful in their daily life. Pairwise t-test comparisons of average scores between these three practices indicated that participants were more likely to rate breathing useful as compared to either the postures or meditation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Diverse and underserved populations report benefit from and interest in Yoga, meditation, and breathing practices.
Yoga and Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Pearson Neil
Published: July 2020

Recently, on a number of occasions, I have come across the statement, "Research supports that Yoga decreases low back pain." This led me to consider the level of clarity and truth of this statement. Many of my students would agree with this statement, and there is a growing body of research suggesting that Yoga should be considered as an effective and cost-effective intervention for people with chronic low back pain. However, the research evidence does not support making such a broad statement as the one above.
Yoga for Seniors with Arthritis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hansen Elizabeth de
Published: July 2020

To examine whether Yoga classes can relieve arthritis symptoms in older adults, Yoga classes were offered once a week for six weeks to 23 older adults (mean age 71; 19 of the 23 were diagnosed with arthritis) in four different senior institutions in East Harlem, New York. Most participants were of Puerto Rican or Spanish-speaking origins, and all had low incomes and little knowledge of or prior exposure to Yoga. Self-reported levels of pain, stiffness and sleeplessness were collected at the beginning and end of the six-week Yoga program. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in pain and stiffness, with large effect sizes. The classes had no significant effect on sleeplessness. Twenty-two of the 23 participants also reported home practice of breathing and poses. The results of this pilot study provide promising evidence that group Yoga classes can reduce pain and stiffness among seniors with arthritis. The study also demonstrates the feasibility of this type of intervention: a group format delivered to seniors where they already live or seek resources and that accommodates a diverse range of abilities and health conditions.
Yoga Therapy: East-West Synthesis
Authors: Butera Robert
Published: July 2020

In the early 1990s, I found myself among a small group of Yoga educators discussing the parameters of "Yoga therapy." These formative discussions were the beginning of what we have all come to know as the International Association of Yoga Therapists. At the time, I was working on my PhD dissertation, "A Comprehensive Yoga Lifestyle Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS." What began as a personal and educational journey has developed into a career dedicated to helping others discover the magnitude and importance of a Yogic lifestyle.
Yoga for Heart Failure Patients: A Feasibility Pilot Study with a Multiethnic Population
Authors: Kubo Ai , Hung Yun-Yi , Ritterman Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is highly prevalent and the most costly cardiovascular illness in the United States. Yoga is known to be effective in lowering stress, lessening depression, and increasing physical fitness and may be used as an adjuvant management program for CHF patients. Primary Study Objective:To determine the feasibility of a yoga intervention program among a multiethnic CHF population living in underserved neighborhoods. Methods: Uncontrolled intervention trial. Setting: Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers,Richmond and Oakland, California. Participants: 14 CHF patients (7 female), mean age 64 (SD = 6.4) years, and 62% African-American. Intervention: Eight-week, 2x/week, 1-hr yoga classes that included meditation, breathing exercises, gentle yoga poses, and relaxation. Primary outcome measures: The intervention feasibility was measured by recruitment rates, participant retention and adherence. Body weight and self-reported depression and quality of life were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Among the 14 patients enrolled, 13 completed the intervention. Of those who completed the trial, 92% attended at least 50% of the classes. There was a significant reduction in weight (-3.5 lb, p = 0.01) and improvement in the severity of depression (p < 0.05), as well as a trend toward increased quality of life (p = 08). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This pilot trial demonstrates that it is feasible for patients with CHF to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle. Yoga may help with routine disease management, prevention of fluid retention, and improvement of depression and quality of life. A larger trial is needed to confirm efficacy and to determine the long-term effects on other important outcomes, such as hospital re-admission rates or prognostic biomarkers.
Mass Disasters and Mind-Body Solutions: Evidence and Field Insights
Authors: Gerbarg Patricia , Wallace Gretchen , Brown Richard
Published: July 2020

Treatment for the psychological consequences of mass disasters is essential to the recovery of individuals and communities. Little is known about how to provide effective mental health interventions when there are thousands of victims and little, if any, access to care. Post-disaster research and program evaluations suggest that mind-body practices can provide significant relief of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and physical ailments. Mind-body programs are inexpensive, adaptable to different cultures and conditions, and can be taught rapidly to large numbers of people, including community leaders, to create a sustainable resource for local mental health needs. The challenges of doing research in disaster areas are illustrated using examples from field studies. Potential risks of administering programs to vulnerable populations are discussed, with program design recommendations. The development of safe, effective, trauma-sensitive, culturally appropriate, sustainable programs requires research and collaboration among healthcare professionals, mind-body trainers, researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental humanitarian organizations.
Table of Contents & Editorials
Authors: Bullock B. Grace Marie
Published: July 2020

For years I have worn a leather band on my wrist that reads, “Be the Change.” It is a constant reminder to embody the change I want to see in the world by engaging in service and collaborative partnership and approaching each person and task with compassion, loving kindness, and equanimity. When I received the honor of becoming the new editor in chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, I was compelled to examine how to transform this personal intention into practice for the good of the yoga community… I hope the articles in this issue inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world.
Clinical Group Supervision in Yoga Therapy: Model Effects, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Forbes Bo , Volpe Horii Cassandra , Earls Bethany , Mashek Stephanie , Akhtar Fiona
Published: July 2020

Clinical supervision is an integral component of therapist training and professional development because of its capacity for fostering knowledge, self-awareness, and clinical acumen. Individual supervision is part of many yoga therapy training programs and is referenced in the IAYT Standards as “mentoring.” Group supervision is not typically used in the training of yoga therapists. We propose that group supervision effectively supports the growth and development of yoga therapists-in-training. We present a model of group supervision for yoga therapist trainees developed by the New England School of Integrative Yoga Therapeutics™ (The NESIYT Model) that includes the background, structure, format, and development of our inaugural 18-month supervision group. Pre-and post-supervision surveys and analyzed case notes, which captured key didactic and process themes, are discussed. Clinical issues, such as boundaries, performance anxiety, sense of self efficacy, the therapeutic alliance, transference and counter transference, pacing of yoga therapy sessions, evaluation of client progress, and adjunct therapist interaction are reviewed. The timing and sequence of didactic and process themes and benefits for yoga therapist trainees' professional development, are discussed. The NESIYT group supervision model is offered as an effective blueprint for yoga therapy training programs.
Bridging the Practices of Yoga Therapy and Behavioral Health Service Delivery for Adolescents
Authors: Walsh Michelle
Published: July 2020

Historically, substance use and mental health disorder interventions for adolescents were derived from adult models, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 12-step programs, which are rooted in traditional talk therapy. Young people may struggle to benefit from treatments using these models because they may not be developmentally appropriate. A need exists for developmentally attuned interventions that can engage children and adolescents. This article briefly reviews the process of bridging yoga therapy and behavioral health service delivery for adolescents served by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
Pain Uncertainty in Patients with Fibromyalgia, Yoga Practitioners, and Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Bradshaw David , Donaldson Gary , Okifuji Akiko
Published: July 2020

Background: Uncertainty about potentially painful events affects how pain is experienced. Individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) often exhibit anxiety and catastrophic thoughts regarding pain and difficulties dealing with pain uncertainty. Objectives: The effects of pain uncertainty in predictably high odds (HO), predictably low odds (LO), and even odds (EO) conditions on subjective ratings of pain (PR) and skin conductance responses (SCR) following the administration of a painful stimulus were examined for individuals with fibromyalgia (IWFM), healthy volunteers (HVs), and yoga practitioners (YPs). We hypothesized IWFM would demonstrate the greatest physiological reactivity to pain uncertainty, followed by HVs and YPs, respectively. Methods: Nine IWFM, 7 YPs, and 10 HVs participated. Results: Custom contrast estimates comparing responses for HO, LO, and EO pain conditions showed higher SCR for IWFM (CE = 1.27, p = 0.01) but not for HVs or for YPs. PR for the EO condition were significantly greater than for HO and LO conditions for IWFM (CE = 0.60, p = 0.012) but not for HVs or YPs. YPs had lower SCR and PR than did HVs. Conclusions: Results show that uncertainty regarding pain increases the experience of pain, whereas certainty regarding pain may reduce pain ratings for individuals with fibromyalgia.
Evaluation of the Benefits of a Kripalu Yoga Program for Police Academy Trainees: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jeter Pamela , Cronin Susan , Khalsa Sat Bir
Published: July 2020

Background: Law enforcement ranks as one of the most stressful occupations in the world. Yoga is a mind-body practice composed of postures, breathing, and meditation techniques, and is known for its beneficial effects on stress and mood disturbance. Objectives: This pilot study evaluated the effects of Kripalu yoga on perceived stress, mood, and mindfulness during police academy training. Method: Forty-two recruits participated in a 6-class yoga intervention. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States-Short Form, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire prior to and immediately following completion of the yoga program, as well as an exit survey. Results: Paired samples t-tests revealed significant postintervention changes in perceived stress and mood, reductions in tension and fatigue, and a trend toward reduced anger. Changes in mindfulness were not detected. The exit survey indicated perceived benefits of yoga for some participants. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that yoga may be beneficial for reducing stress, tension, and fatigue among police academy trainees. Future longitudinal randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate its full potential as a permanent component of police academy training.
Yoga, Vertebral Fractures, and Osteoporosis: Research and Recommendations
Authors: Smith Eva Norlyk , Boser Anita
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density that leaves bones fragile and highly susceptible to fracture. Globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men older than 50 will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture, and those individuals will experience a considerably higher risk of postfracture mortality than will the general population. Gentle, weight-bearing exercises such as yoga can help prevent or cease the progression of osteoporosis; however, there is insufficient data regarding which yoga poses present the least risk and are most beneficial to individuals with reduced bone density. Objectives: Review the extant literature about the risks and benefits to the spine of particular forms of movement and consider recommendations relative to the practice of yoga. Methods: A review of the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases was conducted that identified manuscripts published between 1966 and 2011 about topics related to osteoporosis and spinal movement. Conclusions: Movements involving spinal flexion can increase risk for vertebral compression fractures; however, a combination of mild spinal flexion and extension may prove beneficial. Moderate, weight-bearing activities that strengthen the muscles supporting the spinal column, promote balance, improve posture, and enhance quality of life appear to be of greatest benefit. Ample evidence supports the importance of varied spinal movement for preserving the health and strength of the vertebral bodies. Exercise modifications suitable for high-risk individuals may be counterproductive for those at low risk for vertebral fractures. Yoga therapists are cautioned to not apply a one-size-fits-all approach when working with this population. Well-designed empirical studies are needed to further our understanding of which yoga poses present the least risk and are of greatest benefit to individuals with osteoporosis.
2013 SYR Accepted Poster Abstracts
Authors: Bayley P. J. , Isaac L. , Kong J. Y. , Adamson M. M. , Ashford J. W. , Mahoney L. A. , Beltran M. , Brown-Elhillali A. , Held A. , Ajayi A. , Belcher H. , Bond A. , Mason H. , Lemaster C. , Shaw S. , Mullin C. , Holick E. , Saper R. , Braun T. D. , Riley K. E. , Park C. L. , Trehern A. E. , Davis M. B. , Mastronardi E. L. , Butzer B. , Khalsa S. B. S. , Shorter S. M. , Reinhardt K. M. , Cope S. , Cheung C. , Justice C. , Wyman J. , Cook-Cottone C. P. , Daly L. A. , Haden S. C. , Hagins M. , Danhauer S. C. , Griffin L. P. , Avis N. E. , Sohl S. J. , Lawrence J. , Jesse M. T. , Addington E. L. , Messino M. J. , Giguere J. K. , Lucas S. L. , Wiliford S. K. , Shaw E. , de Manincor M. , Bensoussan A. , Smith C. , Fahey P. , Bourchier S. , Desrochers D. I. M. , Viswanathan S. , Partharasathy B. R. , Doherty K. , Moye J. , Walsh C. , Pokaski-Azar J. , Gosian J. , Chapman J. , King K. , Sohl S. , Danhauer S. , Dunbar E. , Gabriel M. G. , Huebner M. , Hofmann S. G. , Khalsa S. B. S. , Gaskins Ronnesia B. , Jennings Ernestine , Thind Herpreet , Fava Joseph L. , Hartman Sheri , Bock Beth C. , Gramann P. , Haaz S. , Bingham C.O. , Bartlett S.J. , Hagins M. , States R. , Selfe T. , Innes K. , Harris A. R. , Jennings P. A. , Abenavoli R. M. , Katz D. A. , Hudecek K. M. , Greenberg M. T. , Jeter P. E. , Nkodo A. F. , Haaz S. , Dagnelie G. , Keosaian J. E. , Lemaster C. M. , Chao M. , Saper R. B. , King K. D. , Gosian J. , Doherty K. , Walsh C. , Pokaski Azar J. , Chapman J. , Danhauer S. C. , Moye J. , Kinser P. , Bourguignon C. , Taylor A. , Mahoney L. A. , Bayley P. J. , Collery L. M. , Menzies-Toman D. , Nilsson M. , Frykman V. , Noggle J. J. , Braun T. , Khalsa S. B. S. , Nosaka M. , Okamura H. , Fukatu N. , Potts A. , Weidknecht K. , Coulombe S. , Davies B. , Ryan C. , Day D. , Reale J. , Staples J. K. , Knoefel J. , Herman C. , Riley K. E. , Park C. L. , Bedesin E. Y. , Stewart V. M. , Riley K. E. , Braun T. D. , Park C. L. , Pescatello L. S. , Davis M. B. , Trehern A. E. , Mastronardi E. L. , Rioux J. , Rosen R. K. , Thind H. , Gaskins R. , Jennings E. , Morrow K. , Williams D. , Bock B. , Rousseau D. , Jackson E. , Schmid A. A. , Miller K. K. , Van Puymbroeck M. , DeBaun E. L. , Schalk N. , Dierks T. D. , Altenburger P. , Damush T. , Williams L. S. , Selman L. , Citron T. , Howie-Esquivel J. , McDermott K. , Milic M. , Donesky D. , Shook A. , Ruzic R. , Galloway F. , Van Puymbroeck M. , Miller K. K. , Schalk N. , Schmid A. A. , Ward L. J. , Stebbings S. , Sherman K. , Cherkin D. , Baxter G. D. , West J. I. , Duffy N. , Liang B.
Published: July 2020

SYR 2013 Accepted Poster abstracts
Defining Yoga-Nidra: Traditional Accounts, Physiological Research, and Future Directions
Authors: Parker Stephen , Bharati Swami Veda , Fernandez Manuel
Published: July 2020

The term yoga-nidra has been used in many empirical studies to refer to relaxation and guided imagery. These techniques do not represent the intention or physiological correlates of yoganidra discussed in the traditional yoga literature. We propose an operational definition of yoga-nidra that is supported by several physiologically testable hypotheses regarding its outcomes and effects. Traditional descriptions of yoga-nidra and contemporary accounts of its practice are reviewed, and studies examining the physiological correlates of yoga-nidra are examined. Proposed hypotheses for future research using this operational definition are provided.
The Effects of Yoga on Eating Disorder Symptoms and Correlates: A Review
Authors: Klein Jessalyn , Cook-Cottone Catherine
Published: July 2020

Background: Yoga is a popular adjunct therapy for eating disorders (EDs). A systematic review and synthesis of the yoga literature is needed to guide treatment recommendations and future research. This article provides a review of studies that used yoga for preventing and treating EDs. Method: Databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles about yoga practice and ED symptoms and correlates. Results: Of the 14 articles reviewed, 40% used cross-sectional designs to examine risk and protective factors for EDs among yoga practitioners, and 60% used longitudinal designs to assess the effectiveness of yoga interventions for preventing and treating EDs. Yoga practitioners were reported to be at decreased risk for EDs, and ED risk and symptoms were reduced or unchanged after yoga interventions. Conclusions: Well-controlled studies are needed to understand whether the positive effects of yoga on ED symptoms and correlates are related to the type of yoga practiced, the amount/frequency of practice, and/or other variables.
Hatha Yoga Practice for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vizcaino Maricarmen
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the impact of Hatha yoga on glycemic control, psychological and physiological stress, and self-care for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Ten sedentary individuals with T2DM who were non-insulin dependent, free of diabetes-related complications, and had no previous yoga experience completed therapeutic yoga classes for 6 weeks, 3 times per week . Glycemic control measures included fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting insulin. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and salivary cortisol were used to assess levels of stress, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire was used to assess regimen adherence. Results: No significant changes in glucose control or physiological stress were found; however, significant changes in perceived stress, state anxiety, and self-care behaviors were detected. Conclusions: Preliminary findings support further investigation of the benefits of Hatha yoga as a complementary therapy for those with T2DM.
Flexibility of the Elderly after One-Year Practice of Yoga and Calisthenics
Authors: Farinatti Paulo , Rubini Ercole , Silva Elirez , Vanfraechem Jacques
Published: July 2020

Flexibility training responses to distinct stretching techniques are not well defined, especially in the elderly. This study compared the flexibility of elderly individuals before and after having practiced hatha yoga and calisthenics for 1 year (52 weeks), at least 3 times/week. Sixty-six subjects (12 men) measured and assigned to 3 groups: control (n = 24, age = 67.7±6.9 years), hatha yoga (n = 22, age = 61.2±4.8 years), and calisthenics (n = 20, age = 69.0±5.8 years). The maximal range of passive motion of 13 movements in 7 joints was assessed by the Flexitest, comparing the range obtained with standard charts representing each arc of movement on a discontinuous and non-dimensional scale from 0 to 4. Results of individual movements were summed to define 4 indexes (ankle+knee, hip+trunk, wrist+elbow, and shoulder) and total flexibility (Flexindex). Results showed significant increases of total flexibility in the hatha yoga group (by 22.5 points) and the calisthenics group (by 5.8 points) (p < 0.01 for each) and a decrease in the control group (by 2.1 points) (p < 0.01) after one year of intervention. Between-group comparison showed that increases in the hatha yoga group were greater than in the calisthenics group for most flexibility indexes, particularly the overall flexibility (p <0.05). In conclusion, the practice of hatha yoga (i.e., slow/passive movements) was more effective in improving flexibility compared to calisthenics (i.e., fast/dynamic movements), but calisthenics was able to prevent flexibility losses observed in sedentary elderly subjects.
Acute and Cumulative Effects of Vinyasa Yoga on Affect and Stress among College Students Participating in an Eight-week Yoga Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gaskins Ronnesia , Jennings Ernestine , Thind Herpreet , Becker Bruce , Bock Beth
Published: July 2020

Background. College students are vulnerable to a critical period in developmental maturation, facing rigorous academic work and learning how to function independently. Western aerobic exercise (WAE), such as running and bicycling, has been shown to improve mood and relieve stress. However, college students often have low levels of physical activity. Yoga is an ancient physical and mental practice that may affect mood and stress. However, rigorous studies examining the psychological effects of yoga are rare in peerreviewed Western journals. The aim of this research was to establish preliminary evidence for the acute effects of Vinyasa yoga on affect and stress in young-adult college students. Methods. Twenty healthy college students age 18 years and older were recruited to participate in this pilot study. Participants attended a Vinyasa yoga class at a local studio twice weekly for 8 weeks. Affect and stress were assessed before and after each yoga session. Measures included the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS) and the Cohen Perceived Stress scale. Results. Positive affect scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) for 14 of the 16 yoga sessions (mean increase = 23.2%). Negative affect decreased significantly from pre- to postyoga (p < 0.05) for 15 of the 16 sessions (mean decrease = 22%). Repeated measures ANOVAs examining pre-post composite scores across all 8 weeks showed significant changes in PANAS, but not stress scores. Conclusions. Findings suggest that yoga practice is associated with acute improvements in affect in a young-adult college population. Future research is needed to examine the extent to which different types of yoga address the needs of different college sub-populations (e.g., eating disordered, overweight/obese, sedentary, and smokers).
Yoga, Light and Creative Expression
Authors: Cornell Judith
Published: July 2020

As professional artist and educator for many years, until 1979 I was engaged in the secular, combative world of art that I had inherited as part of my Western upbringing. Like so many others, I then considered creativity to be not a Divine potential in all souls, but the exclusive prerogative of a few. I thought of an artist as "one who paints or sculpts," rather than as one who is capable of using certain energies to bring about inner and outer transformation.
Moving Through Back Pain
Authors: Farhi Donna
Published: July 2020

Erin Hewit, R.N. vividly remembers when her debilitating back pain began. In March, 1981, while trying to prevent the fall of a heavy patient, she wrenched her back. That moment marked the beginning of her four-year search for pain relief.

After her orthopedist took x-rays and a CAT scan, he diagnosed her problem as a herniated disc. But when she refused to have a myelogram, a dye-injected x-ray of the spinal column, he announced there was nothing more he could do for her and sent her to a physical therapist. After four months of back exercises, hot packs, and traction, Hewit felt a little better, but every time she tried to return to her normal activities, she'd be laid flat with a relapse.
Dynamic Stillness Part II: The Fullfillment of Trika Yoga
Authors: Fahey Sarah
Published: July 2020

Dynamic Stillness Part Two: The Fulfillment of Trika Yoga completes Swami Chetanananda's exposition introducing the ancient Tantric system of Trika Yoga to the West.

Trika Yoga's core philosophy revolves around the premise that we are not separate from the Divine; we are in fact one with the Divine source that created the entire universe.
*Starting Out - Yoga for Beginners Video – The Yoga Journal *Stretch and Surrender – Annalisa Cunningham *Yoga - Practicing Postures – An Easy-to-do Workbook – Connie Weiss
Authors: Lasater Judith , Martin Donna
Published: July 2020

*Let's be honest from the beginning. I do not like yoga videos. Perhaps I am hopelessly old-fashioned; but I simply believe that yoga is best taught in that dynamic relationship between student and teacher - live. However, I am also a practical person.

*For Annalisa Cunningham, author of Stretch and Surrender : a Guide to Yoga, Health, and Relaxation for People in Recovery, a combination of Hatha Yoga with the Twelve Step philosophy has opened the way to recovery. As a counselor at Feather River Alcohol and Chemical Recovery Program in California, Cunningham developed a yoga program for patients, family members, and the community at large.

*Connie Weiss has been teaching yoga classes for over twenty years. She has been influenced by Indra Devi, the Iyengar tradition, and, most recently, by T.K.V. Desikachar and Professor A.G. Mohan. In response to the needs of her students she has put together an excellent manual for people of all levels "to facilitate individual practice sessions."
Living From the Heart: What Suffering Has to Teach Us
Authors: Dreaver Jim
Published: July 2020

There are times though when we find ourselves caught up in an experience of suffering that is so intense, so painfully real, that we can no longer ignore it. I want to address the suffering that can no longer be denied, the suffering that must, finally, be dealt with. For suffering has a lot to teach us about what it means to be a whole person, if we would embrace it consciously and open ourselves to learning the lesson it is trying to teach us.
Table of Contents & Editorials
Authors: Miller Richard , Martin Donna
Published: July 2020

Postures are stances we take in the world, be they by way of beliefs we hold in communications we make with others or in the asanas we practice in yoga. Yoga Therapy is a view or stance we take in helping another.

As there are many paths leading to the top of the mountain, there are many paths in Yoga Therapy - each possessing its unique view and approach. In thinking about the word posture I was stimulated to write the following essay which addresses the underlying ground of all postures - consciousness.
The Breathing Self: The Experience of Breath as an Art to Healing Yourself.
Authors: Middendorf Ilse , Roffler Juerg
Published: July 2020

Breath comes and goes on its own, and with a peaceful rest we trust that the next breath cycle emerges again on its own.

The simplicity of this statement is full of richness and wisdom. It is one of nature's basic principles that we can experience in ourselves and learn about in all living creatures. The intention of this article is to give you a brief introduction into The Experienced Breath, an artistic form of breath education developed by Prof. Ilse Middendorf.
A Vision of Yoga Therapy as Lifestyle Education
Authors: Butera, Jr. Robert
Published: July 2020

The holistic therapies aim at treating all aspects of the client. But no therapy has sustained itself first and foremost as a lifestyle education. Many therapies have been reduced to techniques that give symptomatic relief. Often the practice of prescribing isolated techniques gives only temporary relief, thus losing a holistic quality. The roots of a disease are healed by prolonged healthy living. This point is so obvious and so simple that we miss it: yoga therapy must not degenerate into another therapy, but must maintain its focus as a spiritual lifestyle.
Statement of Professional Standards
Authors: California Yoga Teachers Association
Published: July 2020

We believe that it is the responsibility of the yoga teacher to ensure a safe and protected environment in which a student can grow physically, mentally and spiritually. In order to protect the student in this potentially vulnerable relationship, as well as to uphold the highest professional standards for yoga teachers, we agree to accept the following principles...
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as a Model for Psycho-Spiritual Evolution
Authors: LePage Joe
Published: July 2020

The word sutra literally means a thread which strings together a series of 'beads' or aphorisms in their most terse or unadorned elaboration. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali the essential meaning of yoga has been condensed into a powerful strand of concise transcendental insights.
Restorative Yoga
Authors: Lasater Judith
Published: July 2020

Anthropologists tell us the body that experiences stress has not changed much over the millions of years of being human. Our ancestors had the same anatomical and physiological characteristics as we who drive freeways and communicate via the information superhighway. We have an ancient body subjected to a modem problem: living with chronic stress.
A Comparative Study of the Cardiac Response to Bhastrika: A Yogic Breathing Exercise and the Exercise Tolerance Test
Authors: Hoffman Kevin , Clarke John
Published: July 2020

Yogic breathing exercises form a spectrum from simple, diaphragmatic breathing to complex exercises involving breath retention and visualization. Many of the advanced exercises are potentially harmful if not taught and practiced systematically.
Editorial Comments
Authors: Kleinman Steven
Published: July 2020

Last year in this editorial space, I considered the broad question: What is a Yoga therapist and how does Yoga differ from Yoga therapy? This question is, or should be, of deep personal significance to anyone who teaches any aspect of Yoga to others. There is no simple answer; each Yoga teacher or therapist needs to clarify the issue for himself or herself.

However, as Yoga becomes more widely recognized as a valid mode of therapy, it seems increasingly likely that some institutions. such as medical insurance companies, will want an objective measure of what qualifies a person to be a Yoga teacher or a Yoga therapist.
Money Matters for Yoga Therapists
Authors: Larkin Wendy Davis
Published: July 2020

Talking about money is one of the most rigorously held taboos in our society. Eighty percent of all Americans have had no training or education in personal finance. Prior to the 1970s, girls weren't supposed to "worry about" money and boys were magically supposed to "know about it" by the time they left home at eighteen. For Yoga teachers, learning about money can feel like a long journey through a dark inner tunnel.
Nostril Dominance (Svara) and Bilateral Volar Galvanic Skin Resistance
Authors: Mohan Mitti
Published: July 2020

The Svara- Yoga concept of ida-, pingala- andsushumna-svara—representing rest, active,and turbulent states—was examined in this study by recording nostril dominance (svara) and bilateral volar GSR (galvanic skin resistance) as an indicator of sympathetic activity under field and laboratory conditions. Sympathetic activity was low in the ida-svara (left nostril dominance) group,higher in the pingala-svara (right nostril dominance)group, and was maximum in the sushumna-svara(undecided nostril dominance) group of subiects under both field and laboratory conditions. This finding agreed with the traditional Svara-Yoga descriptions. The volar GSR on the right side more readily varied with the svara than the left volar GSR, particularly in the physically relaxed subjects under laboratory conditions. The latter observation was worth noting because the subjects were right-handed. The right side could be recommended as the standard site for recording volar GSR to closely reflect the sympathetic activity,particularly so when subjects were given the opportunity for physical rest.
Resolving Northern Alaska Earthquake Sequences Using the Transportable Array and Probabilistic Location Methods
Authors: Gibbons Steven J. , Ruppert Natalia A. , Karasözen Ezgi , Aderhold Kasey , Dickson Ian
Published: July 2020

Between 2014 and 2017, almost 200 new seismic stations were installed in Alaska and northwestern Canada as part of the EarthScope USArray Transportable Array. These stations currently provide an unprecedented capability for the detection and location of seismic events in regions with otherwise relatively sparse station coverage. Two interesting earthquake sequences in 2018 and 2019 in the northeastern Brooks Range were exceptionally well recorded because of this deployment. First is the aftershock sequence of the Mw 6.4 and Mw 6.0 Kaktovik earthquakes of 12 August 2018, the largest earthquakes recorded to date in the region. The second is the Niviak swarm, southwest of the Kaktovik sequence. Since July 2018, >4000 earthquakes between magnitudes 1 and 4.3 have been recorded across a region exceeding 5000  km2. We explore how the Bayesloc probabilistic multiple seismic-event location algorithm can better resolve features of these two sequences, exploiting the large numbers of readings that the improved station coverage provides from events down to magnitudes below 2. The Bayesloc calculations consistently move events in the Kaktovik sequence a few kilometers to the northeast, providing an almost linear east-southeast-striking southern limit to the aftershock zone. Analysis of the Bayesloc joint probability distribution of corrections to travel-time predictions indicate that anomalously fast wave propagation to the southwest is likely the most significant contribution to the seismic-event mislocation. The joint relocations are more consistent with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar–inferred coseismic displacement than the network location estimates. The Bayesloc relocation of the Niviak events confirms that the earthquakes are distributed between many distinct clusters of seismicity that have clearer spatial separation following the relocation. The probabilistic relocations motivate both double-difference studies to better resolve clustered seismicity at the smallest spatial scales and systematic multiple event relocation studies to calculate structure and travel-time corrections over larger scales.