It's primary goal is to release the spine, which increases energy and decreases pain and stiffness. Some say that although they've tried nearly everything to improve their back and neck problems, yoga is the only thing that's done it. Yoga seems to fit perfectly into the overall mission of the CU Wellness Program, which is to educate the university community physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. The Wellness Program, currently in its second decade at Cornell, is broadening its offerings toward a more wholistic approach. In 1996, we have tried to bring holistic and spiritual wellness into the picture.
Yoga is only one of the activities that bridges that gap.
In addition to yoga, the Wellness Program offers tai chi, instructional meditation, massage and a Reiki clinic. The university administration endorses the program and encourages supervisors to grant three hours of flex or release time per week to all employees who choose to participate. The Wellness Program is open to all Cornell employees and faculty, including graduate faculty and the 2,200 university retirees in Tompkins County. There are special classes for seniors and the physically challenged, both of which are some of the best attended classes of the program. Membership is on an affordable, sliding-scale fee and includes an orientation session, fitness appraisal and a private consultation.