Novelty yoga practices, including animal-assisted and themed sessions, have experienced a marked rise in popularity, driven by their engaging and accessible nature.

Animal-assisted yoga, such as goat or puppy yoga, blends traditional movements with playful animal interaction, providing therapeutic benefits similar to animal-assisted therapy, notably reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing mood and creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere .

These practices also serve broader therapeutic goals, supporting individuals coping with trauma, loss, or mental illness, as demonstrated by programs like Pactamere Cares in Virginia .

The playful elements lower intimidation for beginners, increase motivation, and foster greater adherence, broadening yoga’s appeal beyond traditional audiences .

Despite their entertaining aspects, novelty yoga sessions maintain the core physical benefits of traditional yoga, contributing to healthy weight management, reduced chronic disease risk, improved sleep, and alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms .

The added enjoyment and social engagement may amplify these benefits by encouraging sustained participation .

Non-traditional yoga forms, such as water yoga or hybrid classes at wellness festivals, have gained traction, especially post-pandemic, with a 30% increase in yoga retreat bookings and mass participation events drawing thousands, reflecting widespread appeal across demographics .

While traditional yoga emphasizes holistic health through asanas, pranayama, and meditation, novelty practices like Yin yoga focus on relaxation and emotional well-being, activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce anxiety .

Both traditional and novelty yoga have demonstrated effectiveness in improving chronic pain, stress, and depression, with group interventions benefiting teens and restorative styles supporting stress management .

Novelty yoga practices, including animal-assisted and themed sessions, have experienced a marked rise in popularity, driven by their engaging and accessible nature.

Animal-assisted yoga, such as goat or puppy yoga, blends traditional movements with playful animal interaction, providing therapeutic benefits similar to animal-assisted therapy, notably reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing mood and creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere .

Title:

Content: Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise also strengthens bones and muscles, improves sleep quality, and increases energy levels.

In addition to its physical benefits, exercise has a positive impact on mental health. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and improve overall psychological well-being. Regular exercise can also enhance cognitive function, increase creativity, and improve memory and concentration.

Engaging in physical activity regularly can also improve one’s quality of life. It can increase longevity and decrease the risk of premature death. Exercise can also improve one’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence as they age. It can enhance work performance and productivity, as well as improve social interactions and relationships.

There are various types of exercise that individuals can engage in to reap these benefits. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling, improve cardiovascular health and increase endurance. Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting and resistance training, help build and tone muscles. Flexibility exercises, such as stretching and yoga, increase range of motion and prevent injuries.

It is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Children and adolescents should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.

In conclusion, regular exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits. It can help individuals maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve sleep quality and energy levels. Exercise also has positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving overall psychological well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve one’s quality of life, increase longevity, and enhance work performance and social interactions.

Title:

Content: Over 7,000 Enthusiasts Practice in 'Yoga Mahotsav' Event in Bodh Gaya

The mega event began early this morning with the rising sun where more than 7000 yoga practitioners performed Yoga based on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at Magadh University in Bodh Gaya.
Over 7,000 Enthusiasts Practice in 'Yoga Mahotsav' Event in Bodh GayaImage: Twitter

With less that a month left for International Day of Yoga 2024, the countdown event concluded with a mega yoga demonstration in Bihar's Bodh Gaya on Monday.

The mega event began early this morning with the rising sun where more than 7000 yoga practitioners performed Yoga based on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at Magadh University in Bodh Gaya.

The enthusiasm and valuable contribution of the people further established the importance of  Yoga in people's lives. This programme of mass Yoga practice has proved to be important not only in individuals but also in promoting social welfare.

Over 7,000 Enthusiasts Practice in 'Yoga Mahotsav' Event in Bodh GayaImage: Twitter

The event includes various Asanas and Postures such as Prayer, Yogic Suksamata, Tadasana, Vakrasana, Pad Hastasana, Ardha Chakrasana, Trikanasana, Bhadrasana, etc. Under the guidance of Director Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, the gathering performed these Asanas with great enthusiasm.

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush has played an important role in shaping the landscape of Yoga in our country by producing thousands of skilled Yoga Gurus. Their dedication has ensured that Yoga is effectively promoted across the country. Their efforts promote physical well-being and contribute to mental and spiritual harmony among the people. The contribution of the Institute in training these Yoga Gurus underlines its commitment towards furthering the practice and philosophy of Yoga in India and beyond.

Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) inaugurated the event with a welcome address and thanked the participants for their valuable contribution towards the success of the event.

The Ministry of Ayush, in association with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, is organizing a series of mass Yoga demonstrations and sessions as part of the campaign 100 Days, 100 Cities and 100 Organisations - a programme to commemorate IDY-2024. The initiative is driven by collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including schools, universities, institutions, colleges, corporate bodies as well as all States and UTs.

Over 7,000 Enthusiasts Practice in 'Yoga Mahotsav' Event in Bodh GayaImage: Twitter

Ensuring wider reach and engagement, the dynamic event was carried out on social media platforms managed by the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY and other reputed Yoga institutions. By leveraging the digital platform, the event expanded its reach beyond the physical space, empowering individuals across the world to participate in the transformative power of Yoga.

Madame Tussauds Unveiled Wax Statue of Yoga Guru Ramdev in New Delhi

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Content: MONROE CITY, Mo — Around thirty people and eighteen goats gathered in front of Sweet Water Distillery last Sunday for an afternoon of yoga. As the instructor guided the group through various poses, the goats mingled with the crowd and hopped on people's backs.

"The goats will climb on you. Is everyone okay with that?" Susan Nowell, owner of Show Me Your GOGA of Hannibal, called into the crowd. Everyone in the group nodded in approval, and for most of them the goats are why they came.

It's called goat yoga, and it's exactly what it sounds like - people doing yoga with goats. It's an activity that has been sweeping the nation.

Heather Utterback, owner of Sweetwater Distillery, said that the event is nothing like she has ever done before. “I’ve never done yoga or had a goat climb on me, but there’s a first time for everything,” she said. “We just wanted to try something different to draw people in.”

John and Marcella Starck, came from Glen Carbon, Illinois, and spent the weekend in Hannibal just to do goat yoga. They discovered Sweet Water Distillery while driving back and forth to Nebraska to see their son in college, and saw the event on Facebook.

“Our son did goat yoga with his freshman class as sort of an introduction to college,” said John. “And we thought, we are going to do that too.”

The event at Sweet Water Distillery was one of the biggest for Show Me Your GOGA. Nowell started her business after she received a picture from her sister who was doing goat yoga on a rooftop in Austin. Nowell had recently acquired goats through her son’s 4-H project, and her sister’s picture sparked an idea.

“One of my coworkers is a yoga instructor and I told her ‘I have goats and you do yoga - we can totally do this!’” Nowell said. “She told me that it would be awesome but I don’t think she knew that I would really do it.”

Nowell now has several yoga instructors who work with her as she travels the region with her goats to various venues. She has been to John Wood Community College in Quincy, The Meadow Campground in New London, and will host upcoming events at Hannibal LaGrange University and Tarripen Farms in Quincy for a Quincy High School Fundraiser - just to name a few.

She also has events at her Hannibal farm through all seasons except winter. Popular events at the farm are birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and hayrides where guests can play with the goats, rabbits, and chickens. They can also ride horses and ponies.

Although the experience is different and fun, there are also medical benefits. to goat yoga, as animal therapy is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

"Time with a goat can be stress reducing just like any other kind of animal therapy," said Nowell.

Leading the group at Sweet Water Distillery was Heather Sommers, who has been a yoga instructor for four years and just started with Show Me Your GOGA about four months ago. She said people who come to goat yoga get a lot out of the experience.

“It’s relaxed but with a little more joy,” she said. “People are just laughing and obviously having such a good time.”

For more information on goat yoga, follow Show Me Your GOGA on Facebook.

Recommended for you

These practices also serve broader therapeutic goals, supporting individuals coping with trauma, loss, or mental illness, as demonstrated by programs like Pactamere Cares in Virginia .

The playful elements lower intimidation for beginners, increase motivation, and foster greater adherence, broadening yoga’s appeal beyond traditional audiences .

Despite their entertaining aspects, novelty yoga sessions maintain the core physical benefits of traditional yoga, contributing to healthy weight management, reduced chronic disease risk, improved sleep, and alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms .

Title:

Content: Thorpe Bay in Essex is the home of yoga with a twist. Pawsz and Tails Yoga combines zen with something probably a little less calm: puppies and kittens everywhere. The Southend based yoga classes have combined all of your favourite things so you can leave feeling warm and fuzzy.

At £30 for an hour session, you can combine a half an hour class with a full hour of silliness with an army of fluff. Pawz and Tails writes on their website: “If you love animals and would like to cuddle and play with them for an hour incorporating a half hour beginner yoga class then book your class now”. The popular classes are booked up far in advance, with only a handful of classes left in the upcoming months.

They add: “We provide a calm and safe atmosphere for our furry companions. Our puppies are free to roam around during the hour to play, sleep and enjoy the attention they receive from humans. Our classes are there to create playtime and socialisation before they go to their forever home.

READ MORE: RSPCA rescue Spaniel puppy 'dumped in a box with his dying brother' on Essex roadside

READ MORE:Pebbles the instantly recognisable 'campus cat' at the University of Essex who now has his own statue

“We have the highest safety standards and you can enjoy our classes knowing that we only work with reputable breeders who have the highest standards of care, we also donate to rescue charities each month.

Classes are for beginners aged 14 and over and aim to create a stress-free environment. A fully qualified yoga teacher will work with you through mainly floor postures, so you’re on a level with the puppies and kittens. Cuddles are optional.

Time spent with a fluffy companion has been proven to have a massive impact on mental health, with 37% of people saying that their pets help them with their lives, according to a Blue Cross study. Just being around animals can have a positive impact on our mental health.

At Pawz and Tails, their classes “provide a haven of pure uplifting bliss, interacting with baby animals is extremely heart warming and you will leave us with a big smile on your face. It's also a fun time for our furry companions, who love to play and be cuddled”.

The animals brought in for the yoga classes are brought from responsible breeders who are looking to socialise the little ones, and Pawz and Tails donate to rescue charities every month.

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The added enjoyment and social engagement may amplify these benefits by encouraging sustained participation .

Non-traditional yoga forms, such as water yoga or hybrid classes at wellness festivals, have gained traction, especially post-pandemic, with a 30% increase in yoga retreat bookings and mass participation events drawing thousands, reflecting widespread appeal across demographics .

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Content: Advertisement

Hanover farm brings goat yoga to central Virginia

Goat yoga offered at Hanover farm
Published: Jun. 21, 2022 at 7:17 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago

HANOVER Co., Va. (WWBT) - If you haven’t tried goat yoga yet, it’s a popular new way to stretch and destress!

It’s exactly what it sounds like, and now you can sign up for a goat yoga session at Pactamere Farm in Hanover!

“It’s not traditional yoga, but it is yoga,” said farm owners Eric Evans and fiancé Katie Cunningham. “It’s a lot of interaction with the goats. They jump on you. They play; goats are very interactive.”

The goat yoga classes are an hour long. For the first 45 minutes, you go through a sequence of poses while the fury friends play, stand on your back, and maybe even lick your face. Or, like our own Terrance Dixon’s case, they will just plop in your lap while you do your yoga.

And yes, we know what you’re thinking - yes, *it* happens.

“They might poop on you. They might pee on you. They might pull your shirt. We have one goat that likes to undress people, so it’s a lot of fun. They’re like children; it’s a lot of fun,” said Evans and Cunningham.

Once the yoga part is over, the last 15 minutes are meant for playtime.

“It was a lot of fun. Really relaxing but also funny at the same,” said class participant Taly Baumhover.

This was Baumhover’s first time doing yoga and goat yoga. She says it was part of a surprise from her mom.

“We thought we were going horseback riding,” said Baumhover. “Then we pull up, and we come over here, and we’re like ‘oh my gosh.’”

These Nigerian dwarf goats are part of an agritourism alpaca farm in Hanover run by Evans and Cunningham.

Initially, Eric bought these goats as a Mother’s Day gift for Katie.

“I absolutely fell in love with them,” said Cunningham.

But the animals have a deeper meaning for Eric. Five years ago, his then-wife Jaime died from a rare and terminal cancer.

He used alpacas at the time for support, which played a major part in the healing journey for Eric and his daughters. In honoring the life of Jaime, and her love for the alpacas, Evans turned the farm into an agritourism/event place to allow others to experience the incredible blessing these animals give.

“Animals are very calming. They can be stressful at times, but they help you when you might not even realize it,” said Evans. “This kind of interaction is something what my wife and I had originally dreamed - that we would be able to share this life with other people.”

Recently, Evans and Cunningham started a non-profit called Pactamere Cares, which uses animal-assisted therapy to promote healing for those struggling with loss, trauma or mental illness. They hope to restore lives and promote healing, peace and encouragement through unconditional love.

The farm also hosts ‘Wine Tasting with Goat Yoga’ every other Saturday through the month from a local winery.

Prices for regular goat yoga start at $35, while the wine-tasting goat yoga class starts at $50.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.

Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.

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Content: Demand for wellness retreats rise ahead of Yoga Day

International Yoga Day on June 21 has become an opportunity for many to take a short break and explore yoga retreats.
International Yoga Day on June 21 has become an opportunity for many to take a short break and explore yoga retreats
Checking into a wellness retreat or a luxury hotel at a picturesque location that offers a detox experience is an ideal way to celebrate International Yoga Day for many. International Yoga Day on June 21 has become an opportunity for many to take a short break and explore yoga retreats. Vikas Nagar, Hotel Manager, Pilibhit House - IHCL SeleQtions, says, “We see a mix of inbound and domestic travellers who are seeking both wellness and luxury.”

‘Many people now plan at least one wellness vacation in a year’
Post pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of people who take at least one holiday to focus on their well-being.Some have made it an annual ritual to plan their wellness holiday around Yoga Day. “We have observed a significant increase in demand for yoga retreats ahead of International Yoga Day. This year, we have already seen a 30% rise in bookings compared to last year, with retreats filling up quickly. This surge in interest has been consistent with the growing popularity of the day,” shares Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group.
“There are broadly two kinds of guests that we see, one that come from 4-5 hour distance who are primarily weekend tourists and others who have 2-3 destinations planned and come from afar. The demand primarily is in the lower Himalayan belt in and around Rishikesh,” adds Arindam C Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Mussoorie.

‘Visitors seek stress management, improved health
From young corporates to those in their late 50s trying yoga for overall well-being, age is no bar among tourists when it comes to yoga. “The profile of guests at our resort is diverse but generally includes individuals seeking stress relief, improved health and personal growth. They are often professionals, ranging from their late 20s to 50s, who are looking for a break,” informs Manish Goyal, Founder, Stotrak Hospitality.

“Guests are increasingly looking for comprehensive wellness retreats that include not only yoga but also meditation sessions, detox programmes, Ayurvedic treatments, organic food and nature walks,” share Rohit Pareek, Earthian Hotels and Resorts.
Some travellers particularly look for picturesque locations

‘Aesthetic appeal of the place matters’
Some travellers particularly look for picturesque locations. “Many guests look for picturesque locations ahead of Yoga Day to capture visually appealing photos and share them on social media. Scenic settings such as beaches, mountains, parks, rivers add an aesthetic element to yoga poses, making the photos more engaging and shareable,” says Manish Goyal.

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Content:   • Researchers report that weekly yoga practice improved back pain in a small group of study participants.
  • Muscular electrical activity in the lower back, which is associated with back pain, also improved.
  • The findings indicate that yoga could be an effective therapy for chronic low back pain, but more research is needed.

Yoga could be an effective treatment for chronic lower back pain, according to new research.

A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research reports that individuals with low back pain saw improvements in pain levels after taking part in weekly yoga practice.

Each week participants completed a series of yoga “asanas” — poses designed to move and stretch the body. Researchers also utilized electromyography, which measures electrical activity in muscles, to provide further evidence for their findings.

“The main takeaway from this research is that there is a statistically significant difference in the improvement in pain for the females in the study with non-specific low back pain,” Dr. Hanan Saleh, a spine medicine specialist with the Cleveland Clinic who wasn’t affiliated with the study, told Medical News Today.

Experts say the research lends further evidence to the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for low back pain.

“Relieving back pain still remains a challenge. Asanas can become an addition to the range of possibilities in managing this disorder,” Dr. Alessandro de Sire, an author of the study and a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro in Italy, told Medical News Today.

De Sire and his team recruited 21 women, all of them between the ages of 18 and 40, to take part in the research.

Eleven of the women were “healthy” individuals while the other 10 reported having a condition known as nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), which is low back pain without an identifiable cause.

All participants took part in a four-week yoga program consisting of two sessions per week.

During the first week, the sessions were conducted in person while the remainder were conducted remotely using a “tele-yoga” approach.

Each session included 30 asanas in standing, seated, and supine positions. Researchers continued to follow up with participants for four additional weeks after the therapy.

The primary goal of the study was to see how the yoga practice affected pain levels. In order to track this, both groups did a pain assessment at baseline using the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain.

If you’ve ever been to the doctor’s office and they’ve asked you to point at a series of faces from smiling to crying to show how you feel, then you’re familiar with the VAS system. It’s a simple way for anyone to indicate their general pain level.

Women with NSLBP had an average pain level of 6.8 at baseline, indicating moderate to severe pain, but after the weekly yoga intervention that score decreased by more than half to 3.3, indicating low to moderate pain.

Researchers also used electromyography to verify their findings about pain.

By attaching electrodes to the lower back region of participants, they were able to measure electrical activity within the muscles of the lower back. Certain patterns of electrical activity in the region are known to be associated with low back pain.

Specifically, scientists looked at the flexion-relaxation phenomenon, which is a clinical tool to assess back pain. When someone bends forward, as if to touch their toes, this movement is known as trunk flexion.

During flexion, the muscles of the lower back are engaged. However, at a certain point in the flexion, the muscles actually begin to relax again.

How much the muscles are engaged or relaxed during this process can be measured through electromyography and given a numerical value. A higher score indicates better muscle relaxation while a lower one indicates more muscle tension. So, lower scores tend to be associated with the risk of low back pain.

In this study, women with back pain had a baseline flexion-relaxation score of 5.12. After the yoga sessions this number increased to 9.49, indicating improvements to muscle relaxation and electrical activity during flexion.

Although the study was small and relatively short, the authors say they are optimistic about their findings.

Using data forecasting technique known as prophet modeling, the team found that the yoga program would continue to provide benefit over a longer period of time, based on their four-week trial results.

“Clearly, further studies are needed to delve into the long-term results of this asanas approach. However, the prophet model suggests that the results can be maintained, through a relatively simple, openly safe intervention,” said de Sire.

Additionally, the research also raises the profile of so-called “tele-yoga.” Like other forms of telehealth that have become more prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-yoga also appears to provide benefits for people with NSLBP.

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines breathing, meditation, and physical poses known as asanas. Researchers have increasingly taken an interest in the practice to see how it affects the body and mind in a way that can be proven scientifically.

While there are plenty of personal, anecdotal reports of the benefits of yoga practice, here are some of the benefits of yoga backed by science:

  • Improving flexibility
  • Relieving stress
  • Improving balance
  • Building strength
  • Promoting better posture

“In my clinical experience, yes, [yoga] has been helpful for patients. Of course, it doesn’t help everyone, but I also haven’t seen it hurt anyone. Overall, it is a safe treatment option, and I always encourage my patients to pursue conservative treatment options as tolerated,” said Saleh.

“Generally speaking, some exercises that may be helpful can include the knee-to-chest exercise, piriformis and hamstring stretches, and my favorite ‒ core strengthening. The stronger our core, the more supported our spine is. Of course, not everyone should get the same set of exercises, which is why we focus heavily on physical therapy and personalize exercises based on the diagnosis,” he said.

While traditional yoga emphasizes holistic health through asanas, pranayama, and meditation, novelty practices like Yin yoga focus on relaxation and emotional well-being, activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce anxiety .

Title:

Content: Yin yoga, labelled ‘lazy yoga’ (you spend most of this yoga class lying on your mat – not a dynamic sun salutation in sight), is becoming one of the most requested classes in the city.

As London attempts to return to normal, it seems we are reaching for a movement practice that heals as well as invigorates.

Yin yoga is helping us release the trauma and tension of the past two years and find a sense of ease again and people are flocking to these classes,’ says yin teacher Dirish Shaktidas, who runs regular yin yoga sessions at Yogarise studio, in Streatham, London, which now provides daily classes due to the dramatic increase in demand.

It’s the same story, city-wide, with yin classes becoming the most booked class at gyms and studios across the capital since re-opening their doors post pandemic. Why?

‘We are all craving gentle yoga to help restore and nurture ourselves back to health after the constant and persistent stress of the past two years,’ says Paula Hines, whose new book Rest +Calm, about using the power of restorative yoga to heal our lives, launches this week.

Hines became a fan of yin and restorative yoga when she left a career in television over ten years ago and retrained as a yoga teacher.

‘I was burnt out but when I committed to a daily 20-minute practice of savasana (lying still and relaxed on my back) for a year,’ she tells Metro.co.uk. ‘It transformed my health and my life.’

In Covid lockdowns, Hines hosted yin and restorative yoga sessions online. ‘People who were completely new to yoga were signing up,’ she notes. ‘Intuitively, they knew yin yoga would help them through the pandemic.

‘But now they are continuing to practice because it helps them on a daily basis to feel good and less anxious.’

What is yin yoga and how will it help you?

Yin yoga is a slow and therapeutic style of yoga, in contrast to the more dynamic yang styles such as ashtanga or vinyasa, and is mostly done lying down on the mat.

The concept of yin and yang has its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy, which states that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. Yin represents the receiving force, yang the active. Neither pole is superior to the other but a balance between two poles is recommended in order to achieve ‘harmony’.

In yin yoga, postures are mainly passive versus active, held for three to five minutes, encouraging the body to relax into a posture, working deeply into the fascia, the connective tissues of the body.

Yin yoga is known for radically improving your flexibility and releasing any tension that you may be holding. By deep breathing and targeting the fascia, you increase blood flow and circulation which encourages every organ to function properly, helping wounds heal faster and keeping your brain sharp.

It also helps you feel better emotionally. Studies have proven that yin yoga lowers stress, anxiety and reduces the risk of depression – by activating our parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and slows your heart rate rather than stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers your fight-or-flight response.

‘Even though it might appear as though nothing much is happening, there is deep rejuvenation taking placing underneath the surface in a way that zoning out in front of Netflix or watching a back to back box does not achieve,’ says Hines.

Working on your inner energy pathways

Yin yoga is not just a feel-good exercise or relaxation class though, says Sarah Powers, one of the world’s best known and most respected yin yoga teachers and author of Lit from Within.

‘I often call Yin yoga a needle-less acupuncture session,’ she says. ‘Our body’s energy flow can densify, calcify, or stagnate when we don’t move our bodies outside of our more habitual ranges of motion.

‘Obviously, this is why we do yoga postures. But coming into a pose in a consciously slow yin way and staying for many minutes at a time helps us go into deeper energy corridors within and helps us creates a space to ventilate any kind of inner stuckness.

‘Yin teaches us to pause and to soften, to listen to ourselves and to observe and be mindful of our feelings and observe the physical and emotional resistances in our bodies.

‘As soon as we start observing versus resisting, our inner landscape begins to shift and morph. We are no longer stuck.’

Post-Covid, when the world is re-evaluating and reassessing our ‘yang ways’ of working too long and too hard, yin invites you to stop doing and start being, stop pushing and start opening up to new possibilities.

Powers suggests that we combine our yoga practice with journaling and powerful questions like: What if I didn’t tell myself that I wasn’t enough? What do I know about myself that only a wise person would see in me?

‘When we can listen more deeply to ourselves, we can listen more deeply to others, which creates more intimacy and humility, more connection,’ says Powers.

Shaktidas agrees. ‘We heal by slowing down and reconnecting to our sense of self.’

It can also help us process all the information that is being thrown at us, he suggests. In a week where we are been being bombarded by the 24/7 news about the war in Ukraine, it may be a good time to explore new ways of dealing with the constant stimuli.

‘Practising yin yoga quietens the noise and helps you release anxiety,’ he says.

Sarah Alice Lee was a photographer in New Zealand when she took her first yin yoga class: ‘I’m not being overdramatic, but yin yoga quite literally saved my life,’ she tells us. ‘I was living in New Zealand when the Christchurch Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 hit and I became highly stressed and my physical health and mental health declined rapidly.

‘No amount of running or consumption of wine seemed to achieve a state of relaxation or equilibrium in my body that I was so desperately needing.

Lee was diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants but felt like she ‘was surviving rather than living’. Yin yoga helped her turn her life around.

She says: ‘Rather than keeping busy, trying to sweep my emotions and stresses under the rug in order to get through each day, I gave myself permission to be still, to stop running, stop with the distractions, stop the numbing and allow myself to feel, truly connected to me.’

Lee found the process so transformative that she trained as a yoga teacher, moved back to the UK and now hosts workshops and classes.

‘I didn’t think I was going to change career and become a yoga teacher, but the practice was so transformative that I became evangelical and just want to spread the word,’ she says.

Hines is equally evangelical ‘Yin yoga is about making space and time to come back home to yourself.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Content: Skip to main content

The Boston Globe’s weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state’s economy. Send tips and suggestions to reporter Alexa Gagosz at alexa.gagosz@globe.com.

Researchers at Butler Hospital recently conducted a study of how group yoga programs could help teens who had elevated levels of stress and who are depressed.

Dr. Lisa Uebelacker is a clinical psychologist at Butler Hospital and Brown University was the lead on the study. It’s not the first time she’s researched the impact hatha yoga can have on people suffering from depression or chronic pain.

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In various ongoing and completed clinical trials, Uebelacker has focused on people with a partial response to antidepressant treatments, people with chronic pain enrolled in medication-assisted treatment for opioid disorder, people in prison, and pregnant depressed women.

Q: What is the study about?

Uebelacker: We are piloting a group of teens that had elevated levels of depression or stress and comparing the yoga program to a group cognitive behavioral therapy treatment, which is an evidence-based treatment for depression. With the pilot study, we’re really looking at, can we do this? Are kids interested? Will they come to class and how can we make the classes accessible for them?

We took the feedback from the pilot to prepare to be able to do a larger-scale study where we want to ultimately compare a yoga class to a group CBT and whether they both are helpful for teens with depression, whether the yoga is not inferior to the group CBT, and then that will allow us to look at for whom will a yoga class be better or for whom will a group CBT be better?

(The pilot study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at the National Institutes of Health; Dr. Shirley Yen was the director of the study)

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Q: Why yoga?

Uebelacker: Yoga really incorporates aspects of medication, of breath awareness and breath control, as well as movement. What I also really like about yoga is that for both adults and kids with depression, if you think about medication, it may be hard for some people to start a sitting-meditation practice. They are just sitting there with all of these negative thoughts constantly. In yoga, though, it incorporates all of those things that you need: focusing on their breathing, focusing on their movement, it teaches mindfulness but in the context where it might be easier to access for some people with depression.

Plus, if you think about people who are depressed, who are sort of lethargic, it really helps to get them to move in gentle ways.

Q: And when you say “elevated levels of depression,” what does that mean?

Uebelacker: It varies quite a bit. Some of the teens in our program absolutely did have individual therapy that they were engaged in, have a psychiatrist, and might be receiving some kind of medication.

Q: When did this program begin and how many participants did you have?

Uebelacker: It was a three-year study that we’re just at the tail-end of now. In the beginning, we did focus groups with teens and parents. We looked at their needs and ideas about how yoga for teens and stress might look like. Then we enrolled 11 kids in the yoga program.

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In our third phase, we randomly assigned more than 40 kids in either the yoga program or the group CBT program.

Q: How did COVID-19 impact the program?

Uebelacker: Partway through the study, COVID-19 hit and we had to transition everything from in-person to online. But, the silver-lining was that all the kids continued to attend, so they clearly liked it. If kids and parents don’t think something is working for them or they don’t like it, they just won’t return and waste their time. So it seems like the program has been acceptable to these teens, and even doing it online.

Q: The study is nearly over. What have you found so far?

Uebelacker: Many of the teens have said they found it relaxing and helped them get through the stresses of everyday life, especially during the last year. Now they can go to school and if there’s a stressful moment where their heart starts beating hard, they have techniques that they can use (like breathing exercises) to cope in the moment. And that’s exactly what they are reporting to us.

Q: You’ve looked at how yoga has helped other populations as well. What do you see with that data?

Uebelacker: I’m currently wrapping up a study that looks at how health education and yoga compare for depressed, pregnant women. We don’t have results yet, but there’s also preliminary data that shows that yoga can help with chronic pain that could help people with opioid use disorders who were prescribed medication to help with their pain. We want to give them an alternative. So we’re getting read to start a study in both Providence and in Boston of yoga for chronic pain in that population.

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Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz.

Both traditional and novelty yoga have demonstrated effectiveness in improving chronic pain, stress, and depression, with group interventions benefiting teens and restorative styles supporting stress management .

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Content: For self and society: International Yoga Day, 2024

This year marks an important milestone as we celebrate the 10th edition of International Yoga Day in Ghana and worldwide.

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Yoga has become a global movement promoting health and well-being.

In Ghana, a series of events were organised by the High Commission of India this month in collaboration with Yoga centres and local authorities in different parts of the country, including Ho, Kumasi and Tamale, besides Accra.

These events witnessed active involvement of diverse sections of society in public places, schools, universities and rehabilitation centres, aimed at spreading awareness of the multifaceted benefits of Yoga.

The High Commission of India celebrated the signature event in Accra on the lawns of Osu Castle on June 22, 2024, with the participation of political dignitaries, members of diplomatic corps, UN staff and Yoga enthusiasts from various walks of life.

Yoga, a timeless treasure from ancient Indian culture, is a unique practice that goes beyond physical exercise.

It offers a path to discovering the true essence of life. The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj,’ which means ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite.’ It symbolises the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness, signifying a perfect balance between the mind and body, man and nature.

Practice

The practice of Yoga transcends geographical boundaries, making it a universal heritage of humanity.  Recognising Yoga’s global appeal, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus on December 11, 2014, at India’s initiative, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

The theme for International Day of Yoga celebration this year was ‘Yoga for Self and Society.’ For society at large, Yoga brings harmony among communities and nature, thereby creating an interconnected tapestry of well-being for individuals around the world.

It serves as a bridge between individuals and society. The practice of Yoga is not only limited to asanas (physical postures), which are the most popular - but also includes pranayama (breathing) and dhyana (meditation).

By integrating these three aspects, Yoga harmonises the body, mind, and spirit. Asanas are a preparatory process that helps the body sustain higher energy levels.

The process begins with the body, then the breath, the mind and the inner self. Yoga cultivates inner peace, clarity of thought and resilience, creating a solid foundation for well-being.

The therapeutic benefits of Yoga extend to reducing stress, improving cardiovascular health, boosting immunity and fostering mental well-being.

Ayurveda

Complementing Yoga is Ayurveda, the world’s oldest healing system. The emphasis of Ayurveda on holistic health, disease prevention, and individualised treatments resonates deeply with a global audience. Ayurveda’s personalised approach to wellness has gained international recognition.

Towards harnessing its full potential, a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH was set up in India in 2014 with a vision of reviving the profound knowledge of our ancient systems of medicine and ensuring their optimal development and holistic health care.

The Ministry of AYUSH has also entered into an Agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support the integration of evidence-based Traditional and Complementary Medicine in national health systems, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainability of medicinal plants.

There are good prospects for cooperation between India and Ghana in areas of complementary medicine, and we are exploring ways to strengthen this partnership.

Health

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, sedentary lifestyles, and the relentless pursuit of quick fixes dominate our well-being, we must realise that our health is not a commodity.
Health is priceless, and there is a pressing need for comprehensive well-being. A growing trend is visible toward back-to-basics, mindfulness, and a sustainable way of life.

The Indian heritage of Yoga and Ayurveda hold the key to unlocking a healthier and more balanced world.

Prime Minister Modi has poignantly said, “India would contribute to this healthy trend with new ideas, some rooted in traditional knowledge, and others in 21st-century innovation, as a Vishwabandhu, a friend to the world, for greater global good”.

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It is heartening to see that people in Ghana are increasingly embracing Yoga.

The writer is High Commissioner of India to Ghana.

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Content: Viral Video of Beer Yoga In Denmark Appalls Netizens, Asks 'What Have You Done To Our Yoga?'

TN Viral Desk

Updated Jun 4, 2023 | 03:16 PM IST

Indians pride themselves on the country's rich heritage and strive to preserve the age-old practices passed over generations. The art of yoga is such a tradition. However, this spiritual exercise is beginning to have varied adaptations in the West, some of which may seem absurd. In a video posted on Twitter by AFP, a group of people in Denmark were seen performing yoga with beer cans in their hands. Well, they were not just holding the cans but even gulping down drinks during the exercise. The clip was captioned, "Around 100 people gather to perform yoga by the Copenhagen harbour - cans of crisp, cold, refreshing beer in hand. The booze-fuelled class has been open for four years and appears popular with its practitioners.” Netizens thought the whole concept was ridiculous. One stated, "What have u done to our yoga? Even we have not done so much variety in Italian pizza.” Another claimed, "White people ruin everything.”