scientific research
YIH promotes scientific research on yoga in healthcare settings
Yoga In Healthcare's Ambition
Yoga in Healthcare’s ambition is to build partnerships with academic research teams.Â
The objective thereof is to describe the existing models of Yoga integration in the healthcare setting. In addition, we aim to document their feasibility and efficacy.Â
Furthermore, we are willing to develop adapted models of Yoga and Yoga Therapy to the Belgian healthcare system. That includes research through programs in the healthcare centres in collaboration with the academic pole.
Inspiring models
YIH is inspired by The Minded Institute that works with the UK National Health Service through the Yoga in Healthcare Alliance.
Many initiatives are taking place around the world to foster the integration of Yoga in the healthcare setting. However, each model adapts to the specific social, medical and cultural context and represents an example for other initiatives.
Earliest medical studies
The earliest medical studies on yoga date back almost 100 years ago:
S. Kuvalayananda
(1883 -1966)
Krishnamacharya
Shri yogendra
Swami Rama
research over the years
More and more research has been done over the past years, with an exponential increase since 2008.
A lot of studies focused on the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or meditation, instead of yoga.
What is the difference between mindfulness and yoga?
Mindfulness is the intentional, non-judgmental conscious awareness of the present moment
whereas
Yoga is a mind-body practice with three main components:
– physical poses/postures,
– breathing control,
– meditation/relaxation.
Nonetheless, a better revision of the literature is necessary to check on the consistency of the existing research.