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. 

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. 

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

(1888 -1989)

Shri yogendra

(1897-1989)

Swami Rama

(1925-1996)

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.

Many studies try to prove that yoga is good for all and everything.
Nonetheless, a better revision of the literature is necessary to check on the consistency of the existing research.