1,755,053 research outputs found
Science Studies Yoga: A Review of Physiological Data by James Funderburk, PhD
Full text linkScience Studies Yoga: A Review of Physiological Data by James Funderburk represents a significant scholarly contribution to the scientific understanding of yoga. The book critically examines yoga not as a spiritual or philosophical system, but as a subject of empirical investigation grounded in modern physiology. Drawing on experimental studies, clinical observations, and laboratory measurements, Funderburk reviews physiological data related to yogic breathing, meditation, relaxation, and physical postures. The work systematically analyzes the effects of yoga on key physiological systems, including respiration, cardiovascular function, metabolism, and neural activity, with particular attention to indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, brain wave patterns, and autonomic nervous system responses. Emphasizing methodological rigor, the author carefully discusses the limitations of existing studies, including small sample sizes and lack of standardization, thereby presenting yoga research as an evolving scientific field. By integrating perspectives from physiology, psychology, and neuroscience, the book bridges Eastern contemplative practices and Western biomedical science and anticipates later developments in mind–body medicine. Overall, the work establishes yoga as a legitimate area of physiological research and provides a foundational reference for scholars and healthcare professionals interested in evidence-based approaches to mind–body practices
New Electronic Journal Yoga Science & Spirituality
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Yoga Science & Spirituality is launched to deepen public understanding of scientific yoga and its spiritual dimensions. Modern yoga’s popularity has grown, yet its traditional foundations and identity are increasingly diluted.
AIM: To present scientific research on yoga’s therapeutic, educational, and spiritual potential, reinforce core yogic principles, and honor contributors to the field of Scientific Yoga.
METHODS: The journal gathers and disseminates studies by yoga researchers and teachers, integrates perspectives from holistic disciplines, and documents historical and contemporary contributions to Scientific Yoga.
RESULTS: Growing scientific interest reveals yoga’s measurable psycho-physical and spiritual benefits. The journal provides a platform for evidence-based insights while promoting the preservation of yoga’s original principles, including Yama and Niyama.
CONCLUSION: By combining scientific inquiry with traditional yogic values, the journal aims to safeguard yoga’s authentic essence and highlight its cultural and civilizational significance
A emergência da tradição do yoga em Florianópolis na década de 1970
Full text linkTCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Curso de História.O Yoga é uma prática milenar que emergiu com a civilização védica da região do Indu-Saraswatî, na Índia, por volta de 5.000 a.C. Seus ensinamentos foram transmitidos de forma oral por milênios através dos Vedas, até serem compilados por Patanjali no Yoga-Sûtra e serem, a partir de então, amplamente difundidos. No final dos anos 1960, o inconformismo dos movimentos de contracultura iniciados nos Estados Unidos, levou à busca de novas formas de vivência, de autoconhecimento, de espiritualidade, que aproximaram Oriente e Ocidente. Entretanto, esse estranhamento com o outro provocou uma certa readaptação dessa realidade aos moldes ocidentais, onde várias tradições do Yoga acabaram por sofrer ajustamentos para atender às necessidades desse novo público. No Brasil, o Yoga também teve penetração através desses movimentos de contracultura e Nova Era, entre o final da década de 1960 e início da década de 1970, porém em um contexto um pouco diferente. Em Florianópolis esses movimentos tiveram uma emergência um pouco mais tardia, entre meados da década de 1970 e no decorrer dos anos 1980. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar o contexto em que apareceu e se desenvolveu a prática de Yoga em Florianópolis, procurando investigar por onde o Yoga teve penetração na capital catarinense, bem como detectar quando surgiram os primeiros professores e os primeiros grupos de praticantes. Além disso, pretendo analisar se esses grupos tinham alguma relação com os movimentos de Contracultura e Nova Era
Teaching Hatha yoga: an auto-ethnographic study
Full text linkThis dissertation is grounded in my praxis as a Hatha yoga teacher in the community. I noticed that particular students were drawn to specific styles of Hatha yoga, whilst avoiding others. I took the styles of Hatha yoga into consideration, but further exploration also gave rise to whether methods of instruction were a fundamental component of the class demography. This in turn led to an examination of my own teaching pedagogy to explore how my philosophical approach to teaching, was in fact, carried over into to my praxis and if this was a factor in student retention in my classes. Studying my own pedagogy as a Hatha yoga teacher meant reviewing my philosophies, both from a theoretical perspective and later from a practical level, to see if my practice followed my philosophy. This could only be realised through a full investigation of my teaching methods, which was achieved by video taping one of my Hatha yoga classes. I believe that understanding originates from personal knowledge; therefore, the research must begin by examining my own pedagogy. In order to answer these questions I have investigated the historical foundations of yoga and the meaning of yoga in the modern Western world. During this process I became aware of the misrepresentations of Hatha yoga and the misconceptions that have derived from this. In order to answer my research question, whether my teaching pedagogy directly influenced the cohort of students who attended my yoga class, I have had to be cognisant of my own pedagogy. In order to achieve this I employed heuristic enquiry and more specifically the methods outline by Clark Moustakas (1990). Heuristic epistemology is achieved by creating phases in which the researcher uses her own experience to investigate and create meaning in which to discover a phenomenon. This method of enquiry offers the researcher non-linear steps with which to structure the process of a personal reflection. Explication of the pedagogy resulted from numerous viewings of the video recording. I reviewed my teaching methods to ascertain if what I said and thought I was doing was what I actually taught
Yoga Therapy in the German Healthcare System
No full textAn estimated 15.7 million Germans are currently practicing yoga or are at least interested in starting to practice, and they often perceive yoga as a therapeutic approach. From a healthcare system perspective, the situation is less clear. Here, yoga is only recognized as a recreational or preventive activity. When yoga teachers fulfill specific qualifications, their preventive yoga classes are covered by the statutory health insurances. Only those with additional qualifications in medicine or psychotherapy, however, can independently use and promote "yoga therapy." The general perception of yoga in Germany as a preventive practice is reflected in the professional organization of yoga providers. Most providers are considered to be yoga teachers rather than yoga therapists and are organized mainly in yoga teacher associations. Despite the uncertain legal framework, yoga is now considered in a number of medical guidelines; in a number of hospitals, yoga is part of multimodal inpatient treatment programs and is delivered by physical therapists or members of other health professions. An increasing number of yoga therapy clinical trials are conducted in Germany, and efforts are underway to establish yoga therapy as an accepted adjunct treatment approach for selected medical conditions within the German healthcare system
O Yoga e o idoso: rumo ao alto da montanha: os efeitos da prática de yoga de acordo com a percepção de idosos
Full text linkDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Desportos, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Florianópolis, 2010O envelhecimento populacional constitui um dos maiores fenômenos do presente século e tem contribuído para o surgimento de inúmeros estudos e propostas de trabalho direcionadas ao idoso. Como exemplo, tem-se a prática de yoga que teve sua origem na cultura indiana há cerca de 5000 anos e que atualmente amplia o seu campo de atuação para as mais diversas faixas etárias, especialmente para o idoso. Este trabalho propõe práticas desta modalidade para pessoas com sessenta anos ou mais, com enfoque em uma melhor qualidade de vida dessas pessoas e, integrar, como alternativa, essas práticas nos programas de saúde realizados em universidades, em prefeituras e em centros de convivência. O principal objetivo deste estudo consiste em revelar e interpretar a percepção de idosos sobre os efeitos que obtiveram com a prática de yoga. Após a realização de uma intervenção de Hatha Yoga e Yogaterapia com duração de vinte meses entre 2008 e 2009, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 27 idosos, com idade entre 60 e 84 anos e média de 69,5 anos. O presente estudo trata de uma pesquisa qualitativa que tem como estratégia metodológica a pesquisa-ação. Foram encontrados diversos efeitos da prática de yoga. A nível físico, destacam-se o equilíbrio do organismo e melhora dos sistemas corporais # principalmente o digestivo, respiratório, nervoso e locomotor -, o alívio da dor, o aumento da flexibilidade, o despertar da consciência corporal, a prevenção de insônia, maior disposição, sensação de leveza e bem-estar geral; a nível psicoemocional destacam-se o relaxamento, a melhora da concentração e memória, a sensação de paz, calma e tranquilidade e um controle maior sobre a ansiedade; a nível sócioafetivo, foram encontradas categorias que valorizam o convívio social e a importância do grupo; a nível espiritual, destaca-se a união do espiritual com o físico; a harmonização e equilíbrio do corpo, da mente, das emoções e do espírito. Tais elementos foram encontrados na literatura, dando suporte à experiência vivida. Estudos experimentais indicam que Yogaterapia pode ajudar no controle e na cura de muitas doenças crônicas. Recomenda-se, a partir deste estudo, a incorporação deste método em programas de saúde para idosos, bem como a realização de novas propostas de pesquisa com enfoque na prática de yoga direcionada ao idoso.Population ageing is regarded as a considerable phenomenon in the current century and it has contributed to countless studies concerning the elderly. Yoga, as an example has its roots in the Indian culture dating back 5.000 years ago and it has been widened its scope to several age groups, specially the elderly. The current study suggests yoga practicals for people who are sixty or older, focusing on a better quality of life and it also focuses on integrate these practicals with health programs in universities, city halls and in living centers. The principal aim of this study was to reveal and interpret the elderly perception about the effects they felt when they practiced yoga. After practicing Hatha Yoga and Yogatherapy for twenty months between 2008 and 2009 there were semi structured interviews with 27 elderly people, their age varying between 60 and 84 years old and an average of 69,5 years old. The current study is a qualitative research based on an action research methodology. Several effects of yoga were found out. At the physical level the elderly reported the balance of the organism and improvement in several systems: mainly digestive, respiratory, nervous and locomotor- pain relief, flexibility improvement, awakening of the body awareness, insomnia prevention, better state of health, lightness feeling and general well being; at the psycho-emotional level the elderly reported relaxing, improvement in the concentration and memory, peace feeling, serenity and tranquility and a better control of anxiety; at the socio-affective level the elderly reported social living and importance of the group; at the spiritual level it was pointed out the union between spiritual and physical, balance and harmony of mind, emotions and spirit. The effects above described were supported by the literature. Experimental studies indicate that Yogatherapy can help in the control and cure of many chronic diseases. It is recommended that this method should be used in health programs for elderly, as well as further research should be carried out focusing on yoga practicals for the elderly
The effects of yoga on patients chronic pain
Full text linkPlan BChronic pain is a challenging and costly medical problem. Interest has increased in the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) as a cost-effective way to manage chronic pain. The present program was initiated to assess the effects of Hatha yoga on patients with diagnoses of fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis with chronic pain. Pain and life interference ratings were examined pre and post yoga sessions, using the Brief Pain Inventory. Worst, least and current pain levels were found to decrease after the yoga sessions along with a decrease in normal work interference and enjoyment of life interference. Alternative explanations due to selection and experimental mortality could not be ruled out. A one group pre/post design was used. There was no control group. Study limitations and further research implications are discussed
Coping and Adapting to Climate Change in Australia: Yoga Perspectives
No full textScientists caution against ignoring human-induced climate change and related health repercussions, with a growing body of literature highlighting the mental health effects of climate change and the importance of understanding coping and adaptation strategies. Less is known, however, about sustainable personal practices fortifying mental health in the context of climate change. The present study sought to investigate how long-term yoga practitioners (yoga therapists or yoga teachers) in Australia with a lived experience of climate change-related events are coping and adapting. The aim was to better understand participants' reports of climate change-related experiences and how yoga influences their mental health and choices in the face of climate change. Eleven in-depth telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological methodology. Participants reported that their ongoing relationship with yoga influences how they cope with climate change-related stressors and their being-in-the-world, and how concern for all life bolsters their responses to climate change. The results illustrate the part yoga may play in supporting long-term practitioners to prepare for, cope with, and respond to climate change events and impacts. Offering inclusive, interdisciplinary yoga therapy and community-based networks fostering ethical living and response flexibility may prove beneficial not only for the mental health and coping ability of participants, but for the planet.Full Tex
Profile of Australian Yoga Providers: Results from the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI) Workforce Survey.
No full textYoga is becoming increasingly popular in Western countries, particularly for maintaining health and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases. Yoga providers, including yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and healthcare workers using yoga in clinical practice, are vital in facilitating group and personalized yoga sessions. This article aims to meet an unmet need to profile the sociodemographic and practice characteristics of yoga providers in Australia. A workforce survey was distributed electronically to yoga providers throughout Australia via the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI). The yoga providers' sociodemographic and practice characteristics, professional qualifications, and practice interests reported in the survey were analyzed. The study reveals a predominantly female, middle-aged, and tertiary-educated workforce. The yoga providers considered themselves group educators offering complementary and integrative health services. Typically, they had worked part-time as a solo provider for more than 10 years since acquiring their first yoga qualification. This study represents the first exploration of the Australian yoga provider workforce on a national level. It suggests that some Australian yoga providers are highly qualified professionals integrating with healthcare modalities in education and practice. The landscape of yoga providers in Australia needs further investigation
Yoga: do corpo, a consciência; do corpo à consciência. O significado da experiência corporal em praticantes de yoga
Full text linkDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia SocialEste trabalho traz uma análise do significado da experiência corporal de um grupo de praticantes de Hatha Yoga na cidade de Florianópolis. A partir da trajetória pessoal e dos ensinamentos de um instrutor aos seus alunos de um curso de formação, observo a construção de uma visão de mundo individualizante construída a partir do corpo. Dentro desse contexto, associei a visão de mundo yogi e a sua disseminação no ocidente ao que Dumont chamou de individualismo romântico. Denominei como busca romântica moderna o discurso de #resgate da tradição#, de retorno à essência, presente dentro do contexto yogi estudado. Discurso que é construído a partir de uma crítica ao #yoga físico# e alicerçado na visão de mundo do Vedanta. Esse trabalho contribui para as reflexões antropológicas acerca da representação do corpo e da formação do sujeito na contemporaneidade, bem como ajuda a repensarmos os estudos sobre o campo alternativo.This study brings an analyses of the corporal meaning of being an yogi. By the personal itinerary and the teachings of an Yoga teacher and his students, I observed an world view centered in the self and built always in reference to the body. In this context, I associated the yogi world view with that Dumont called romantic individualism. I named as modern romantic search the speech of the reviving #tradition#. Speech which is built against a body centered Yoga. This work may contribute to anthropologic studies about representation of the body and to the new age cam of studies
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