The yoga tradition is chock full of tools and practices for students dealing with eating disorder challenges, but it’s not immediately clear which elements will help! This series introduces three leading experts in the field of yoga and eating disorder recovery and how to make your yoga classes a safe space that supports eating disorder prevention and recovery. Walk away with a menu of practical, evidence-based tools to help all students eat mindfully, cope with big emotions, and feel better in their bodies. Part 3 of this workshop features Dr. Catherine Cook-Cottone (IAYT).

This session explores the prevalence of yoga in society, what statistics and trends we see globally, and what types of practice appear to be the most popular. Presenters also importantly discuss the demographics of yoga not just in the United States but around the world: what constitutes the age ranges, genders, and race/ethnicities of those who practice.

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges in the world. This scientific research workshop focuses on depressive mood and ways that yoga has been scientifically shown to support mental health. Dr. Sat Bir Khalsa reviews the scientific rationale related to yoga and depressive mood. Amy Weintraub, yoga teacher and author of the book Yoga for Depression, shares about yogic practices that may support folks who are experiencing depressive mood.

Dr. Stephen Graham PT, DPT, RYT 500 and Charles Noel LCSW, RYT 500 are both combat Veterans and now serve as employees at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System within the Veteran’s Healthcare Administration. Their shared experience of recovery after combat inspired them to team up to support other Veterans re-connect to their personal missions after service. This workshop explores how they apply the Koshas and Yoga Nidra to this population at all stages of their yogic journeys.

In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11th, this month’s Scientific Research focuses on an important mental health challenge from the Veteran community; suicide prevention and the case for yoga’s use alongside traditional treatments. Data shows that suicide is a top ten leading cause of death in America, suicide disproportionally affects Veterans. Kelly Wulf, yoga teacher and executive director of Comeback Yoga, host Dr. Janine D’Anniballe and Dr. Geoff Smith, both researchers and clinicians, for a conversation about mental health and suicide prevention for Veterans. Dr. Janine D’Anniballe discusses how yoga helps with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Geoff Smith shares from his clinical research and experience as a psychologist working daily to reduce suicide and improve mental health in the VA system. Understand the rationale for using yoga alongside traditional treatments for reducing suicide in the Veteran community, as well as the success of the community-based Comeback Yoga Program.

One in seven people in the United States is expected to develop a Substance Use Disorder at some point in their lives, with only ten percent receiving some type of treatment. Nikki Myers (E-RYT 500), founder and director of Yoga for 12-Step Recovery, joins Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa for an important discussion on how yoga might help people who experience a Substance Use Disorder. This workshop will review the scientific research and rationale for using yoga to support recovery and improve overall mental health, and feature a real-world application of yoga as a powerful and sustainable supplement to 12-step programs. If you or someone you know suffers from substance use disorder or addiction, you may find resources on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or you can call their national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – U.S. only.

Scientific research has shown breathing practices, and specifically alternate nostril breathing, can reduce anxiety, improve attention, and lower blood pressure. Yoga Alliance's Director of Research, Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, is joined by leading breath researcher Dr. Shirley Telles and internationally renowned yoga teacher Saraswathi Vasudevan to discuss the most up-to-date research on breathing practices, including alternate nostril breathing and its effects on the mind and body. Tune in to learn practical tips for how and when to use alternate nostril breathing in your classes!