Understanding Yoga Research

Yoga's expansion into healthcare, public services and policy recommendations is largely due to the increased volume of research evidence to support yoga's effectiveness in improving various aspects of whole-person health. This book provides yoga therapists and teachers with an introduction to accessing and evaluating this research and applying it to their practice, their marketing and their collaboration with healthcare providers and stakeholders. Yoga research and evidence have unique features and this book introduces the reader to the alignment of yoga philosophy with research inquiry through the three pillars of evidence-informed practice - evidence, expertise and preference. The challenges that yoga researchers face and the limitations in applying research to practice are also honestly considered. Whether to collaborate successfully with healthcare providers, for better advocacy on behalf of yoga professionals, or to inform your teaching, care plan development and delivery, an understanding of the 'how' and 'why' of yoga research is increasingly indispensable.