BWY and SOAS to Host Yoga and Health Summit
London, UK – The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and SOAS University of London (SOAS) have announced their collaboration for the first major summit on yoga and health, set to take place on November 2, 2024.
The event, titled “Yoga: Health, Harm and Healing,” will feature seven renowned scholars and leading yoga practitioners who will discuss the latest research on yoga and its impact on health, harm, and healing.
Among the distinguished experts is Sat Bir Singh Khalsa PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, who will be the keynote speaker. As a leading authority on yoga as therapy, Khalsa will share his latest research findings on the efficacy of yoga for mental health conditions, such as insomnia, chronic stress, and anxiety-related disorders. He will also discuss his work on integrating yoga therapy into modern medicine.
The event will also feature Professor Rosie Meek from Royal Holloway, University of London, and Rose Parkes, Associate Dean at the Institute of Law in Jersey. They will delve into the role of yoga in rehabilitation and prison reform, drawing from Meek’s report to the UK Ministry of Justice.
Umā Dinsmore-Tuli PhD, founder of the Yoga Nidra Network, will explore the power of rest through Yoganidrā (yogic sleep), a technique that combines traditional guided visualization methods with modern relaxation. She will also challenge the common misconception that yoga can do no harm. Additionally, Carola Chiarpenello MSc from Kings College London will present the results of groundbreaking cognitive neuroscience research on the use of Yoganidrā as a tool to reduce inflammation in the body.
Professor Ulrich Pagel, Chair of SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies, expressed his excitement for the summit, stating, “This event is a testament to the growing interest in understanding yoga’s impact on personal and social wellbeing. We are thrilled to provide a platform for experts from diverse fields to come together and explore the research and applications of yoga in the wider community.”
Diana O’Reilly, Chair of BWY, added, “Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it is a holistic path to wellness. Through this summit, we aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, unlocking the potential of integrating yoga into community settings for greater inclusivity.”
The summit will be open for both in-person and online attendance, with Earlybird tickets priced at £60 (in-person) and £30 (online) until August 2. After this date, prices will increase to £70 and £40, respectively.
For more information and to secure your spot, visit the event website. New visitors will need to register for a free user account.
[ENDS]About BWY
Established in 1965, the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is a registered charity and the National Governing Body for Yoga in the UK, recognised by Sport England and Sport Wales. With a mission to enrich lives through yoga and promote accessibility and inclusivity, BWY serves over 5000 members and is supported by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers.
About SOAS
SOAS University of London is a world-renowned institution that takes a global approach to education. Through their expertise in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, they challenge perspectives, encourage debate, and empower students to question the global status quo and find solutions to today’s issues. Their programs are taught by internationally respected academics with interdisciplinary expertise, who conduct fieldwork and research that influences governments, industries, and communities worldwide. The SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies (CYS) is the leading institutional hub for Yoga Studies and offers a specialized MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Natalie Lyndon
BWY PR & Communications Officer
Tel: 07843 389985
Email: communications@bwy.org.uk
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
