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Recent press articles about Yoga - a response from the BWY
The recent New York Times article on the 'dangers' of yoga, adapted from a book by William J. Broad on The Science of Yoga: The Risks and Rewards, is heavy on anecdote and slim on science. It is full of physiological inaccuracies and confines itself to the most sensationalistic aspects of yoga-related injury, cherry-picking a few extreme examples to implicate the entire practice.
A more balanced article would acknowledge that it is problematic to produce accurate figures on injuries directly causally linked solely to the practice of yoga. Injuries can result from physical activity whether or not we are taking risks. This is not to say that yoga practice is without risk of injuries, which might occur due to the over enthusiasm of a student who wants to achieve more extreme postures and ignores the guidance of the teacher. It could also be that a student has an underlying health issue which they haven't shared with the teacher—a problem which can be exacerbated in very full classes in gyms etc.
Mr Black – the yoga teacher interviewed by Broad – is quoted as saying that he has no formal training for determining which yoga poses are good for a student and which may be problematic, preferring to rely on his 'ton of experience'. At the British Wheel of Yoga (the National Governing Body for Yoga), we do not rely solely on experience. Our teachers complete a rigorous diploma course (the only yoga teaching qualification in the UK equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study), which includes modules on physiology and anatomy, and gives advice and guidance on ways in which postures can be modified so that people with underlying health issues can practise safely. All our teachers have professional indemnity insurance and BWY members benefit from insurance that covers them against injury.
Anyone can practise yoga, regardless of age, sex or ability. As well as stretching and strengthening the body, yoga improves posture, promotes feelings of relaxation and has been linked to improved concentration, better quality sleep and a reduction of anxiety and depression. The British Wheel of Yoga, in conjunction with Sheffield University, is about to publish a research report into the therapeutic effects of yoga for health and wellbeing and, if Mr Broad's experience is anything to go by, we look forward to the comment and debate which we hope will be stimulated by our research. Maybe the biggest benefit for him is that, after the publication of his extremely inflammatory article in the New York Times, his book shot to the top of yoga category on Amazon.
Pierre Bibby CEO, The British Wheel of Yoga
One wheel, many spokes
A personal account of the All-Wales Yoga Gathering by Alyson Tyler
Last Sunday a fellow yoga friend and I went to the British Wheel of Yoga All-Wales Yoga Gathering in Trefeglwys, Powys. This was the fourth one we had been to and like previous gatherings it featured sessions by different teachers, the regional AGM (attendance optional), stalls, and time to chat to other yoga people from Wales.
The South Glamorgan team
It was the turn of South Glamorgan area to arrange the day (each year a different area of Wales is responsible for the annual All-Wales gathering) and this group of yogis was easy to spot as they were all wearing bright orange t-shirts with the BWY logo on the front and then the slogan 'One wheel, many spokes' on the back. This was their own idea and by the end of the day they wished they'd printed more as several of the participants wanted to buy them! Maybe the BWY should look into this!
The programme for the day started with two parallel sessions: the BWY Wales Region AGM, or a yin and yang session led by Danielle Nicholls. Because I wanted to raise some issues I went to the AGM whilst my friend went to the yoga session and really enjoyed the difference between the yin focus followed by the more dynamic yang flow. Sounds like I missed a treat! The minutes from the AGM are available on the AGM Minutes page in the Members Only section of the website.
After a tea break we then had three half-hour sessions taught by three different teachers. Jason Riseborough led a whistle-stop 'pawanmuktasana' joint releasing session, the basis of which he uses a lot with people with physical disabilities. I had come across some of the exercises before and use a few of them in my classes as they seem to be effective ways to work the joints, so it was good to learn some more of these useful exercises. (They are described here, but are also in the Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha book published by the Bihar school of yoga). Jane Aggleton then taught an enjoyable session which used 'grounding' principles in various poses, aiming to avoid strain in the postures. I recognised the Scaravelli-inspired approach which I've experienced and enjoyed with Peter Blackaby and Lisa McRory. We then enjoyed a pranayama session with Margaret Hudson and I enjoyed the ‘virtual’ alternate nostril breath variation which involved turning the palms of the hands up or down accordingly.
We were able to enjoy lunch outside as it was a beautiful sunny day and there was lots of chatting and catching up with familiar and new faces. There was also time to look at the stalls, and for those who are less good at practising non-attachment and aparigraha (without possessions, belongings, non-greed) a chance to buy printed t-shirts, bags or hoodies from Yoga Yamas or cards and moon calendars from Gaia Lifestyle (designed by Gwen Davies). I succumbed to several items!
Margaret started the afternoon off with a meditation session and then Natasha Marchant led a lively, fun and creative 'shakti bhakti yoga' session. Taking inspiration from belly dancing and bollywood dance moods she integrated this with yoga asansa, then taught us a short dance sequence put to music. I really enjoyed the session and have already taught a couple of the moves in some of my classes this week!
With the energy levels high the final session went straight into laughter yoga. Teacher Carol Young explained the background to this 'yoga', outlining how Dr Madan Kataria in India came to realise that getting patients to laugh, releasing tension, fear, anger and negativity, worked the manipura chakra and significantly increased their prospects of returning to health.
Carol taught us a variety of different laughing exercises (I can remember the lawn mower one and greeting a friend) and we ended by lying down in a circle, shoulders touching, and still laughing. Someone piped up that we looked like a wheel with many spokes. A great way to round off the day.
Alyson Tyler October 3, 2011
Committee Changes
At the Wales Regional AGM on 25th September 2011 the following changes to the committee were made:
- Natasha Marchant elected as County Rep for South Glamorgan
- Joy Beveridge, Carol Young and Edwina Johnston resigned from their posts of Deputy Regional Officer, County Rep South Glamorgan and County Rep for North West Wales. We thank them for the all the work they have done for the Region.
- In the absence of a Regional Officer, Carol Young, Clare Chard and Louise McGrath kindly offered to share the role until a new Regional Officer was in post and were duly elected.
- Subsequently, Caroline Walker resigned as County Rep for Powys due to personal reasons. Thank you to her for her work supporting the Region.
Minutes of meeting are available on the AGM Minutes page in the Members Only section.
The following posts are vacant:
- Regional Officer
- County Rep Ceredigion
- County Rep North West Wales
- County Rep Powys
If anyone would like to join the committee in any of these roles or any other capacity please contact one of the Acting Regional Officers above. Job descriptions for these posts can be found in the Job descriptions pdf (opens new window).
Yoga in Wales magazine
The regional magazine Yoga in Wales is published three times a year. To advertise in the magazine, contact the .
