“Exploring Yoga’s Influence on Mental Health and Prison Reform: Highlights from the SOAS BWY Summit”

SOAS University of London (SOAS) and the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) hosted a highly anticipated summit on Saturday 2 November, bringing together renowned experts to discuss the impact of yoga on mental health and prison reform.

For those who were unable to attend the live event, recordings of all sessions are now available for purchase on the BWY website’s event page for £40. This provides exclusive access to expert discussions, research presentations, and yoga practice sessions.

The summit’s keynote speaker, Dr Sat Bir Singh Khalsa PhD from Harvard Medical School, presented his latest research on the transformative benefits of yoga for mental health. His findings highlight the effectiveness of yoga in managing conditions such as insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD.

Professor Rosie Meek from Royal Holloway University and Rose Parkes from the Institute of Law in Jersey also spoke about the role of yoga in prison reform. They emphasized the need for more inclusive prison structures to support rehabilitation. Reflecting on her upcoming review on yoga and meditation, set to be published in early 2025, Rosie Meek stated:

“My review highlights the significant improvement in sleep among prisoners who practice yoga and meditation. Yoga gives them a sense of autonomy in an environment where they have little control. It empowers them to practice independently, helping them manage stress and regulate emotions.”

Dr Umā Dinsmore-Tuli PhD, founder of the Yoga Nidra Network, provided insights into the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra (yogi sleep) and discussed how commercialization has taken it away from its traditional roots. Carola Chiarpenello from King’s College London presented her research on the neurological effects of Yoga Nidra and called for a more structured approach to research in this area.

The summit also included yoga sessions led by renowned teachers Ranju Roy and Jo Bogacz, which were attended by both in-person and online audiences.

BWY Chair Diana O’Reilly expressed her enthusiasm for the event and its focus on the power of yoga not just for individual wellness but also for community health and equity. She stated, “Our goal at BWY is to bring these insights into community spaces, ensuring yoga is accessible to everyone.”

Professor Ulrich Pagel, Chair of the SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies, also praised the summit, saying, “As a center dedicated to the study of yoga traditions, we are proud to support events that explore the profound cultural and therapeutic dimensions of yoga. Yoga holds significant potential for advancing mental health and social well-being, and we are thrilled to be the catalyst for these important discussions.”

To purchase the recordings of the summit, interested individuals can visit the event page on the BWY website and select the “Book Now” button. Non-BWY members can create a free account to access the recordings through the event in their dashboard calendar under the “Resources” tab.

ENDS

About BWY

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is committed to sharing the transformative power and rich heritage of yoga through events and education. Guided by the principles and traditions of yoga, BWY’s mission is to enrich lives through the practice of yoga and promote accessibility and inclusivity. Established as a registered charity in 1965 and recognized as the National Governing Body for Yoga by Sport England and Sport Wales, BWY serves over 5000 members and is supported by a network of 100 volunteers and a small central team.

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