Iyengar Yoga Research Articles

(567) Iyengar yoga for adolescents and young adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a randomized waitlist study

(567) Iyengar yoga for adolescents and young adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a randomized waitlist study

Yoga reduces inflammatory signaling in fatigued breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

Yoga is a popular mind-body therapy that has demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological, behavioral, and functional outcomes. However, few studies have investigated effects on inflammatory processes. This study tested the hypothesis that an Iyengar yoga intervention specifically designed for fatigued breast cancer survivors would lead to decreases in inflammation-related gene expression and circulating markers of proinflammatory cytokine activity. Breast cancer survivors with persistent cancer-related fatigue were randomized to a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (n=16) or a 12-week health education control condition (n=15). Blood samples were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up for genome-wide transcriptional profiling and bioinformatic analyses. Plasma inflammatory markers and salivary cortisol were also assessed. In promoter-based bioinformatics analyses, the yoga group showed reduced activity of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), increased activity of the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid receptor, and reduced activity of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) family transcription factors relative to controls (all ps<.05). There was also a significant intervention effect on the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (sTNF-RII), a marker of TNF activity; plasma levels of sTNF-RII remained stable in the yoga group, whereas levels of this marker increased in the health education group (p=.028). A similar, non-significant trend was observed for the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (p=.16). No significant changes in C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), or diurnal cortisol measures were observed. A 12-week restorative Iyengar yoga intervention reduced inflammation-related gene expression in breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue. These findings suggest that a targeted yoga program may have beneficial effects on inflammatory activity in this patient population, with potential relevance for behavioral and physical health.

Yoga for addictions: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that yoga may be effective in the management of mental health disorders including addictions.ObjectiveTo critically evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for addictions.MethodsFourteen electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2013. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any type of yoga against any type of control in individuals with any type of addiction were eligible. Methodological quality was appraised using Cochrane criteria.ResultsEight RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Most of these RCTs were small with serious methodological flaws. The types of addictions included in these studies were alcohol, drug and nicotine addiction. Seven RCTs suggested that various types of yoga, including hatha yoga (HY), Iyengar yoga, nidra yoga, pranayama or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus vinyasa yoga, led to significantly more favourable results for addictions compared to various control interventions. One RCT indicated that a methadone maintenance programme (MMP) plus HY had no effect on drug use and criminal activities compared with MMP plus psychotherapy.ConclusionsAlthough the results of this review are encouraging, large RCTs are needed to better determine the benefits of yoga for addiction.

Emanating awareness: Tracing the impact of Bharatanatyam and Iyengar yoga on my contemporary dance and choreographic practice

Abstract This article examines and reflects on the interdisciplinary dialogue between Bharatanatyam, Iyengar yoga and contemporary dance within the field of choreographic practice and performance. I detail the principles appropriated from Bharatanatyam and Iyengar yoga that have, in a layered and intrinsic manner, directly and indirectly contributed to a heightened kinaesthetic awareness within my dance and choreographic practice. This practice reflects a strong somatic and philosophical ideology, out of which multiple body-mind perspectives emerge. Moving away from the Cartesian fragmented and objective view of the body, this article presents a holistic body-mind stance originating from a non-dualistic experiential approach. The principles appropriated from Bharatanatyam and Iyengar yoga are highlighted through a mixed-mode framework that includes experiential writing and images in an attempt to evoke the immediacy of the moving body and its sensory experience, as well as the ineffable nature of the creative and choreographic process. These experiences are contextualized with reference to specific choreographic work I have created for my company, Shakram Music and Dance.

Changes in pain intensity and health related quality of life with Iyengar yoga in nonspecific chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled study.

Background:Nonspecific chronic low back (nCLBP) pain is prevalent among adult population and often leads to functional limitations, psychological symptoms, lower quality of life (QOL), and higher healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Iyengar yoga therapy on pain intensity and health related quality of life (HRQOL) with nCLBP.Aim of the Study:To compare the effect of Iyengar yoga therapy and conventional exercise therapy on pain intensity and HRQOL in nonspecific chronic low back pain.Materials and Methods:Experimental study with random sampling technique.Subjects/Intervention:Sixty subjects who fulfilled the selection criteria were randomly assigned to Iyengar yoga (yoga group, n = 30) and control group (exercise group, n = 30). Participants completed low back pain evaluation form and HRQOL-4 questionnaire before their intervention and again 4 weeks and 6 month later. Yoga group underwent 29 yogic postures training and exercise group had undergone general exercise program for 4 weeks.Statistics:Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze group differences over time, while controlling for baseline differences.Results:Patients in both groups experienced significant reduction in pain and improvement in HRQOL. In visual analogue scale (VAS) yoga group showed reduction of 72.81% (P = 0.001) as compared to exercise group 42.50% (P = 0.001). In HRQOL, yoga group showed reduction of 86.99% (P = 0.001) as compared to exercise group 67.66% (P = 0.001).Conclusion:These results suggest that Iyengar yoga provides better improvement in pain reduction and improvement in HRQOL in nonspecific chronic back pain than general exercise.

Iyengar Yoga Therapy as an Intervention for Cramp Management in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Three Case Reports

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons, experience cramps at all stages of the illness. There is, at present, no effective medication to control the cramps and no agreement on how to treat the symptom in ALS patients. Three individuals who were diagnosed with ALS and reported suffering cramps in various parts of the body, which limited their activities or affected their sleep were invited to try Iyengar yoga. Yoga therapy, composed of stretching, breathing, and relaxation exercises, was prescribed for each case, based on the subject's physical disability and the presence of other symptoms. Although two subjects experienced cramps during the first therapy session, all three subjects reported the complete cessation of cramping within 3 weeks to 8 weeks of therapy. One of the subjects developed cramps in the hand after discontinuing yoga therapy for 7 months. However, the symptom stopped within 2 weeks of resuming yoga therapy. The alleviation of cramps in these three subjects indicates the possibility of yogic intervention for the management of cramps in individuals with ALS, but further research is necessary to understand the effectiveness of yoga therapy and to determine the exercises that are more prone to lead to cramping in some ALS individuals.

The effects of selected asanas in Iyengar yoga on flexibility: Pilot study

In recent years the practice of yoga has gained popularity as a form of physical fitness and exercise, and has been said to improve strength and flexibility. The main objective of this research project was to evaluate the effects of a six week Iyengar yoga intervention on flexibility. N = 16 low to moderately active females (52.37 ± 7.79 years) attended Iyengar yoga practice for a total of 6 weeks, consisting of one 90 min session per week. Lumbar and hamstring flexibility were assessed pre and post-intervention using a standard sit and reach test. The results show a significant increase in flexibility, indicating 6 weeks of single session yoga training may be effective in increasing erector spinae and hamstring flexibility. This is important when considering that much of the population find it difficult to attend more than one session a week into their training schedule.

Impact of Iyengar Yoga on Quality of Life in Young Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, disabling disease that can greatly compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 6-week twice/week Iyengar yoga program on HRQoL of young adults with RA compared with a usual-care waitlist control group. The program was designed to improve the primary outcome of HRQoL including pain and disability and psychological functioning in patients. Assessments were collected pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 2 months after treatment. Weekly ratings of anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep were also recorded. A total of 26 participants completed the intervention (yoga=11; usual-care waitlist=15). All participants were female (mean age=28 y). Overall attrition was low at 15%. On average, women in the yoga group attended 96% of the yoga classes. No adverse events were reported. Relative to the usual-care waitlist, women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvement on standardized measures of HRQoL, pain disability, general health, mood, fatigue, acceptance of chronic pain, and self-efficacy regarding pain at posttreatment. Almost half of the yoga group reported clinically meaningful symptom improvement. Analysis of the uncontrolled effects and maintenance of treatment effects showed improvements in HRQoL general health, pain disability, and weekly ratings of pain, anxiety, and depression were maintained at follow-up. The findings suggest that a brief Iyengar yoga intervention is a feasible and safe adjunctive treatment for young people with RA, leading to HRQoL, pain disability, fatigue, and mood benefits. Moreover, improvements in quality of life, pain disability, and mood persisted at the 2-month follow-up.

A 12-Week Iyengar Yoga Program Improved Balance and Mobility in Older Community-Dwelling People: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Exercise that challenges balance can improve mobility and prevent falls in older adults. Yoga as a physical activity option for older adults is not well studied. This trial evaluated the feasibility and effect of a 12-week Iyengar yoga program on balance and mobility in older people. We conducted a blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were 54 community dwellers (mean age 68 years, SD 7.1) not currently participating in yoga or tai chi. The intervention group (n = 27) participated in a 12-week, twice-weekly yoga program focused on standing postures and received a fall prevention education booklet. The control group (n = 27) received the education booklet only. Primary outcome was standing balance component of the short physical performance battery with addition of one-legged stance time (standing balance). Secondary outcomes were the timed sit-to-stand test, timed 4-m walk, one-legged stand with eyes closed, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Feasibility was measured by recording class attendance and adverse events. Fifty-two participants completed follow-up assessments. The intervention group significantly improved compared with control group on standing balance (mean difference = 1.52 seconds, 95% CI 0.10-2.96, p = .04), sit-to-stand test (mean difference = -3.43 seconds, 95% CI -5.23 to -1.64, p < .001), 4-m walk (mean difference = -0.50 seconds, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.28, p < .001), and one-legged stand with eyes closed (mean difference = 1.93 seconds, 95% CI 0.40-3.46, p = .02). Average class attendance was 20 of 24 classes (83%). No serious adverse events occurred. This trial demonstrates the balance and mobility-related benefits and feasibility of Iyengar yoga for older people. The fall prevention effect of Iyengar yoga warrants further investigation.

Iyengar yoga compared to exercise in women with stage I-III breast cancer: Feasibility of therapeutic interventions during adjuvant cytotoxic or endocrine therapy.

e20623 Background: Exercise and mind/body intervention studies have shown benefits when undertaken during cancer treatment. This ongoing trial aims to elucidate the different effects of yoga and conventional exercise on physical and psychological factors in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine or cytotoxic therapy. This first interim analysis presents feasibility data comparing the two mentioned interventions. Methods: Patients are randomly assigned to receive Iyengar-yoga or conventional exercise on a 1:1 ratio during adjuvant therapy. The intervention consists of a weekly 60-minute yoga or physiotherapy exercise session together with individual home-based, self-contained 20-minute sessions twice a week. Data assessments via questionnaires are done at baseline, right after the 12-week intervention period and 2 months after the end of intervention. Patient accrual within two breast care units started in April 2011 with 66 patients being on study to date (2013, Jan 25). Results: So far, 57 patients (yoga: n=28; exercise: n=29) have completed the trial, while 9 patients dropped out (yoga: 5 patients; exercise: 4 patients). 46 patients received cytotoxic therapy (mean age: 48 y) and 11 patients received endocrine therapy (mean age: 60 y). 8 women participating either in yoga or exercise intervention were younger than 35 years (14%) and 6 women were older than 65 years (11%). Mean number of attended sessions is 9.0 (yoga: 9.3; exercise: 8.8; age &gt;65: 10.3). Overall 19 patients (33%) attended 11-12 out of 12 sessions (yoga: 32%; exercise: 35%; age &gt;65: 67%), 20 patients (35%) attended 8-10 sessions (yoga: 54%; exercise: 17%; age &gt;65: 17%), while 18 women (32%) participated only in 5-7 sessions (yoga: 14%; exercise: 48%; age &gt;65: 17%). 10 out of 51 participants accomplished 40 minutes of home-based training per week (yoga: 11%; exercise: 29%; age &gt;65: 50%). Conclusions: Yoga and exercise interventions are feasible during cancer treatment, although amount and frequency of training should be accommodated to individual condition. Both interventions seem to be practicable for elderly (&gt; 65 years) patients and for patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy.

National survey of yoga practitioners: Mental and physical health benefits

To describe yoga practice and health characteristics of individuals who practice yoga, and to explore their beliefs regarding the effects of their yoga practice on their health. A cross-sectional design with anonymous online surveys. 4307 randomly selected individuals from 15 US Iyengar yoga studios (n=18,160), representing 41 states; 1087 individuals responded, with 1045 (24.3%) surveys completed. Freiberg Mindfulness Inventory, Mental Health Continuum (subjective well-being), Multi-factor Screener (diet), PROMIS sleep disturbance, fatigue, and social support, International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Age: 19-87 years (M=51.7 ± 11.7), 84.2% female, 89.2% white, 87.4% well educated (≥ bachelor's degree). Mean years of yoga practice=11.4 (± 7.5). BMI=12.1-49.4 (M=23.1 ± 3.9). Levels of obesity (4.9%), smoking (2%), and fruit and vegetable consumption (M=6.1 ± 1.1) were favorable compared to national norms. 60% reported at least one chronic/serious health condition, yet most reported very good (46.3%) or excellent (38.8%) general health. Despite high levels of depression (24.8%), nearly all were moderately mentally healthy (55.2%) or flourishing (43.8%). Participants agreed yoga improved: energy (84.5%), happiness (86.5%), social relationships (67%), sleep (68.5%), and weight (57.3%), and beliefs did not differ substantially according to race or gender. The more they practiced yoga, whether in years or in amount of class or home practice, the higher their odds of believing yoga improved their health. Individuals who practice yoga are not free of health concerns, but most believe their health improved because of yoga. Yoga might be beneficial for a number of populations including elderly women and those with chronic health conditions.

The ‘ancient’ body of modern Yoga: The influence of Ramanuja on Iyengar Yoga and the use of Yoga in actor training

Abstract Yoga is one of the most popular leisure activities that flourish in contemporary western societies and also one of the most common non-theatrical disciplines used in performer training. This article focuses on the pedagogy that underlies the practice of yoga and poses and outlines two different ways of practising: the active and passive. It draws links between the pedagogy of modern yoga and the conceptualization of the human body in the pre-modern religious doctrine of Ramanuja. Based on this account, it presents the ways in which yoga can inform the actor’s work with different dramaturgies. In this manner, this article aims to examine modern yoga from a perspective that has been neglected so far and also proposes additional ways in which yoga may be used in actor training.

Randomized-controlled Trial Comparing Yoga and Home-based Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a significant public health problem with only very few evidence-based treatment options. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of yoga for relieving musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga compared with exercise on chronic nonspecific neck pain. Patients were randomly assigned to either yoga or exercise. The yoga group attended a 9-week yoga course and the exercise group received a self-care manual on home-based exercises for neck pain relief. The main outcome measure was the present neck pain intensity (100 mm visual analog scale). Secondary outcome measures included functional disability (Neck Disability Index), pain at motion (visual analog scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 questionnaire), cervical range of motion, proprioceptive acuity, and pressure pain threshold. Fifty-one patients (mean age 47.8 y ; 82.4% female) were randomized to yoga (n=25) and exercise (n=26) intervention. After the study period, patients in the yoga group reported significantly less neck pain intensity compared with the exercise group [mean difference: -13.9 mm (95% CI, -26.4 to -1.4), P=0.03]. The yoga group reported less disability and better mental quality of life. Range of motion and proprioceptive acuity were improved and the pressure pain threshold was elevated in the yoga group. Yoga was more effective in relieving chronic nonspecific neck pain than a home-based exercise program. Yoga reduced neck pain intensity and disability and improved health-related quality of life. Moreover, yoga seems to influence the functional status of neck muscles, as indicated by improvement of physiological measures of neck pain.

“I'm More in Balance”: A Qualitative Study of Yoga for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

This study investigated the perceived influence of yoga on body perception and psychosocial aspects of life for patients with chronic neck pain. This qualitative study was conducted using semistandardized interviews. The interventions and interviews took place in a referral center's research department. Eighteen (18) patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial of yoga for chronic neck pain. Participants attended 90 minutes of Iyengar yoga once a week for 9 weeks. Participants completed a drawing of their neck and shoulder regions to reflect their subjective body perceptions before and after their yoga program. Semistandardized interviews were used to explore their body perception, emotional status, everyday life and coping skills, as well as any perceived changes in these dimensions postparticipation. An interdisciplinary group analyzed the study data using content analysis techniques. Participants reported change on five dimensions of human experience: physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social. Physically, most participants cited renewed body awareness, both during their yoga practice and in their daily lives. Such change was echoed in their postparticipation body drawings. Cognitively, participants reported increased perceived control over their health. Emotionally, they noted greater acceptance of their pain and life burdens. Behaviorally, they described enhanced use of active coping strategies. Finally, socially, they reported renewed participation in an active life. Participants linked yoga to change on all dimensions of human experience, attributing reduced pain levels, increased coping ability, better pain acceptance and increased control to it. Body awareness appeared a key mechanism in these changes.

Additional effect of iyengar yoga and EMG biofeedback on pain and functional disability in chronic unilateral knee osteoarthritis

Background:There are limited data about Iyengar Yoga and EMG biofeedback in knee OA, although the efficacy of EMG biofeedback in the rehabilitation of patients with quadriceps muscle weakness secondary to immobilization, contracture, and joint surgery has been well established.Materials and Methods:Thirty subjects who have fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups (Group A and B). Both the groups were treated with EMG biofeedback, knee muscle strengthening exercises, and TENS. Group A received additionally Iyengar Yoga for 8 weeks. Both groups were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale and Modified WOMAC–Western Ontario McMaster Universities Scale.Results:Patients in both groups experienced significant reduction in pain and improvement in functional ability. In VAS scale Group A showed reduction of 56.83% (P = 0.001) when compared with Group B 38.15% (P ≤ 0.001). In modified WOMAC Scale, Group A showed reduction of 59.21% (P = 0.001) when compared with Group B 34.08% (P = 0.001).Conclusion:Adding Iyengar Yoga along with conventional therapy provides better results in chronic unilateral knee osteoarthritis in terms of pain and functional disability.

Effect of Yoga on Sleep Quality among Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review Protocol

Review question/objective The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of yoga practice on sleep quality. More specifically, the objective is to identify the effectiveness of yoga practice in adult cancer patients over the age of 18 who are concurrently undergoing conventional treatment for cancer. The specific review question is: What is the effect of yoga practice on sleep quality in adult cancer patients over the age of 18 who are concurrently undergoing conventional treatment for cancer? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include adults over the age of 18 years diagnosed with cancer (regardless of the type of cancer, stage, or presence of co-morbidities) who are currently undergoing conventional treatment for cancer (regardless of treatment modality, intensity, delivery, frequency, or duration of treatment). Types of intervention This review will consider studies that evaluate the effects of yoga intervention (regardless of mode of delivery, timing, frequency, duration) on sleep quality among adult cancer patients over the age of 18 years who are concurrently undergoing conventional treatment for cancer. The review will exclude studies using yoga as part of a multimodal intervention (including mindfulness-based stress reduction), rather than yoga as the main intervention. For the purposes of this review, yoga intervention will include practices that incorporate the use of yoga skills (including but not limited to Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, and restorative yoga). Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measures: sleep quality, measured by standardized, validated instruments, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and other measures.

An Assessment of the Effects of Iyengar Yoga Practice on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Pilot Study

To assess the effects of an Iyengar yoga program (IYP) on patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Patients attending lung transplant clinics in a tertiary institution were invited to participate in a two-phase, 12-week IYP that included 2 h biweekly classes. Doctors completed a formal physical and clinical assessment on candidates before enrollment. Patients with New York Association Class III or IV, or dyspnea grade IV were excluded. At baseline and at the end of 12-weeks, patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and Health Utilities Index (HUI). Medication(s), 6 min walk test results and other clinical parameters were also recorded. Patients recorded the effects of the IYP on their daily living in journals. Nonparametric and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean age 60 years) were invited to participate. At the end of the 12-week period, changes in HADS anxiety and CRQ fatigue scores were statistically significant (P<0.05) and changes in HUI ambulation, pain, emotion and overall score were clinically important. The content of the journals revealed patients' improvement in breathing capacity, mobility, energy, sleep and included positive feedback such as: "increased tidal volume with slowing expiration", "I have an overall feeling of wellbeing" and "excellent amount of energy". The findings suggest that yoga has significant potential to produce benefits. Potential benefits will be further explored in a national multisite study.

Yoga and Hypertension.

Yoga and Hypertension.

Efficacy of an Eight-Week Yoga Intervention on Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): A Pilot Study

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common and highly burdensome sleep disorder. While relaxation therapies, including yoga, are often recommended for RLS management, rigorous supporting research is sparse. The goal of this preliminary study was to assess the effects of yoga on RLS symptoms and related outcomes in women with RLS. Participants were 13 nonsmoking women with moderate to severe RLS, who did not have diabetes, sleep apnea, or other serious concomitant chronic conditions, and who were not pregnant. The intervention was a gentle, 8-week Iyengar yoga program. Core outcomes assessed pre- and post-treatment were RLS symptoms and symptom severity (International RLS Scale [IRLS] and RLS ordinal scale), sleep quality (Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale), mood (Profile of Mood States), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Participants also completed yoga logs and a brief exit questionnaire regarding their experience with the study. Ten (10) women, aged 32-66 years, completed the study. Participants attended an average 13.4±0.5 (of 16 possible) classes, and completed a mean of 4.1±0.3 (of 5 possible) homework sessions/week. At follow-up, participants demonstrated striking reductions in RLS symptoms and symptom severity, with symptoms decreasing to minimal/mild in all but 1 woman and no participant scoring in the severe range by week 8. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were large: 1.6 for IRLS total, and 2.2 for RLS ordinal scale. IRLS scores declined significantly with increasing minutes of homework practice per session (r=0.70, p=0.025) and total homework minutes (r=0.64, p<0.05), suggesting a possible dose-response relation. Participants also showed significant improvements in sleep, perceived stress, and mood (all p's≤0.02), with effect sizes ranging from 1.0 to 1.6. These preliminary findings suggest that yoga may be effective in attenuating RLS symptoms and symptom severity, reducing perceived stress, and improving sleep and mood in women with RLS.

Branding yoga: The cases of Iyengar Yoga, Siddha Yoga and Anusara Yoga

In October 1989, long-time yoga student, John Friend (b. 1959) travelled to India to study with yoga masters. First, he went to Pune for a one-month intensive postural yoga programme at the Ramamani Iyengar Memor­ial Yoga Institute, founded by a world-famous yoga proponent, B. K. S. Iyengar (b. 1918). Postural yoga(De Michelis 2005, Singleton 2010) refers to modern biomechanical systems of yoga which are based on sequences of asana or postures that are, through pranayama or ‘breathing exercises’, synchronized with the breath. Following Friend’s training in Iyengar Yoga, he travelled to Ganeshpuri, India where he met Chidvilasananda (b. 1954), the current guru of Siddha Yoga, at the Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram. Siddha Yoga is a modern soteriological yoga system based on ideas and practices primarily derived from tantra. The encounter profoundly transformed Friend, and Chidvilasananda initiated him into Siddha Yoga (Williamson forthcoming).