The Science of Yoga Initiative

The Science of Yoga Initiative A Global, Evidence-Based Approach to Understanding Yoga’s True Purpose Yoga is practiced by more than 300 million people worldwide, yet much of what the world understands about yoga reflects only part of its depth. As a $113.7 billion global wellness industry, yoga has grown rapidly—especially in the West—where fitness-oriented interpretations have often overshadowed its scientific foundations, holistic philosophy, and therapeutic potential. Originally founded as the Yoga Therapy Initiative under the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the project has evolved into The Science of Yoga Initiative (TSYI) to address a clear need: credible, science-backed information about yoga must be accessible, accurate, and culturally grounded. TSYI brings together yoga researchers, practitioners, wellness leaders, medical professionals, and policy advocates to translate the science of yoga into meaningful knowledge that supports global well-being. By combining ancient wisdom with modern research, TSYI aims to restore a deeper understanding of yoga, highlight its evidence-based benefits, and strengthen its relevance in today’s world—where stress, fragmentation, and health challenges are on the rise. Our work helps position yoga as a holistic health practice, a tool for resilience, and a powerful pathway for physical, mental, and social well-being.

The Latest News and Resources

Objectives

The Science of Yoga Initiative advances its mission through three key focus areas designed to improve access to evidence-based yoga research, scientific education, and global collaboration. We begin by curating and sharing science-backed insights on yoga, gathering global research, clinical case studies, and best practices from leading institutions.

These findings are translated into clear, practical summaries that help yoga teachers, wellness professionals, and health practitioners understand the real evidence behind yoga’s benefits—from mental health and stress reduction to physical health, chronic disease support, and overall well-being. We facilitate global knowledge exchange by hosting webinars, expert discussions, and cross-cultural dialogues that bring together yoga researchers, therapists, traditional lineage holders, and innovators across continents. Through this exchange, TSYI supports collaboration, strengthens scientific literacy in the wellness community, and provides volunteers opportunities to learn directly from international thought leaders in yoga, integrative health, and holistic wellness. Finally, we champion yoga as a science-informed, holistic wellness practice. TSYI produces articles, white papers, and advocacy materials that help deepen public understanding of yoga’s proven mental, physical, and social benefits. Through engagement in global wellness policy, media dialogue, and research translation, we ensure that accurate information about yoga’s therapeutic impact and cultural roots reaches the people who shape health and wellness decisions worldwide.

Request to Join the Initiative HERE.

Initiative Leadership

Initiative Chair

Bija Bennett, Author, President, BijaB, Yoga Therapist, United States

Bija Bennett is an internationally respected author, speaker and business leader whose practice focuses on the tenets of mind-body health. Her innovative teachings are derived from ancient yoga traditions as a form of preventive and integrative medicine that fosters healing. She has developed pioneering programs for Fortune 500 companies and written four influential books on health, healing and personal growth. Under her holistic wellness brand, YogaAway LLC, she has provided programs, products and consulting services to major hospitality brands worldwide. Currently, she is partnering with global corporations on a project that merges healthcare, hospitality and wellness for a major medical center.