The yoga world is obsessed with the supernatural, beyond things that are part of its actual heritage. But how much does this contribute to the rejection of science and medicine?
Author: geeky yogi
I’m Dr Rachel David, the Geeky Yogi. I wear many hats: scientist, researcher, writer, editor, science communicator, behaviour change specialist, yogi, sewist, knitter and poet. Sometimes I combine all my passions successfully. Sometimes I make a mess. But that’s life! Follow my adventures into the world of science and wellbeing.
For Christmas this year, I got Covid-19
Yes, I’m one of the hundreds of thousands of people who recently tested positive for Covid-19 (presumably Omicron variant). It’s … More
Meditation for a healthy immune system – plain language summary
Here’s a cool study to wrap the year up: evidence of changes in gene expression following an intense meditation retreat. … More
Why I thought “Breath” was disappointing (and even a little worrying)
There is a lot of food for thought in this yoga bible, but frankly I’m disappointed by the science-washing and the missed opportunity to put forward something great. Maybe science communication should be left to those with some scientific training after all.
Soften into winter yoga nidra
Here’s a little winter present for you – I recorded the yoga nidra from my recent workshop for you. The … More
Can yoga help live better with rheumatoid arthritis?
What we know from the research is that practicing yoga is linked with reducing the levels of molecules that drive inflammation, aka an ‘excessive’ immune reaction. But does that translate to an actual improvement in disease activity?
My “Yoga for immune balance” programme is live!
In case I haven’t shouted enough about it – I filmed a yoga programme! I’m so excited that it is … More
Is yoga nidra your missing sleep remedy?
I have come to the realisation that my whole family has sleeping problems and takes sleeping pills on a regular … More
How stress messes up your immune system (and where yoga fits in)
Stress really fucks up the immune system in various different ways. Yoga’s positive effects on our immunity are likely due to its effects on our stress levels.
Does yoga really support a healthy immune system?
Ever since I wrote the blog post on yoga perpetuating the appeal to nature fallacy, I’ve been a little paranoid … More
Is yoga guilty of perpetuating the ‘natural is best’ fallacy? Am I?
In the yoga world, we have a tendency to prefer and promote a preference for all things natural. Herbal remedies. … More
Well, duh!
(This is a slight deviation from what I usually post. Indulge me. I’ve been lacking inspiration. ) So I am … More
What’s so special about yoga?
Ever since I read Yoga Body*, I’ve had one big question in my mind: if modern postural yoga is basically … More
Sewing
I made a dress this weekendsewing machine rescued from the cardboard graveyard, fabric washed, pinned, cutand the needle moves forward the … More
Burned out? Try yoga
Working from home over the past 18 months has brought some challenges, especially in maintaining work–life balance. Could yoga help tackle stress and burnout and keep us productive and full of brilliant ideas?
Forever young with yoga?
If inflammation determines our biological age, and if yoga helps to control unnecessary inflammation, could yoga also help to keep us young?
Meditation/yoga/other mind–body practice is not for me, and other such myths
What is the comment that most yoga teachers hear when they talk about the benefits of yoga? Oh, yoga is … More
Geeky wellbeing favourites: June
The June issue of the mind–body adventure was shipped last week, and yes, it features two cats. Subscribe now and … More
What having a vitamin B12 deficiency taught me about behavioural science
I’ve never really been a supplement person. I know many people are, religiously taking their multivitamin every day, maybe their … More
Why is most yoga research a bit shit?
This question (or a more polite variant of it) recently came up in the pranayama teacher training I’ve been doing. I think we can all agree, it’s a valid question. It’s not that there isn’t research on yoga – this is starting to change – but a lot of what is out there is just not great. Here are three reasons why.
GEEKY YOGA 