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NEWS
GWI announces initiative on science of yoga
POSTED 06 Sep 2019 . BY Jane Kitchen
Bija Bennett, an author, speaker and business leader whose teachings are derived from ancient yoga traditions, chairs the Yoga Therapy Initiative
On the heels of wellness evidence spotlighting research showing that yoga breathing and relaxation lower blood pressure as much as aerobic exercise, the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is introducing its newly formed Yoga Therapy Initiative.

The Initiative’s mission is to spread awareness about the wealth of evidence-based research, innovations, publications, programs and leadership in the global field of yoga therapy.

Bija Bennett, an author, speaker and business leader whose teachings are derived from ancient yoga traditions, chairs the Yoga Therapy Initiative.

Bennett is a wellness consultant and, under her holistic wellness brand YogaAway, she provides programs, products and consulting services to major hospitality brands worldwide.

“As one of the world’s earliest systems of holistic health and self-care, yoga therapy is a low-tech, easily accessible, evidence-based system of healthcare that can be applied to a full spectrum of conditions, from chronic disease and mental health to ageing and personal growth,” said Bennett.

The Initiative’s vice chair is Matthew J. Taylor, PhD and director of SmartSafeYoga, a leader in integrative rehabilitation. Taylor regularly consults with health professionals and recently authored Yoga Therapy as a Creative Response to Pain and serves on two US task forces for non-pharmacological pain management.

The GWI supports 25 industry Initiatives that focus on developing projects, research and trend forecasts that impact wellness in a particular market segment or region of the world — all available free of charge to the global wellness community.
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  GWI launches White Paper Series: ‘Understanding Wellness’


The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit research and educational resource for the wellness industry, has launched a new white paper series with an aim to bring clear, expert insights on how wellness is evolving now and into the future.
  GWI launches Wellness Retail Initiative


The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has announced a new initiative to explore opportunities wellness is creating in retail.
  GWI Initiative names top hot springs trends worldwide


The Global Wellness Institute has released the top five trends in hot springs as identified by the GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative.
  GWI’s ATM agenda to focus on medical and wellness tourism


The agenda for the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Symposium at the 2019 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been set and will feature experts in both medical tourism and wellness tourism, who will explore emerging trends and opportunities in both sectors.
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Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans to expand.
HCM Invest opens applications for pitching slots
The inaugural HCM Invest event has opened applications for pitching slots ahead of its launch in London on 21 October 2026.
Synergy – The Retreat Show invites consumer and industry perspectives on retreats for research
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry perspectives.
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Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
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The company was launched in 2012 by CEO Patrick Saussay and Christopher Ryan. [more...]
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23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
GWI announces initiative on science of yoga
POSTED 06 Sep 2019 . BY Jane Kitchen
Bija Bennett, an author, speaker and business leader whose teachings are derived from ancient yoga traditions, chairs the Yoga Therapy Initiative
On the heels of wellness evidence spotlighting research showing that yoga breathing and relaxation lower blood pressure as much as aerobic exercise, the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is introducing its newly formed Yoga Therapy Initiative.

The Initiative’s mission is to spread awareness about the wealth of evidence-based research, innovations, publications, programs and leadership in the global field of yoga therapy.

Bija Bennett, an author, speaker and business leader whose teachings are derived from ancient yoga traditions, chairs the Yoga Therapy Initiative.

Bennett is a wellness consultant and, under her holistic wellness brand YogaAway, she provides programs, products and consulting services to major hospitality brands worldwide.

“As one of the world’s earliest systems of holistic health and self-care, yoga therapy is a low-tech, easily accessible, evidence-based system of healthcare that can be applied to a full spectrum of conditions, from chronic disease and mental health to ageing and personal growth,” said Bennett.

The Initiative’s vice chair is Matthew J. Taylor, PhD and director of SmartSafeYoga, a leader in integrative rehabilitation. Taylor regularly consults with health professionals and recently authored Yoga Therapy as a Creative Response to Pain and serves on two US task forces for non-pharmacological pain management.

The GWI supports 25 industry Initiatives that focus on developing projects, research and trend forecasts that impact wellness in a particular market segment or region of the world — all available free of charge to the global wellness community.
RELATED STORIES
GWI launches White Paper Series: ‘Understanding Wellness’


The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit research and educational resource for the wellness industry, has launched a new white paper series with an aim to bring clear, expert insights on how wellness is evolving now and into the future.
GWI launches Wellness Retail Initiative


The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has announced a new initiative to explore opportunities wellness is creating in retail.
GWI Initiative names top hot springs trends worldwide


The Global Wellness Institute has released the top five trends in hot springs as identified by the GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative.
GWI’s ATM agenda to focus on medical and wellness tourism


The agenda for the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Symposium at the 2019 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been set and will feature experts in both medical tourism and wellness tourism, who will explore emerging trends and opportunities in both sectors.
MORE NEWS
Gran Hotel Taoro opens Sandára Wellness Centre
Gran Hotel Taoro in northern Tenerife, Spain, has completed the final phase of its three-year renovation with the debut of its Sandára Wellness Centre.
Franchise expert Carrie Walsh joins Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa as CEO
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans to expand.
HCM Invest opens applications for pitching slots
The inaugural HCM Invest event has opened applications for pitching slots ahead of its launch in London on 21 October 2026.
Synergy – The Retreat Show invites consumer and industry perspectives on retreats for research
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry perspectives.
Turkey is crowned the best massage nation at world championship
Turkey came first at this year’s World Championship in Massage between 3-5 July in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Wellness Tourism Association publishes industry framework for ethical and responsible retreats
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Balanced Body

Balanced Body is the global leader in Pilates equipment and education. Founded nearly 50 years ago, [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS