What is Yoga4Health?
The Yoga4Health 10-week yoga programme was developed for the West London CCG by the Yoga in Healthcare Alliance. It is a 'yoga on prescription' programme and has demonstrated significant benefits to patients happiness and wellbeing.
It is particularly helpful for those who:
- Suffer from stress, anxiety or mild depression
- Need to improve their heart health
- Need to lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes
The programme is accredited by the Personalised Care Institute.
Who is it for?
The 10-week social prescribing prevention programme aims to empower groups of 12-15 NHS patients to make lifestyle changes and improve their overall well-being.
The programme is tailored for individuals on a chair or yoga mat and is suitable for those at risk of cardiovascular events, pre-diabetic patients, and individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or social isolation.
Yoga4Health provides a holistic approach to addressing the physical, mental, and social aspects of health for at-risk individuals.
What happens in the classes?
The 10-week course provides gentle yoga suitable for beginners and people of any age and ability. No prior experience is necessary to join. I am a qualified Yoga4Health trained teacher and I ensure that every practice is adapted and modified to accommodate all participants. You can work at your own pace in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. The class encourages everyone to fully participate and benefit from the yoga experience.
Each of the 10 sessions is themed and lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Each session will cover:
- Breathing practices
- Simple yoga postures
- Meditation and mindfulness practice
- Relaxation
- Theme discussion at the end
How do I join a programme?
There are currently no scheduled programmes, please register you interest by emailing: [email protected]
Who developed the programme?
The Yoga4Health programme was developed with input from leading experts in yoga and yoga therapy, alongside medical professionals and researchers. Commissioned by the NHS in 2016, the programme was initially piloted on NHS staff and later delivered to patients in West London.
Positive Outcomes
The initiative has been rigorously evaluated by the University of Westminster and their published academic papers showcased significant positive patient-reported outcomes, including:
- Patient Activation
- Mental Health
- Social connectedness
- Wellbeing
- Physical Health
To see the original report please click here.
