Stardust to Savasana: The Science of Yoga

Eddie Stern is an internationally acclaimed, New York-raised yoga instructor who studied Astanga Yoga, chanting, philosophy, and ritual under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from 1991–2009. He is the co-founder of Ashtanga Yoga New York, the Brooklyn Yoga Club, and the Brooklyn Ganesha Temple. Dr. Marshall Hagins is a celebrated physical therapist, professor at Long Island University in Brooklyn, and the house PT for the Mark Morris Dance Group for over 25 years. Together, they’re hosting the Yoga and Science Conference in January 2019. For more information, click here. 

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What do yoga and science have in common?

Renowned yoga teacher Eddie Stern and celebrated physical therapist Dr. Marshall Hagins may consider this a trick question. “We don’t see these as two separate sciences,” says Marshall. “We think yoga is a science, and we think Western science is a science. The thing about these two sciences is they both are based on the same thing: That observation experimentation leads you to the truth.”

When we come to the mat we observe our body through breath—which allows us to uncover deep truths about our expectations, limitations, and reactions, and how these affect our general wellbeing. “In the past 50 years or so, as yoga’s become more popular in America, different segments of society have seen the value of yoga,” says Eddie. This plays out as ‘prescriptions’ for yoga in traditional healthcare, for example, or in mindfulness programs incorporated into public school curriculum.

As yoga is popularized, new populations are seeing the benefits of practice. “Maybe we noticed that ‘I’m a little happier, or my back pain has gone away, or I’m sleeping better, or my digestion is better’,” says Eddie. “Little by little, science has begun investigating what exactly it is about yoga that makes it work.”

To examine this relationship, Eddie and Marshall are hosting their third-annual Yoga + Science Conference January 19–21 at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Featuring cutting-edge speakers—both yogis and scientists—from around the world, the conference will explore the relationship of this ancient science and modern medicine, and posit how both can help the other better understand the human experience. There will also be a Genius Bar, where attendees can approach these leaders with personal questions. “Practical application is one area of focus, and also we’re trying to make sure that all the science happens at a very accessible level,” says Marshall.

According to Eddie‚ they’re doing their part to ensure that the lineup is guaranteed to provide takeaways for all attendees. It includes:

• Dr. Deepak Chopra, speaking on the future of wellbeing
• Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of the Polyvagal Theory
• Dr. Gail Parker, speaking on stress-based race trauma
• Crystal Park, presenting on her NIH study determining aspects of yoga that can be scientifically investigated
• Shirley Telles, director of research at the Patanjali Yoga Institute in Haridwar
• Sat Bir Khalsa, Chair of the Sleep Department at Harvard University

For tickets and more information, click here. To hold you over, be sure to watch Eddie and Marshall’s videos to get a taste of what you’ll learn.

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Lisette Cheresson is currently the Director of Content at Wanderlust Festival. She’s a writer, storyteller, yoga teacher, and filmmaker who is an avid vagabond, dancer, dirt-collector, and dreamer. She received her Level II Reiki Attunement and attended a 4-day intensive discourse with the Dalai Lama in India, and received her RYT200 in Brooklyn. Catch her teaching @dayayogastudio, or find her on Instagram @lisetteileen.

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