Yoga As Embodied Mindfulness: Integrating Research and Practice

This book examines yoga as embodied mindfulness, introducing and explicating the concepts of yoga and embodiment and the associated theoretical and empirical developments in the field. It focuses on such issues as embodiment, yoga, application of embodiment models to yoga, and the mechanism of change in yoga for the development of positive embodiment. In addition, the book introduces research-based measures that may be useful in the practical applications of yoga for embodiment. It addresses assessment domains, including interoception, body appreciation, developmental embodiment, yoga assessments, and mindful self-care. Chapters review research applications, such as social justice; diversity, equity, and inclusion; cultural appropriation; research protocols; body image; eating disorders; and substance abuse and addiction. The volume provides practical and clinical considerations specific to teaching yoga classes/sessions and contextual considerations (e.g., developing a yoga space that supports positive embodiment).

Key topics featured include: 

• A conceptual overview of yoga and embodiment.
• Mechanisms of change in yoga for positive embodiment.
• Yoga and secularity.
• Assessment and measurement in yoga and embodiment.
• Research review of yoga applications for embodiment for those with substance use and addiction, depression, and anxiety.
• Practical guidance for yoga teaching and delivering yoga protocols.

Yoga as Embodied Mindfulness is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other practitioners in psychology, complementary and alternative medicine, and social work as well as all interrelated research disciplines and clinical practices. 

Catherine Cook-Cottone, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology at University at Buffalo, SUNY. She is co-editor in chief other Eating Disorders: Journal of Treatment and Prevention. She has published 10 books and authored more than 75 book chapters and peer-reviewed articles.

Tracy L. Tylka, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University. The Editor-in-Chief of Body Image: An International Journal of Research and a Fellow of the Academy for Eating, Disorders, she has published many articles, chapters, and scales on positive body image.