Call for Articles! International Journal of Yoga Therapy

As some of you know, I'm the editor in chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal of policy perspectives, research, and case studies/clinical advice.

The period of peer review for the Fall 2010 issue is wrapping up, and there's still room for several more articles.

So once your taxes are filed, why not put together a thoughtful argument about yoga as a healing practice or profession, polish up that masters thesis, put your clinical experience into advice other professionals can use, or write up the pilot data from your ongoing study?

Submit to editor [at] iayt [dot] org by April 15th for full consideration.

To learn more, below are the usual instructions for contributors. You can also see past tables of contents and article abstracts here.

Guidelines for Authors

Content

The International Journal of Yoga Therapy publishes articles about Yoga therapy, Yoga practice, and Yoga philosophy. We encourage submissions from Yoga therapists, Yoga teachers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The journal aims to represent views, practices, and research from all major traditions in Yoga, as well as integrative medicine and psychology.

Perspectives

The journal invites submissions of letters and opinions. Perspectives are not peer-reviewed, and may be in response to specific articles, or on any topic relevant to the research and practice of Yoga therapy. Perspectives should be 500-1200 words.

Issues in Yoga Therapy

The journal welcomes scholarly articles that address issues, challenges, and controversies in the research and practice of Yoga therapy. Articles in this category include, but are not limited to: considerations of policy issues related to the integration of Yoga and healthcare, explorations of common challenges that Yoga therapists and teachers face in their work, and discussions of Yoga philosophy as it relates to contemporary Yoga therapy practice.

Research

The journal publishes reports of original research. We welcome pilot studies, feasibility studies, and preliminary reports on research in progress, when these reports examine challenges and early findings that may benefit other researchers and practitioners. Case studies should be reported in the context of a thorough review of the relevant literature, and a broader discussion of the case’s implications for future research or practice. Names and other identifying information should be changed to protect individuals’ privacy.

Continuing Education/Yoga Therapy in Practice

Continuing Education/Yoga Therapy in Practice articles should review a topic of importance and relevance to practicing Yoga teachers, Yoga therapists, and healthcare providers. Articles in this category include, but are not limited to: discussions of specific medical conditions and recommended Yoga practices, reviews of the history of some aspect of Yoga therapy or Yoga philosophy, and reviews of research on a topic of relevance to Yoga therapy. Articles should be supported by references to published research, research in progress, established interventions at Yoga therapy clinics, classical Yoga texts, and/or original interviews, and should not be based solely on the experience or opinions of the author(s).

Review and Selection of Manuscripts

All articles are initially evaluated by the Editor for suitability of topic and format. Articles that meet the basic requirements are assigned to a minimum of two peer reviewers, chosen on the basis of their expertise and experience. We invite (but do not require) authors to nominate additional potential reviewers at the time of article submission, particularly when knowledge of a Yoga lineage or other specialty is required. Peer review is blind, meaning that the author’s identity is not revealed to reviewers. Reviewers evaluate the article’s contribution to the field of Yoga therapy, and make specific suggestions for revisions. When making a recommendation to publish or reject an article, reviewers take into account the importance of the topic, the quality of scholarship, and the clarity of writing.

Potential authors wishing to view the current peer review guidelines for the type of article they plan to submit should email the Editor (editor [at] iayt.org) and indicate which category the intended submission falls into. The Editor makes the final decision whether to accept or reject a manuscript. Most manuscripts go through at least one round of revision before they are accepted. Following acceptance, articles are edited for clarity and adherence to journal style guidelines.

Preparation and Submission of Manuscripts

Articles should be 4000-6000 words. All articles should be submitted via email to editor [at] iayt.org. Include a brief introductory letter in the body of the email and attach the manuscript as a word document. All manuscripts should use AMA style formatting for citations/references (numbered endnotes). Research articles should include a note acknowledging any funding sources or potential conflicts of interest, as well as a statement of adherence to ethical guidelines for the use of human participants (when applicable) and informed consent to use photographs of or publish case information about students/clients.

We encourage authors to provide photos and figures, particularly for descriptions of Yoga practices or discussions of anatomy. However, please do not email photos or figures as separate files until requested from the Editor.

Book Trailer for Yoga for Pain Relief

I was inspired by blogger Nathan Bransford to create a simple trailer for my new book. The music (a composition called "Ritual") is by Kevin MacCleod, the photographer is Kim Shetter, and the voice is myself reading an excerpt from the book's introduction.

Link to youtube video.

Befriend Your Body

Yoga Bear, a non-profit I advise, recently asked cancer survivors and members of the yoga/medical communities how they befriend their own body -- what they are grateful for, how they take care of and nourish themselves, and what steps they have taken to heal the mistrust, anger, or grief toward the body that commonly goes along with illnesses, injuries, and cancer treatment.

I got to choose the winning response, which you can read here. It is honest, heartfelt, and relatable, and communicates well the imperfect but compassionate relationship many of us have with our bodies.

If you want some support befriending your body, check out the audio practices here, adapted from Yoga for Pain Relief.

Thanks to Rae Johnson, a two-time breast cancer survivor from Maryland, for sharing her story.

Pain Solutions Article on Yoga for Pain Relief

Pain Solutions put online their recent article about yoga for pain relief by Yoga Journal editor Kelle Walsh. Walsh interviewed me and Timothy McCall, MD, about how yoga can help people with pain:

Perhaps most important, yoga makes it easier to tune in to what’s happening in your body. “People learn to reject the body when they are in pain,” McGonigal says. “They feel betrayed by their body and the fact that the body is getting in the way of their life.” When you slow down and tune in, though, McCall says, you’ll begin to notice that the pain “changes all the time. It goes up and down with the breath, the time of day. You start to notice that variation. And when you go in and actually feel the pain — instead of your emotional response to it — you may begin to notice that you can alter it.”

Read the whole thing, then check out the book....Google books has the first 3 chapters!

L.A. Times Article on Yin Yoga

"A softer, gentler form of yoga seems to be quietly on the rise...."

I was interviewed for this L.A. Times article on Yin Yoga.

Also interviewed is the wonderful Molly Kenny, co-founder of the Samarya Yoga Center in Seattle, WA.

Guidelines for Teachers of Mixed-Levels Yoga Classes

I created the following guidelines for teachers at studios who participate in Yoga Bear's Share a Mat Program (offering free classes/studio passes to cancer survivors). These guidelines as particularly important for participating studios, but are helpful reminders for all yoga teachers. Enjoy!

Guidelines for Teachers of Mixed-Levels Classes

Mixed-levels classes typically contain students with a variety of abilities, experience, injuries, and illnesses. The following guidelines help ensure that all students, including Yoga Bear participants, feel safe and welcomed in your class.

1. When a new student walks into your classroom. Welcome every student, and be ready to offer assistance setting up or answer questions about the class. Don’t make assumptions based on age or appearance about what they can physically do and what they are looking for in a yoga class. A young student who looks physically fit may have a serious injury or illness and need encouragement to rest or modify as needed; an older or overweight student may be an experienced yoga practitioner ready for a challenge.

2. When a student appears to have special needs or require extra instruction. Not all new students, students with injuries/illness, or students who don’t fit the typical profile of your class (e.g. obese students or seniors) will want continuous extra attention. They may be self-conscious enough and already feel like they stand out. Offer one-on-one attention and support as you would with all students, but try to offer a variety of options to the entire class, rather than constantly singling out one student for special instruction.

3. When a student isn’t following your instruction. There are many reasons a student might choose to modify a pose or refrain from a practice. Don’t make assumptions (e.g. laziness, fear, confusion about instructions) about why the student is not participating fully. Check in with the student and offer information or alternatives, but don’t pry. Student with injuries, symptoms of illness, or side effects from treatment may not want to explain why they need to modify, especially if they are in class to experience some freedom from being a “patient” or a person with cancer (or other illness/injury).

4. Use informed and intentional touch. Students with injuries and illnesses may enjoy supportive touch in a yoga class, but—like any student—may also be wary of getting hurt by an adjustment, or be sensitive to being touched. When you offer touch to students, make sure they have an opportunity to give you permission and feedback. Remember that adjustments can be confusing to students. When possible, explain what you are doing, why, and what you want the student to do in response (e.g. relax your shoulders, bring the knee over the heel, let your torso turn).

5. If you use partner work in your class, give students an easy way to choose whether they want to participate. Just as with touch from an instructor, many students have concerns about being supported or adjusted by an untrained student. Have an alternative for students who consciously choose not to participate in partner work.

6. When emotions come up in practice. In yoga practice, students may experience strong emotions, especially if they are going through a difficult time or dealing with a health challenge. This does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong, or that the student needs special comfort. If you notice a student is upset, privately and discretely ask if there is anything they need, or offer a tissue and give them permission to take care of themselves.

Compiled by Kelly McGonigal, PhD, (www.kellymcgonigal.com) for Yoga Bear (www.yogabear.org).