Give Back Yoga University (GBYU) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) have joined forces on an innovative initiative to help address the emerging public health issue of COVID Long-Hauler Syndrome, also known as Long COVID.
Early evidence suggests that up to one in ten people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have symptoms that persist beyond 12 weeks. Although research is still in its infancy, many people report debilitating symptoms that linger for months. As global healthcare systems struggle to meet changing demands, treatment pathways to manage these life-altering symptoms are limited, leaving patients and healthcare providers with little support to navigate healing.
Well-Being After COVID: Bridging Yoga and Healthcare to Support Those Affected By COVID-19
Well-Being After COVID offers educational resources and therapeutic yoga practices aimed specifically at these symptoms, including gentle movement, breathing exercises, and meditation. This integrative, patient-centered approach complements traditional healthcare services with practical tools to help build resilience and manage stress. The practices are adaptive enough that they can be integrated into care, regardless of current levels of mobility and physical strength.
The project, which begins March 6, offers free research-informed resources tailored for patients AND for the providers who serve them:
- Video calls to educate yoga and healthcare professionals on current evidence and best practices in using therapeutic yoga to manage symptoms and effects of illnesses like COVID-19
- Gentle yoga classes for patients, which include psychoeducational information and adaptive practices to help manage pain, rebuild muscle strength, increase respiratory capacity, and ease anxiety
- Livestream presentations to support deeper exploration of key topics
More resources will be added in the coming months.
GBYU is the newly-created educational division of the well-established and respected Give Back Yoga Foundation. IAYT is the world’s largest international association of yoga therapists and allied professionals.
For more information about Well-Being After COVID or its sponsor organizations, contact Laurie Hyland Robertson or Chelsea Roff.