Skip to main content

Chase Bossart

Followers

21

Following

1

Mentions

16

Public Views

Yoga & Meditation Teacher in the Viniyoga Tradition of Mr. TKV Deśikachar.
20+ year personal student of Mr. Deśikachar
MA in Religious Studies - University of California, Santa Barbara
BA in Philosophy & Religion - Colgate University

www.yogawell.com

less

Uploads

Papers by Chase Bossart

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self-reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants' experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone's life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and instructions; and (4) their prior experiences with the object of meditation. Summaries of the practices, and why and for whom each meditation might be beneficial are discussed. The authors' perspectives are grounded in Viniyoga and yoga therapy.

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga Meditation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jun 21, 2019

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self-reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants' experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone's life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and instructions; and (4) their prior experiences with the object of meditation. Summaries of the practices, and why and for whom each meditation might be beneficial are discussed. The authors' perspectives are grounded in Viniyoga and yoga therapy.

Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

International journal of yoga therapy, 2007

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing m... more This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing modality. It is important to distinguish between adapting a system of knowledge, like Yoga, to specific contexts, and altering the system to fit it into another quite different system of knowledge, such as conventional Western medicine. To illustrate this difference, the paper demonstrates how three ancient Indian anatomies (the pañcamaya model, the prâna vâyus model, and the subtle anatomy model) are foundational to the practical application of Yoga for healing. The practice of Yoga as a healing modality is based on theory and principles, and not only on methods and techniques.

IJYT - What Prepares a Yoga Therapist

Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2007

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing m... more This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing modality. It is important to distinguish between adapting a system of knowledge, like Yoga, to specific contexts, and altering the system to fit it into another quite different system of knowledge, such as conventional Western medicine. To illustrate this difference, the paper demonstrates how three ancient Indian anatomies (the pañcamaya model, the prâna vâyus model, and the subtle anatomy model) are foundational to the practical application of Yoga for healing. The practice of Yoga as a healing modality is based on theory and principles, and not only on methods and techniques.

The Yoga Tradition Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind–... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind–body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants’ experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone’s life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and ins...

The Yoga of Healing: Exploring Yoga's Holistic Model for Health and Well-being

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2005

This article provides an introductory outline of the theoretical foundations for the therapeutic ... more This article provides an introductory outline of the theoretical foundations for the therapeutic application of Yoga. Over the course of its several thousand year history,Yoga has evolved and refined highly effective models and tools for healing and health, many of which are discussed in the article. These models and tools are interconnected and interdependent, each one supporting the other while at the same time addressing specific aspects of the whole human system. The article also emphasizes Yoga's holistic view of the student/patient. Yoga addresses every aspect of the human system, including the body, the mind, emotions,breathing patterns, relationships, etc. The article shows how Yoga's particular methodology enables the educated and skilled Yoga teacher to design practices tailored to respect the individuality of each person and situation.

Yoga Combined With Health Education for Risk Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study

Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism, 2015

Objective: The primary treatment for adults with risk factors for metabolic syndrome is lifestyle... more Objective: The primary treatment for adults with risk factors for metabolic syndrome is lifestyle change, though adoption of traditional lifestyle programs is often limited. This pilot study tested the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial comparing a novel targeted yoga program coupled to lifestyle education versus lifestyle education alone among adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Design and methods: Patients from primary care clinic were pre-screened electronically and further screened for metabolic syndrome. Consented participants were randomized to either a 12-week yoga program with lifestyle education or lifestyle education alone. Participants in the yoga arm received weekly 30 to 45 min of face-to-face yoga instruction, followed by 30 to 45 min of lifestyle education, and written instructions for home yoga practice and lifestyle changes. The lifestyle education was based on (EDU) the Group Lifestyle Balance Program that is adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program. Participants in EDU only group received a weekly standardized curriculum matched in attention and time to the yoga with EDU arm. The primary outcome was to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial by assessing recruitment rate and adherence to the protocol. Secondly, we aimed to collect preliminary data on changes in cardiometabolic factors including insulin resistance (IR) as measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), blood pressure, fasting lipids, body weight and composition, habitual physical activity, and dietary intake from baseline to 12-week intervention. Results: We identified 238 adults at high risk for metabolic syndrome medical records review utilizing an electronic recruitment tool. Among eligible individuals, 67 (28%) were enrolled and 56 (84%) completed the 12-week assessment. The median attendance was 8 of 12 sessions for the yoga with EDU and 9 of 12 sessions for the EDU arm. Self-reported median frequency of home practice was 2.8 (IQR 1.4) times per week among the yoga with EDU group and 3.3 (IQR 1.1) times per week among the EDU group. Participants in the yoga with EDU arm versus EDU alone demonstrated a non-significant decrease in HOMA-IR (-0.21 (S.D. 0.99) versus 0.02 (S.D. 0.74), p=0.29). Both groups had similar changes in blood pressure, lipids, weight, body composition, energy intake, and physical activity from baseline to 12 weeks. Conclusions: It is feasible to implement yoga combined with EDU and conduct a prospective trial to assess effectiveness on cardiometabolic risk reduction in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Pilot Study Intra-Dialysis Yoga and Educational Comparison Group for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2014

Feasibility and Safety of Intradialysis Yoga and Education in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation, Jan 10, 2015

Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis are much more sedentary than he... more Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis are much more sedentary than healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a 12-week intradialysis yoga intervention versus a kidney education intervention on the promotion of physical activity. We randomized participants by dialysis shift to either 12-week intradialysis yoga or an educational intervention. Intradialysis yoga was provided by yoga teachers to participants while receiving hemodialysis. Participants receiving the 12-week educational intervention received a modification of a previously developed comprehensive educational program for patients with kidney disease (Kidney School). The primary outcome for this study was feasibility based on recruitment and adherence to the interventions and safety of intradialysis yoga. Secondary outcomes were to determine the feasibility of administering questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks including the Kidney Disease-Related ...

Development of an Intra-dialysis Yoga Protocol for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, 2015

Objective: Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis are physically inac... more Objective: Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis are physically inactive. We describe the rationale and process of developing a targeted yoga therapy intervention to promote physical activity among this population. Methods: An intra-dialysis yoga protocol was devised through a process of expert consensus. All yoga therapists were trained in the tradition of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V. Desikachar. Protocol development occurred in 4 stages: 1. Education of panel on end-stage renal disease and haemodialysis; 2. Discussion of potential therapeutic benefits of yoga for the population; 3. Identification of therapeutic goals for the population; and 4. Yoga protocol development. The protocol was subjected to critical feedback by other yoga therapists, clinical researchers, and nephrologists. Protocol: A yoga practice was developed to be administered over 12-weeks during dialysis (intra-dialysis yoga; IDY) and offered during each dialysis session (3 times a week). The therapeutic goals of the practice were to improve physical function, reduce cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, and cardiovascular disease), improve fatigue, reduce muscle cramps, improve mood, and help patients' cope with chronic medical illness and dialysis treatment. The yoga tools selected for use were movement, breathing, and meditation. Movements (asana) were designed to be done during dialysis sessions recognizing the limitations of patients having to remain in a chair. Breathing practices emphasized relaxation by utilizing deeper breathing (langhana) and other specific techniques (sitali). A water meditation (dhyana) was chosen to further support relaxation and enhances the experience of purification which is akin to dialysis treatment. Conclusion: We developed a yoga intervention through a process of expert consensus of yoga therapists, researchers and clinicians. Therapeutic goals for the yoga practice were identified a priori to protocol development. This process may be useful in future research design and to help focus outcome selections for clinical trials.

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self-reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants' experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone's life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and instructions; and (4) their prior experiences with the object of meditation. Summaries of the practices, and why and for whom each meditation might be beneficial are discussed. The authors' perspectives are grounded in Viniyoga and yoga therapy.

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga Meditation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jun 21, 2019

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind-body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self-reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants' experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone's life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and instructions; and (4) their prior experiences with the object of meditation. Summaries of the practices, and why and for whom each meditation might be beneficial are discussed. The authors' perspectives are grounded in Viniyoga and yoga therapy.

Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

International journal of yoga therapy, 2007

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing m... more This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing modality. It is important to distinguish between adapting a system of knowledge, like Yoga, to specific contexts, and altering the system to fit it into another quite different system of knowledge, such as conventional Western medicine. To illustrate this difference, the paper demonstrates how three ancient Indian anatomies (the pañcamaya model, the prâna vâyus model, and the subtle anatomy model) are foundational to the practical application of Yoga for healing. The practice of Yoga as a healing modality is based on theory and principles, and not only on methods and techniques.

IJYT - What Prepares a Yoga Therapist

Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2007

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing m... more This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the West, in the context of Yoga as a healing modality. It is important to distinguish between adapting a system of knowledge, like Yoga, to specific contexts, and altering the system to fit it into another quite different system of knowledge, such as conventional Western medicine. To illustrate this difference, the paper demonstrates how three ancient Indian anatomies (the pañcamaya model, the prâna vâyus model, and the subtle anatomy model) are foundational to the practical application of Yoga for healing. The practice of Yoga as a healing modality is based on theory and principles, and not only on methods and techniques.

The Yoga Tradition Yoga Bodies, Yoga Minds: How Indian Anatomies Form the Foundation of Yoga for Healing

This paper discusses the importation of Yoga into the

Beyond Scientific Mechanisms: Subjective Perceptions with Viniyoga

Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind–... more Healthcare professionals and research scientists generally recognize the potential value of mind–body practices grounded in ancient wisdom, but often have limited direct experience with such practices. Meditation participant self reports provide a window into subjective experiences of three Viniyoga meditations and how and why those meditations could contribute to health and well-being outcomes. Each of the meditations in this analysis had a unique structure and used a different aspect of the ocean as a meditation object. Yoga philosophy and yoga anatomy models of the human system are used to help explain participants’ experiences and associated personal benefits and insights. Four aspects of the individual that can influence what happens for them in meditation are illustrated with tangible examples: (1) What is happening in generally in someone’s life; (2) the state of their system (mind, body, breath) around the time of the meditation; (3) reactions to the meditation steps and ins...

The Yoga of Healing: Exploring Yoga's Holistic Model for Health and Well-being

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2005

This article provides an introductory outline of the theoretical foundations for the therapeutic ... more This article provides an introductory outline of the theoretical foundations for the therapeutic application of Yoga. Over the course of its several thousand year history,Yoga has evolved and refined highly effective models and tools for healing and health, many of which are discussed in the article. These models and tools are interconnected and interdependent, each one supporting the other while at the same time addressing specific aspects of the whole human system. The article also emphasizes Yoga's holistic view of the student/patient. Yoga addresses every aspect of the human system, including the body, the mind, emotions,breathing patterns, relationships, etc. The article shows how Yoga's particular methodology enables the educated and skilled Yoga teacher to design practices tailored to respect the individuality of each person and situation.

Yoga Combined With Health Education for Risk Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study

Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism, 2015

Objective: The primary treatment for adults with risk factors for metabolic syndrome is lifestyle... more Objective: The primary treatment for adults with risk factors for metabolic syndrome is lifestyle change, though adoption of traditional lifestyle programs is often limited. This pilot study tested the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial comparing a novel targeted yoga program coupled to lifestyle education versus lifestyle education alone among adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Design and methods: Patients from primary care clinic were pre-screened electronically and further screened for metabolic syndrome. Consented participants were randomized to either a 12-week yoga program with lifestyle education or lifestyle education alone. Participants in the yoga arm received weekly 30 to 45 min of face-to-face yoga instruction, followed by 30 to 45 min of lifestyle education, and written instructions for home yoga practice and lifestyle changes. The lifestyle education was based on (EDU) the Group Lifestyle Balance Program that is adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program. Participants in EDU only group received a weekly standardized curriculum matched in attention and time to the yoga with EDU arm. The primary outcome was to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial by assessing recruitment rate and adherence to the protocol. Secondly, we aimed to collect preliminary data on changes in cardiometabolic factors including insulin resistance (IR) as measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), blood pressure, fasting lipids, body weight and composition, habitual physical activity, and dietary intake from baseline to 12-week intervention. Results: We identified 238 adults at high risk for metabolic syndrome medical records review utilizing an electronic recruitment tool. Among eligible individuals, 67 (28%) were enrolled and 56 (84%) completed the 12-week assessment. The median attendance was 8 of 12 sessions for the yoga with EDU and 9 of 12 sessions for the EDU arm. Self-reported median frequency of home practice was 2.8 (IQR 1.4) times per week among the yoga with EDU group and 3.3 (IQR 1.1) times per week among the EDU group. Participants in the yoga with EDU arm versus EDU alone demonstrated a non-significant decrease in HOMA-IR (-0.21 (S.D. 0.99) versus 0.02 (S.D. 0.74), p=0.29). Both groups had similar changes in blood pressure, lipids, weight, body composition, energy intake, and physical activity from baseline to 12 weeks. Conclusions: It is feasible to implement yoga combined with EDU and conduct a prospective trial to assess effectiveness on cardiometabolic risk reduction in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Pilot Study Intra-Dialysis Yoga and Educational Comparison Group for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2014

Feasibility and Safety of Intradialysis Yoga and Education in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation, Jan 10, 2015

Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis are much more sedentary than he... more Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis are much more sedentary than healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a 12-week intradialysis yoga intervention versus a kidney education intervention on the promotion of physical activity. We randomized participants by dialysis shift to either 12-week intradialysis yoga or an educational intervention. Intradialysis yoga was provided by yoga teachers to participants while receiving hemodialysis. Participants receiving the 12-week educational intervention received a modification of a previously developed comprehensive educational program for patients with kidney disease (Kidney School). The primary outcome for this study was feasibility based on recruitment and adherence to the interventions and safety of intradialysis yoga. Secondary outcomes were to determine the feasibility of administering questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks including the Kidney Disease-Related ...

Development of an Intra-dialysis Yoga Protocol for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, 2015

Objective: Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis are physically inac... more Objective: Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis are physically inactive. We describe the rationale and process of developing a targeted yoga therapy intervention to promote physical activity among this population. Methods: An intra-dialysis yoga protocol was devised through a process of expert consensus. All yoga therapists were trained in the tradition of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V. Desikachar. Protocol development occurred in 4 stages: 1. Education of panel on end-stage renal disease and haemodialysis; 2. Discussion of potential therapeutic benefits of yoga for the population; 3. Identification of therapeutic goals for the population; and 4. Yoga protocol development. The protocol was subjected to critical feedback by other yoga therapists, clinical researchers, and nephrologists. Protocol: A yoga practice was developed to be administered over 12-weeks during dialysis (intra-dialysis yoga; IDY) and offered during each dialysis session (3 times a week). The therapeutic goals of the practice were to improve physical function, reduce cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, and cardiovascular disease), improve fatigue, reduce muscle cramps, improve mood, and help patients' cope with chronic medical illness and dialysis treatment. The yoga tools selected for use were movement, breathing, and meditation. Movements (asana) were designed to be done during dialysis sessions recognizing the limitations of patients having to remain in a chair. Breathing practices emphasized relaxation by utilizing deeper breathing (langhana) and other specific techniques (sitali). A water meditation (dhyana) was chosen to further support relaxation and enhances the experience of purification which is akin to dialysis treatment. Conclusion: We developed a yoga intervention through a process of expert consensus of yoga therapists, researchers and clinicians. Therapeutic goals for the yoga practice were identified a priori to protocol development. This process may be useful in future research design and to help focus outcome selections for clinical trials.