We acknowledge that yoga, a 3000 year-old philosophy and science, serves as a holistic approach to health - a mind-body “medicine” that supports the student’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

Recent scientific studies of yoga and its therapeutic benefits have increased substantially. It is important and imperative that these benefits be brought to light. Yoga is currently classified as nonessential, when it is scientifically proven to have life changing health benefits.Yoga is an essential service and we must acknowledge its importance for the prevention and treatment of disease.

The importance of physical fitness cannot be emphasised enough. In today's society that is moving towards a more sedentary lifestyle, there is a greater need than ever to increase the daily activity level to maintain both cardiovascular fitness and body weight.

It is our hope that you will sign the following petition and share it with others in the yoga community: students, teachers, doctors and scientists. Let’s acknowledge yoga as a whole health system that supports the entire individual and is essential, immune building and healing.