Chat Session 90 with Manya and Rose
Topic- The convergence of ancient yoga practices and modern science is gaining significant research interest. For Manya, with her extensive background in biological sciences, and Rose, a cardiologist and PhD candidate, this study represents a beautiful synergy between these two disciplines.
Monday 13th January 2025 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Podcast 🎧 https://megaphone.link/LCRUI9130000671
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with two remarkable women—Manya, a scientist and the passionate owner of Prana Yoga Studio in Dromana, and Rose, a cardiologist at Alfred Hospital. We discussed a groundbreaking study on yoga’s impact on heart health, specifically its benefits for those living with atrial fibrillation (AF). Our conversation explored the intersection of traditional yoga practices and modern medical research, highlighting the exciting potential of combining these two worlds for improved heart health.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Tradition
The convergence of ancient yoga practices and modern science is gaining significant research interest. For Manya, with her extensive background in biological sciences, and Rose, a cardiologist and PhD candidate, this study represents a beautiful synergy between these two disciplines.
“Yoga has been around for thousands of years, but it is only now that we are beginning to understand the mechanisms behind its benefits,” says Manya. “It’s fascinating to see how the scientific community is validating what yogis have known for centuries—that yoga is a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being.”
Rose, who is conducting her PhD research under the guidance of Prof. Peter Kistler at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, echoes this sentiment. “Integrating holistic practices like yoga with conventional medicine can offer a more comprehensive approach to health. This study is just one example of how we can bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science.”
The Science Behind Yoga: Insights from a New Study on Atrial Fibrillation
Our conversation turned to the study itself, which examines how yoga can serve as a complementary approach to managing atrial fibrillation. This common heart condition is characterised by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
“Our research is exploring how regular yoga practice may help reduce AF symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially influence heart rhythm regulation,” explains Rose. “We’re particularly interested in how yoga can impact the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in heart function.”
Manya, both a research affiliate at the Baker Institute and a yoga teacher, is contributing her expertise to the study. “Yoga, with its combination of movement, breath control, and mindfulness, offers a unique way to engage the mind-body connection,” she says. “We’re eager to see how these elements can benefit individuals living with heart conditions.”
Manya’s Journey: From High-Stress Career to Yoga
Understanding Manya’s journey provides a deeper insight into her commitment to the study. With a doctorate in biological sciences and a successful career in academia and biotechnology industry across Europe and Asia, Manya was no stranger to high- pressure environments. However, the demanding nature of her work took a toll on her health and well-being.
“In 2022, I decided to leave my high-stress job and fully embrace the world of yoga,” Manya shares. “I took over a boutique studio in Dromana, Prana Yoga and Wellness, which has since become a welcoming space for people of all ages and fitness levels.”
Since then, Manya has completed over 1,000 hours of yoga training, including specialised studies in yoga therapy. She also developed a passion for capturing human movement through photography and co-founded a biotechnology consulting firm with a few international colleagues. This firm focuses on commercialising early- stage Australian biotech innovations and expanding Western businesses into the Asia Pacific market. She often jokes that if she hadn’t started yoga when she did, many of these additional ventures might not have come to fruition as quickly.
Atrial fibrillation
AF is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder worldwide and increases with increasing age. In addition to troubling symptoms, AF is associated with increased risk of heart failure and stroke. The management of atrial fibrillation is multipronged, focusing on stroke prevention with blood thinners as required, medications and procedures (AF ablation) to try and maintain the heart in normal rhythm and management of risk factors and lifestyle modification. Medications or ablation in isolation are less likely to be successful in controlling AF if other lifestyle and risk factors are not addressed. There is good evidence that weight loss, exercise and alcohol cessation all help to reduce AF. There are also smaller, less robust studies showing benefits of yoga for AF patients; however we want to investigate this in a more rigorous study with a large group of patients.
Yoga for EVERY BODY: Manya’s Approach to Teaching
Manya’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Yoga is for everybody.” She believes that yoga is a deeply personal practice with no one-size-fits-all approach. “Whether you are a seasoned yogi or stepping onto the mat for the first time, there is always a way to adapt the practice to suit your needs,” she says. “Some days, you might have the energy for a dynamic practice, and other days, you might need something gentler. The key is to listen to your body.”
In her classes, Manya emphasises alignment and form, guiding her students to understand the muscles and body posture involved in each pose. Her breathwork sessions focus on technique and the experiential sensation of lung expansion, oxygenation, and mental clarity. This methodical approach helps practitioners cultivate mindfulness and presence.
Beyond group classes, Manya offers private yoga therapy sessions tailored to individual health challenges, both mental and physical. Her trauma-informed yoga approach provides a safe space for achieving optimal health, using yoga tools to create a personalised practice that addresses specific needs.
The Impact of Yoga on Heart Health: What the Future Holds
As we concluded our chat, Manya and Rose reflected on the potential of their collaborative study to change how we think about heart health. “We’re hopeful that this research will not only validate yoga as a valuable complementary therapy for AF but also open doors for more integrative approaches in medicine,” says Rose
Manya adds, “Yoga isn’t just about flexibility or physical strength; it’s about finding balance—both on and off the mat. And for those dealing with heart conditions, that balance can be life changing.”
The study is ongoing, but early results are promising. By combining the ancient wisdom of yoga with the rigor of scientific research, Manya and Rose are paving the way for more studies in this field. “To truly understand how yoga works, we need scientific interpretation, research studies, and data-backed evidence that show yoga’s tangible benefits,” Manya emphasizes.
DO YOU HAVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF) AND ARE WILLING TO PRACTICE YOGA?
Discover More -Please read below on how to register for the study.
The Alfred hospital and Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute are conducting a research project to determine if practising yoga reduces episodes of AF.
This is a world first randomised study to explore the benefits of yoga in heart disease. Half of the participants will practice yoga, and the other half will receive standard care. The principal investigator (PI) is Professor Peter Kistler from the University of Melbourne and Monash Universities. All costs for the yoga classes and testing are supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. State of the art testing will include:
❤️ Heart rhythm monitoring
❤️ VO2 max – cardiopulmonary test on a treadmill or bike
❤️ echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
❤️ blood tests
❤️ questionnaires
To be eligible you must be:
❤️ aged 18-80
❤️ have atrial fibrillation
❤️ a yoga novice (you cannot have practised yoga in the last 6 months)
❤️ You must be eligible for Medicare
❤️ physically able to practice yoga 3 times per week (preferably at a local gym/studio near you).
If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact the Yoga-AF study team: 0455 167 073 or annie.curtin@baker.edu.au
For more information about Atrial fibrillation visit Heart Foundation
Curious to experience yoga and the benefits for yourself?
Visit Manya at Prana Yoga Studio in Dromana, where yoga meets science to support your journey toward well-being. For those interested in a deeper dive, stay tuned for future workshops and discussions on holistic approaches to heart health, blending science and yoga for optimal well-being.
Follow Prana Yoga and Wellness and keep up with what’s happening
Prana Yoga & Wellness7 Beach Street, Dromana VIC
0401 857 524
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YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
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To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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