Helping Tsunami Survivors
Hundreds of yoga teachers in India are helping tsunami survivors by leading yoga classes and teaching meditation and breathing techniques to people in tsunami-affected areas. According to a report in the Khaleej Times Online, the federal government of India is implementing a mental health program to assist in rehabilitation. Health Secretary P.K. Hota points out that the mental health effort is part of a multipronged approach to help restore the habitat and livelihood of the people.
Yoga teachers from all parts of the world are joining in the outpouring of support for tsunami victims by contributing to fundraising efforts to support survivors. For example, in Washington, DC, Georgetown Yoga sent proceeds from classes held specifically to provide aid, as well as money raised during a Thai yoga massage open house organized by instructor Matt Borer, who had returned from Thailand in December—only 1 week before the disaster.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
