This opening session establishes a clear and grounded foundation for understanding how yoga is being researched, implemented, and integrated within healthcare environments today.
We are joined once again by Christiane Brems and Geno Carvalho of YogaX at Stanford Medicine. YogaX is a clinical and research initiative at Stanford Medicine, dedicated to integrating yoga into healthcare through evidence-informed practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program develops clinical offerings, supports applied research, and partners across medical and allied health systems to expand access to yoga-based approaches for mental and physical health.
As leaders and researchers within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Christiane and Geno are helping shape the integration of yoga into clinical and allied health settings through interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, and applied research.
During our time together, we will share insights into current research efforts, the realities of integrating yoga within healthcare systems, and the broader ecosystem of professionals, institutions, and educational pathways shaping this evolving field.
This session provides an opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of the current landscape and to situate yoga professionals within the broader conversation around integrative health. Participants will leave with greater awareness of the research environment, the professional ecosystem, and the considerations involved in bringing yoga into healthcare settings.
About the Author
Christiane Brems, PhD, ABPP, ERYT-500, C-IAYT
Christiane Brems is a licensed clinical psychologist, board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and Director of YogaX within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and decades of experience as an academic leader, applied researcher, and clinician, she has held senior faculty and administrative roles at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Pacific University Oregon, where she also developed a therapeutic yoga clinical initiative and research team. An Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, certified yoga therapist, and Advanced Professional Development Provider, Dr. Brems integrates yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and guided imagery within healthcare contexts. Her work, funded by agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has resulted in more than 120 peer reviewed publications and multiple books on the clinical application of yoga.
Geno Carvalho, MPH, ERYT-500
Geno Carvalho is a Community Health Educator and Program Manager and Yoga Teacher Trainer with YogaX at Stanford Medicine, where he supports program development, research initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate yoga into clinical and allied health settings. Holding a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Education, he brings interdisciplinary training as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. His current doctoral work bridges yoga philosophy, lifestyle medicine, and public health frameworks to support wellbeing, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and pain management within healthcare systems. In collaboration with national professional organizations, he contributes to curriculum development and professional standards that support accessible models of integrative care, grounded in evidence informed and systems-oriented approaches.
The views expressed in this online workshop/virtual event are those of the participant(s) and do not purport to reflect the policy or position of Yoga Alliance (YA) or the Yoga Alliance Foundation (YAF). Further, the participation by an individual or entity in this event, and any reference to a product or service, do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of such by YA or YAF.
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