Yoga Care Foundation Premier Event Features Yoga Therapy Pioneer Gary Kraftsow

The first event sponsored by the Yoga Care Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the art, science, and community of yoga, will be held on Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Yoga Yoga Westgate, 4477 S. Lamar, in Austin, TX. The keynote speakers at this event will be Gary Kraftsow– internationally renowned teacher, author, speaker and Director of the American Viniyoga Institute – and Rich Goldstein, Managing Partner at Yoga Yoga in Austin, Texas. They will address the historical role of yoga in our health care and culture, and the vital role yoga will continue to play in this growing arena. This event is designed to honor the founders and donors who have contributed to the creation of the Yoga Care Foundation and is by invitation only.

The Yoga Care Foundation has three primary missions, which are to provide access to yoga instruction for disadvantaged populations; to research, explore and inform about the physiological, psychological and therapeutic effects of yoga; and to educate the public about the traditional teachings and benefits of yoga. This yoga-centric organization’s fundraising activities will support research, education, and community outreach around the benefits and practice of yoga.

Through the methodology and practice of Viniyoga, Gary Kraftsow has been a leading advocate of the benefits of integrating yoga therapy into modern medicine. A pioneer in the transmission of yoga for health, healing and personal transformation for 30 years, he drafted the protocol for a National Institutes of Health sponsored clinical study that validated the effectiveness of Viniyoga therapy for back pain. Through his ongoing work, Kraftsow continues to show how Viniyoga therapy helps individuals facing health challenges manage their condition, reduce symptoms and restore balance. For more information about Kraftsow, visit the American Viniyoga Institute website at www.viniyoga.com

Rich Goldstein’s background as a consultant and business owner of traditional businesses (sales and manufacturing) and non-traditional businesses (multiple yoga studios) gives him unique insight into the areas of marketing, operations, and new business development. His work style combines conventional business strategy with a heartfelt desire to serve. Goldstein has been practicing yoga since 1981, teaching Kundalini Yoga since 2001 and is a RYT at the 200-hour level. He teaches courses on integrating conscious business practices rooted in yogic principles for aspiring yoga instructors and business people concerned with a more heart-centered work experience. His interest in scientific research about yoga and its applications to health care programs led him to establish the Yoga Care Foundation.

For more information about the Yoga Care Foundation or the event on November 15, call (512) 358-1200 or visit www.yogayoga.com/yogacarefoundation