A Sincere Conversation With Leila Davoudi

In the silence of the breath, 

there is a path toward inner light, 

where the body finds rest 

and the soul remembers its true self. 

Yoga 

is not the movement of the body, 

but the return of awareness 

to its own home. 

To become more familiar with the International Holistic Yoga Therapy Institute, you are invited to read the  following interview.

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your position at the International Yoga Therapy  Institute. 

Hello. My name is Leila Davoudi. I am a Yoga teacher, Children’s Yoga teacher, Meditation teacher,  Ayurveda practitioner, Corrective Yoga teacher, and a researcher in the fields of Yoga and health-related  sciences. Throughout my professional journey, I have pursued Yoga education with a scientific, mindful, and holistic approach, while continuing my studies in Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Ayurveda, Yogic lifestyle,  and the scientific applications of Yoga.

I have also completed specialized studies and training in Yoga Therapy and corrective approaches, striving  to integrate the knowledge of Yoga with a deeper understanding of the human body, anatomy, movement  sciences, and individual needs.

Currently, I serve as the Research Manager and Head of the Research Committee at the International  Holistic Yoga Therapy Institute. In this role, I am responsible for reviewing and collecting credible scientific  resources, developing research activities, producing and presenting scientific content, reviewing current  research articles, supporting researchers, and creating a bridge between the authentic knowledge of Yoga,  Ayurveda, and modern scientific findings.

My goal is to contribute to the scientific development of Yoga and to provide education that preserves the  authenticity of this knowledge while being based on awareness, safety, and scientific evidence.

2. What has your learning journey been like, and what has changed your perspective on Yoga  over the years? 

My journey of learning Yoga has been continuous and enriched by experience, study, and research. I began  with foundational Yoga training and gradually continued my education in various fields, including Yoga for  Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Corrective Yoga, Children’s Yoga (for children with autism), Meditation, Pranayama, Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and the scientific understanding of the human body.

Throughout these years, what has changed my perspective on Yoga more than anything else has been  gaining a deeper understanding of the comprehensive nature of this discipline. For me, Yoga is no longer  simply a collection of physical postures; it is a method for creating harmony between the body, mind,  breath, emotions, and human lifestyle.

Furthermore, becoming more familiar with scientific research and recent studies has shown that Yoga can  play an effective role in areas such as stress management, improving quality of life, enhancing body

awareness, and supporting overall health. This perspective has inspired me to teach Yoga with greater  responsibility, greater attention to individual differences, and a more scientific approach.

3. How do you create a balance between the physical aspects (Asana) and the mental/spiritual  aspects (Philosophy) in your classes? 

In my teaching, I strive to create a balance between the physical and mental aspects of Yoga. Asanas are  not only intended to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and enhance movement function, but also  provide an opportunity to increase awareness of the body, the breath, and one’s connection with oneself.

Alongside physical practice, I use breathing techniques, concentration, relaxation, meditation, and the  principles of Yoga philosophy so that the student can experience Yoga more completely.

I believe that Yoga has a deeper impact when physical practice is accompanied by the cultivation of the  mind, increased awareness, and the development of inner balance.

4. Is Yoga simply a form of exercise for you, or is it a way of life? How does this perspective  influence your teaching? 

For me, Yoga is not merely a form of exercise; it is a conscious way of life. The principles of Yoga—such as  self-awareness, discipline, balance, breath control, mental calmness, and a deeper understanding of the  human being—can be present in every aspect of life.

This perspective has led me to focus not only on the correct execution of postures but also to help students  experience the importance of awareness, caring for the body, managing stress, and creating balance in  everyday life.

My goal is for Yoga not to be limited to class time, but to become a healthy perspective and way of life for  those who practice it.

5. What has been the greatest ethical or professional challenge you have faced during your  teaching career, and how did you manage it? 

One of the most important professional challenges in my teaching journey has been maintaining a balance  between individuals’ desire for rapid progress and the principles of safety and physical well-being.  Sometimes people want to perform more advanced postures as quickly as possible, but the responsibility of a teacher is to consider each individual’s physical condition, abilities, and limitations.

In such situations, I try to guide them through scientific explanations, respect for their individual condition,  appropriate modifications to the postures, and the selection of suitable practices. In my view,  responsibility, professional ethics, and protecting people’s health are always more important than achieving a particular posture quickly.

6. When teaching different groups, how do you apply modifications to postures in order to  prevent injuries? 

In teaching Yoga, I always consider individual differences because each person has different needs based on age, physical condition, movement history, flexibility, and physical limitations.

By using the principles of Corrective Yoga, adjusting the range of motion, correcting body alignment, and  using supportive props such as blocks, straps, walls, blankets, and other supportive equipment, I adapt the  practices to suit different conditions.

I believe that the goal of Yoga is not to achieve a specific external shape of a posture, but to cultivate  awareness, balance, health, and a better connection between the individual and their body. Therefore, the  practice should be adapted to the individual, not the individual forced to adapt to the practice.

7. If a client with a specific condition (such as a lumbar disc injury or high blood pressure) joins  your class, what is your assessment process and how do you modify your program? 

In such situations, I first obtain comprehensive information about the individual’s condition, medical  history, movement limitations, medications, and general health status. If there is a specific disease or  injury, I consider the importance of coordinating with the individual’s physician or relevant healthcare  professional.

Then, based on the individual’s condition, appropriate practices are selected, including corrective  movements, breathing exercises, relaxation practices, and techniques that are compatible with their  physical condition.

My goal in these situations is to create a safe and beneficial experience for the individual, and I always  strive to respect the boundaries of my professional expertise and work within the scope of Yoga instruction.

8. How do you create a balance between static and dynamic practices in a Yoga Therapy session? 

When designing a session, I select dynamic and static practices according to the individual’s physical  condition, the purpose of the practice, and their specific needs.

Generally, gentle dynamic movements can be used to prepare the body, increase circulation, and develop  movement awareness. These are followed by static practices to enhance concentration, balance, muscular  strength, and the connection between the mind and body.

At the end of the session, through breathing practices, relaxation, and meditation, I strive to help the  nervous system return to a state of balance and calm.

9. How do you explain the relationship between the parasympathetic nervous system and  breathing techniques (Pranayama) in stress management to a client? 

I explain to the client that breathing has a direct relationship with the nervous system. During stress, the  body enters a state of alertness, and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system increases.

Proper Pranayama practices, especially slow, deep, and mindful breathing, can help activate the  parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with relaxation, reduced tension, improved  concentration, and a greater sense of balance.

For this reason, I consider Pranayama to be one of the essential components of Yoga practice, capable of  playing an effective role in stress management, increasing awareness, and regulating the connection  between the body and the mind.

10. How do you manage the class environment so that it is calm and effective for both beginners  and advanced practitioners? 

I strive to create a class environment in which each individual can experience their own practice without  feeling comparison or competition.

In my teaching, I present postures with appropriate levels of progression and provide necessary  modifications for different conditions so that individuals with varying abilities can practice together in a safe and peaceful environment.

Respect for individual differences, effective communication with participants, attention to each person’s  needs, and creating a non-judgmental atmosphere are among the key principles of my class management. I  believe that a successful class is one in which participants feel calm, confident, and safe.

11. If, during the class, a client experiences severe anxiety or loss of concentration, what would  your professional response be? 

In such situations, I first try to calmly and attentively assess the individual’s condition and, without creating  a sense of concern or drawing the attention of others, provide an appropriate environment for them.

If necessary, I ask the individual to step away from performing the posture for a while and gradually regain  balance through breathing techniques, relaxation, focusing on the breath, and body awareness.

I also try to understand the cause of the anxiety or loss of concentration and, if needed, modify the  intensity or type of practice. In yoga instruction, paying attention to an individual’s psychological and  emotional state is just as important as their physical condition.

12. What is your approach to providing constructive feedback to clients who have difficulty  performing the postures? 

I always provide feedback with respect, patience, and the intention of helping the individual improve. I first  highlight the positive aspects of their performance and then explain the corrective points in a simple and  understandable manner.

If necessary, I use posture demonstrations, verbal explanations, supportive props, and appropriate  modifications so that the individual can establish a better connection with the posture.

I believe that effective feedback should increase an individual’s awareness, self-confidence, and motivation, rather than create feelings of inadequacy or comparison with others.

13. How do you ensure the creation of a safe space, both psychologically and physically, in your  class? 

Creating a safe space is one of the most important principles of yoga instruction. I strive to maintain a calm, respectful, and non-judgmental classroom environment so that every individual can practice with a sense of safety.

From a psychological perspective, I respect individual differences, emotions, and each person’s unique  circumstances, and I avoid comparing individuals with one another.

From a physical perspective, by emphasizing the correct execution of postures, the appropriate use of  supportive teaching props, proper body alignment, and consideration of each individual’s limitations, I  strive to minimize the risk of injury.

14. How do you design a yoga program based on an individual’s unique physiological and  psychological needs? 

Designing a yoga program should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the individual, as each  person’s physical condition, emotional state, lifestyle, and goals are different.

I first gather information about the individual’s physical condition, movement history, limitations, breathing pattern, stress level, sleep quality, and personal goals. Based on this information, I design an appropriate  combination of asanas, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, meditation, and lifestyle-related  recommendations.

Throughout this process, I apply the principles of corrective yoga, anatomical knowledge, and, when  appropriate, yoga therapy approaches to ensure that the practices are safe, purposeful, and tailored to the  individual’s condition.

15. What educational aids, such as belts and blocks, do you use for exercises in your classes? 

In yoga education, particularly in corrective yoga, educational aids play an important role in ensuring safety, enhancing body awareness, and facilitating the correct performance of movements. Depending on each  individual’s condition, I use tools such as yoga blocks, belts, walls, blankets, bolsters, and other supportive  equipment.

The purpose of using these tools is to help maintain proper body alignment, reduce unnecessary strain,  increase the safe range of motion, and provide opportunities for individuals with different abilities and  conditions to practice.

I also teach the correct use of these tools and their application in correcting postural conditions and  improving the quality of practice in the corrective yoga courses I offer.

16. How do you assess and document a client’s progress? 

To assess an individual’s progress, I first evaluate their initial condition, including their physical condition,  movement history, limitations, goals, level of physical fitness, breathing quality, and level of body  awareness.

Throughout the sessions, I pay attention to changes in the individual, their progress in performing  movements, physical sensations, level of relaxation, quality of practice, and feedback. This process helps  me modify the exercise program when necessary and tailor it to the individual’s condition.

From a research perspective, recording and documenting this process is also highly important, as it can  contribute to the scientific evaluation of the effects of yoga practices and the development of evidence based educational methods.

17. If you observe signs of an injury or a need for medical treatment in a client, how do you  determine the boundary between your responsibilities as an instructor and those of a physician? 

As a yoga teacher, my responsibility is to provide instruction that is correct, safe, and appropriate for the  individual’s condition. However, diagnosing illnesses or providing medical treatment falls within the scope  of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

If I observe signs of an injury, unusual pain, or a condition that requires medical evaluation, I refer the  individual for professional assessment and modify the exercises as much as possible according to their  condition.

I believe that collaboration among yoga instructors, physicians, and healthcare professionals can lead to the best outcomes for individuals’ health.

18. What new knowledge or skills have you learned in the field of yoga or related sciences, such  as anatomy or psychology, during the past year? 

During the past year, I have focused extensively on studying and researching areas related to yoga,  corrective yoga, pranayama, Ayurveda, and the relationship between the body and mind.

In the field of Ayurveda, I have continued my studies of concepts such as the five primary elements, or  Pancha Mahabhuta, nutrition from an Ayurvedic perspective, Ayurvedic cleansing practices, Rasayana, and  their relationship with the yogic lifestyle.

I have also been following recent scientific studies in anatomy, movement science, nervous system  function, meditation, and the role of breathing practices in stress management, so that I can provide  instruction based on up-to-date knowledge.

19. How do you keep yourself up to date in the changing world of yoga, including changes in  methods and international standards? 

To stay up to date, I continuously study scientific articles, review reliable international sources, participate  in specialized courses and webinars, and follow new research in the field of yoga and related sciences.

In my role as the Research Director of the Institute, I also strive to review new scientific resources and make practical materials available to the yoga community for the development of education and research.

I believe that a yoga teacher should always remain committed to learning and continually develop their  knowledge in accordance with scientific advances and new standards.

20. If you had to choose one distinctive feature of your teaching style that sets you apart from  others, what would it be? 

The distinctive feature of my teaching style is the combination of practical experience in teaching yoga with  a scientific and research-oriented approach.

In my teaching, in addition to focusing on the correct performance of asanas, I also pay attention to body  anatomy, individual differences, breathing, the mind, yoga philosophy, and lifestyle.

My experience in corrective yoga, teaching children, meditation, and Ayurvedic studies has also helped me  design and provide practices according to the needs of individuals.

21. What is your vision for the role of yoga therapy in public health over the next 5 years? 

In my opinion, in the coming years, yoga therapy and yoga-based approaches can play an increasingly  important role in prevention, public health promotion, stress management, mental health, musculoskeletal  problems, and improving quality of life.

Of course, the development of this field requires standardized education, stronger scientific research, and  collaboration among instructors, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

Our goal should be to ensure that yoga, while preserving its authenticity, is applied in a scientific, safe, and  responsible manner to serve the health of society.

22. As the Research Director of the International Institute of Yoga Therapy, what research have  you conducted, and what research do you plan to conduct? 

In my role as the Research Director of the Institute, my focus has been on developing scientific resources,  reviewing reliable articles, and conducting studies related to yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda.

Among the research articles and topics that I have presented and reviewed at the Institute are: What is Ayurveda?

What is the philosophy of Ayurveda?

The Five Primary Elements (Pancha Mahabhuta): The Fundamental Elements in Ayurveda Nutrition in Yoga from an Ayurvedic Perspective

The Role of Ayurvedic Cleansing and Retreats in Yoga Therapy

Marma and Yoga Therapy in the Treatment of Headaches: A Holistic Clinical Approach

I am also currently studying and collecting scientific resources on pranayama, the effects of breathing  techniques on the nervous system, Rasayana, Ayurvedic cleansing practices, the yogic lifestyle, and the  applications of yoga in physical and mental health.

23. What future do you envision for research in the field of yoga therapy? 

I see the future of research in yoga and yoga therapy as very broad and promising. In the coming years, I  expect more studies to be conducted on the relationship between yoga and neuroscience, mental health,  chronic diseases, healthy lifestyles, aging, and preventive medicine.

Furthermore, interdisciplinary research involving yoga, Ayurveda, psychology, physiology, and medical  sciences can contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of these  approaches.

In my view, the future of this field depends on rigorous research, the standardization of education, and  stronger connections between traditional knowledge and modern science.

24. As your closing statement, please mention anything you consider necessary. 

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that yoga, for me, is not merely a physical activity, but a  comprehensive body of knowledge for better understanding the human being and creating balance among  the body, mind, and life.

I hope that through the expansion of scientific research, standardized education, and collaboration among  specialists, we can strengthen the role of yoga, corrective yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda in promoting  the health of society.

As a yoga teacher and research professional, I also strive, through continuous learning, research, and the  accurate transmission of knowledge, to make a small contribution to this path.

Thank you for your warm presence and participation in this interview. 

Interviewer: Shahin Valadi 

International Holistic Yoga Therapy Institute (IHYTI)

 

گفتگویی صمیمانه با سرکار خانم لیلا داودی