Yoga methods incorporated by social workers in their personal and professional practices and social work education

This study aims to examine the relationship between yoga, social work practice, and social work education and find the yoga methods incorporated by social workers in their personal and professional practice and social work education. This review used PRISMA 2020 guidelines to identify, screen, and access the eligibility of available academic studies. In total, 6079 articles were identified. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected and reviewed. These ten selected articles were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. The findings showed that social workers incorporate yogic postures and mindfulness more often for personal well-being. They use breathing methods to support clients in their professional practice. Mindfulness is advocated and practiced more often than postures and breathing methods in the social work pedagogy and education. The critical review of the selected articles showed six emerging themes concerning yoga and social work. Grounded in mindfulness-to-meaning theory and polyvagal theory as theoretical frameworks, this study discussed these six emerging themes. This review is the first systematic review conducted exploring relationships between yoga and social work practice and social work pedagogy in the last ten years. Eight out of ten selected studies were authored by social work professionals and academics who are trained yoga teachers, showing that social workers who are already practicing yoga for personal well-being are the catalysts for transferring their direct experience to their professional practice. This systematic review also authenticates the need to incorporate yoga as a complementary therapeutic intervention in social work practice and social work pedagogy.