Creating inclusive wellness spaces is more than just a goal; it’s a responsibility for wellness professionals. Yoga and other healing practices have deep roots in diverse cultural traditions, yet these origins are often overlooked or misrepresented in Western contexts.

As professionals seeking certification in yoga and wellness, it is essential to honor the past, recognize present disparities, and actively work towards fostering environments where everyone feels safe and respected.

Acknowledging the History of Exclusion

Yoga, a practice with thousands of years of history in South Asia, has been commodified and reshaped into a global industry. This was thanks in part to prominent South Asian teachers spreading the teachings to Western students - and in some cases encouraging them to teach. While its growth in the West has made yoga accessible to many, this transnational movement has in some cases erased or denigrated the credit that should go to South Asian cultures. Sadly, it’s possible to find yoga students who are unaware that yoga derives from South Asia at all.

Historically, exclusionary policies, such as the 1924 U.S. Immigration Act, barred many Asian practitioners from sharing their traditions. Meanwhile, many Westerners adapted and commercialized yoga without proper acknowledgment of its origins.

Today, many wellness spaces still lack accurate representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Publications and media often showcase able-bodied, white, and young individuals as the “face” of yoga, perpetuating stereotypes and alienating those who don’t fit this mold.

Recognizing this history is the first step toward creating more inclusive spaces.

Understanding the Importance of Representation

Representation matters. Seeing diverse bodies, identities, and cultural practices in wellness spaces not only validates individual experiences but also broadens the accessibility of these practices.

For example, featuring teachers and practitioners from underrepresented groups can challenge biases and create a welcoming environment for all.

Inclusivity also involves recognizing intersectionality—the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, gender, and ability. Understanding how these identities overlap helps create spaces that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. As we “unlearn” the mistakes made by our predecessors, we can work clean up our shared spaces. The suggestions below can be a start of action and inquiry for the yoga professional.

Practical Steps for Creating Inclusive Spaces

1. Honor the Cultural Roots

Respect the origins of practices: Use traditional names for yoga poses and learn correct Sanskrit pronunciation. Avoid renaming poses or practices for marketing purposes. Should you be teaching in a trauma-sensitive manner that involves teaching solely in the student’s native language, still choose one concept you can share in Sanskrit each session or class.
Acknowledge the source: Mention the cultural origins of practices during sessions to educate participants and honor the traditions.

2. Foster Safe and Welcoming Environments

Go beyond tolerance: Strive to create safe spaces where participants feel welcomed and free from judgment or discrimination.
Request consent: Always ask before providing physical adjustments during yoga sessions. Trauma-informed practices are essential for respecting participants’ boundaries.
Use inclusive language: Ensure that your instructions and communication do not alienate or exclude anyone based on their identity or abilities.

3. Address Accessibility

Financial accessibility: Offer sliding scale fees, scholarships, or discounts for marginalized communities. However, remember that BIPOC is not synonymous with poverty; provide options without making assumptions.
Physical accessibility: Ensure your spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities by providing adaptive equipment and accommodations.

4. Challenge Bias and Prejudice

Reflect on personal biases: Examine and address unconscious biases that may influence your behavior or decision-making. Notice how these biases manifest in interactions with different groups.
Call out harmful behavior: Lovingly and firmly address instances of racism, sexism, ableism, and other prejudices within your community. Encourage open dialogue and mutual learning.

5. Promote Reciprocity

Support marginalized communities: Partner with organizations, host fundraisers, or donate resources to communities from which wellness practices originate. This creates a cycle of mutual benefit and respect.
Amplify diverse voices: Use your platform to highlight the contributions and concerns of underrepresented groups in wellness spaces.

Moving Towards a Collective Healing Space

The practice of yoga is deeply rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence), which calls us to actively reject harm in all forms. Inclusivity aligns with this principle by addressing systemic inequalities and fostering environments where all individuals can heal and thrive. As yoga professionals, embracing social justice as part of our practice is not optional but necessary.

Creating inclusive wellness spaces requires ongoing effort, reflection, and learning. By honoring the cultural roots, fostering accessibility, and challenging biases, we can ensure that wellness truly becomes a space for everyone.

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How to Create Inclusive Wellness Spaces