I have always been fascinated by human biology and the intricate, often unknown mechanisms that keep us alive every day. Isn’t the human body a miracle? For me, the answer has always been a resounding yes. This curiosity led me to study biological sciences for over a decade, culminating in a PhD in biology in 2020.
As a scientist, I always thrived on asking “why” and hunting for answers. The joy of contributing to knowledge that could one day benefit humanity motivated me deeply. However, this focus on the rational and analytical side of life left little room for spirituality or non-logical experiences.
The Turning Point: My First Encounter with Yoga
In March 2020, just one day after defending my PhD thesis, two significant events occurred. First, the Covid lockdown began in Switzerland. Second, I stepped onto a yoga mat for the very first time, following a YouTube video.
Why? At this time, I don`t even know what made me step on that mat. But I know for sure: my motivation was purely physical. Months of sitting at a desk left me craving movement. Little did I know that this simple act would mark the beginning of a profound transformation.
Over time, yoga became an integral part of my daily life. Yoga in a park, Yoga at home. Yoga, wherever I was. Beyond physical fitness, I began to notice deeper changes: I became calmer, more balanced, and more energized. Most importantly, for the first time in my life, I experienced moments of simply being—without analyzing, thinking, or questioning.
And believe me, as a scientist, that is a rare thing!
These moments of stillness, particularly in shavasana, felt both strange and beautiful. Those five minutes of peace and solitude became a treasured part of my day. I knew this newfound clarity and calmness was because of yoga.
…for the first time in my life, I experienced moments of simply being
—without analyzing, thinking, or questioning”
The Leap into Yoga Teacher Training
Four years and countless Down Dogs later, I felt the urge to deepen my practice. “My” yoga wasn’t enough anymore. Driven by curiosity and a desire to explore yoga beyond its physical aspects, I finally had the courage to enroll in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in 2024. I wanted to understand why yoga had such a profound impact on me. I craved a deeper understanding of the correct alignment in asanas, the role of breathwork, and the science behind why yoga made me feel so good.
While I initially joined to deepen my own practice, I found so much more than I had expected. Through the training, I learned that some things simply are—true and powerful, even without explanation. Some truths simply need to be experienced. This realization was both humbling and empowering.
Bridging Two Worlds: Science and Yoga
Yet, the scientist in me couldn’t entirely let go of that question. On our first YTT weekend, someone asked whether scientific studies exist to back up yoga’s benefits. The response was surprising: “Not really.”
But my inner scientist wasn’t satisfied. Back home, I started digging into scientific literature and found something fascinating—while there aren’t overwhelming numbers of studies, thousands of papers have been published on yoga’s effects. The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge; it’s a lack of communication.
As someone who is actively teaching workshops on science communication, I know how challenging it is to bridge the gap between research and the public. Scientific findings often remain locked within academic circles, and when shared, the message can be overly simplified, still too complex or misrepresented.
With my unique background in biological research, yoga, and science communication, I realized I was in a position to bring these worlds together. I could use my skills to explore the science of yoga and share it with others in an accessible, engaging way.
The idea for the blog: Science and Yoga was born.
My goal is to leverage my scientific knowledge and communication skills to shine a light on the scientific underpinnings of yoga. I want to share the research, the evidence, and the possibilities in a way that is clear and inspiring—without diminishing the personal, spiritual experiences that yoga offers.
For me, yoga is a beautiful coexistence of rational thinking and spiritual moments, of science and stillness. My hope is that this blog will inspire others to explore that balance for themselves.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking to enhance your classes with scientific insights, someone curious about starting yoga, or simply interested in learning more, I hope this space provides value. Together, we can explore what lies beyond yoga and deepen our understanding of this incredible practice.
© 2025 Yoga and Science