Cindy Cruz: Applying a Holistic Approach to the Public Health Industry

“If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” These words were spoken by Certified Yoga Teacher Cindy Cruz, a current Master’s student in Public Health at California State University, Northridge. To a yogi these words hold meaning as the entire practice of yoga revolves around the breath. But does this hold true in the public health industry? Not necessarily. Cindy shared her journeys that led her to Yoga and the desire to fuse it and public health together as a unique and preventive approach to the health problems we face today. Cindy spoke a great deal about her work in restorative yoga and its importance. In our society today we have very little time to relax and center ourselves, creating stress and tension. Although restorative yoga may not be as physically demanding as other forms, it helps those who practice to engage and become in touch with their bodies.

Her work that stood out from the rest of her 500-hour Yoga Teaching Training would be her curriculum for the Domestic Violence Center. During her work there she created a spiritual practice by incorporating her knowledge of the chakras, breathing and even chanting which was used to release fear, helping victims regain their voice. Cindy used her knowledge to teach these victims to love themselves and feel their own power. The fusion between health, spirituality and the holistic movement has been far from the eyes of mainstream media until recently. Cindy expressed her excitement about the Student Recreation Center and the Farmers Market as not only a progressive push toward a healthier lifestyle, but as a gentle force to help build a strong sense of community at CSUN.