Sage Patanjali was an awakened being. His image, symbolically, is depicted as a half-snake and half-human. The snake represents awareness and alertness, which are so crucial for spiritual awakening. Yoga for Health and Happiness: focuses on incorporating authentic yoga as a daily practice. This includes the practice of physical postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation/deep relaxation (dhyana) and knowledge (gyana) mainly from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Nick Shroff, MD, FACS, ERYT; Professor of Research & Teaching Faculty, VaYU

Nick Shroff is a board-certified urologist, cancer surgeon, health care consultant, and experienced yoga teacher. He practiced conventional Western/allopathic Medicine for over four decades, integrating modern therapy experiences and skills with complementary Medicine. He teaches yoga, mindful breathing, and holistic living to improve individuals’ health and well-being. 

As President of the American Prostate Cancer Foundation (APCF), he is a social innovator who leverages his education, experience, and leadership skills to uplift elderly and underserved populations in low-income communities. He teaches an integrated medical practice that combines yoga and holistic living, affirming their agreement with modern science. 

 Among the leadership roles he has held are co-founding and serving as chair of the Integrated-Accountable Care Organization’s Governing Board (ACO); serving as President of the Indian American Urological Association from 2012 to 2014; and serving as Chair of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Charitable Foundation  He is the Director of Research & Development of the WHEELS GLOBAL FOUNDATION Healthcare Advisory Committee. 

  Simmons Cancer Center Community Advisory Board in the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement, Dallas, TX

  Mentor Young Scientists (YSA) for Research, Innovation & Community Service in Texas. Awarded in Oct 2025 for Mentor recognition, yoga in Medicine & community mentorship, and providing guidance and opportunities to young scientists for research and community service.

Level 3 Yoga Teacher BadgeLevel 3 Yoga Teacher

Nick Shroff, MD, FACS, ERYT
Prof. of Research & Teaching Faculty, VaYU
President, American Prostate Cancer Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri Sri School of Yoga (SSY): The Sri Sri School of Yoga is founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a global humanitarian and thought leader in yoga and meditation who is fully established in the self. The School seeks to expand the world’s understanding of yoga through education and training that are steeped in the Vedas – the original roots of yoga – and a long lineage of masters while making yoga accessible and applicable for modern day use for people of all ages, abilities, cultures, and religions.

Suggested Links to Dr. Shroff’s articles. Please click on Hyperlink