Dr. M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D.

Dr. Mala Cunningham is an author, educator, and leading motivational speaker. A certified yoga therapist in the field of Health Psychology and Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Cunningham has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and a private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia and the President of Positive Health Solutions. As the Founder and Director of the renowned certification training program Cardiac Medical Yoga for heart patients and the Founder of Hospital Bed Yoga and Limited Mobility Yoga, Dr. Cunningham has been instrumental in developing initiatives and innovative programs in the emerging fields of Lifestyle Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychology and Medical Yoga and Mindfulness. She has a unique ability to bring together divergent concepts and make them understandable to her audience. She has been a consultant to businesses and hospitals for over 30 years.

Dr. Cunningham is the author of two innovative books: Medical Yoga: A Gentle and Modified Practice of Yoga for Assistance in Healing and Cardiac Yoga. She has also produced two popular CD programs: Healing Journey and Before and After Surgery: Guided Imagery & Relaxation for Surgery Patients. Dr. Cunningham has been featured featured in print, radio, and television interviews as an expert in Lifestyle Medicine, Corporate Health, Medical Yoga, and Spiritual Psychology.

Praise for M. Mala Cunningham
“Mala has expertise and in-depth knowledge of yoga, neuroscience, and the practices of enhancing mental and physical health. Her wisdom and guidance is steeped in deep personal practice and direct guidance from years of study with yoga masters and neuroscientists. Her teaching is precise, [and her] guidance is result-driven. People transform when they take part in Mala’s classes and workshops. She is the real deal.”
– Cynthia Moore, MS, RD, CDE, Founder of Hygeia Wellness Park

“Mala Cunningham is a wonderful teacher and therapist with a wealth of knowledge in the field of yoga therapy and neuroscience. Yogic practices, including mindfulness and meditation, have been shown to positively influence emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, healing, and resiliency. Mala is an outstanding communicator, and is able to convey these practices, insights and theories to her audience clearly and effectively.”
– Ina Stephens, MD, RYT, IAYT