At Mahé Yoga studio, the journey of yoga and holistic healing has always been tied to social change. One of our most powerful initiatives born from this commitment is the Period Empowerment Project, also known as Project Period Ease.

When most people think of yoga, they picture flexible bodies in beautiful shapes, postures that stretch muscles, strengthen joints, and calm the mind. But for many, the real transformation doesn’t come from touching your toes or perfecting a headstand. It begins much more quietly, and often much deeper.

Some promote what they call “down to earth yoga”—explicitly stating that they don’t use incense, don’t chant, don’t believe in mantras, and don’t touch philosophy. Their message is clear: “No fluff, no spiritual stuff. Just movement.” It raises an important—and controversial—question: When we strip away the roots of yoga, is it still yoga?