About Dr. Mala Cunningham

An Innovator in the Field of Lifestyle Medicine.
A Leader in the Health, Spa and Resort Industry


President – Positive Health Solutions

Founder & Director ~ Cardiac Medical Yoga


Founder & Director ~ Limited Mobility Yoga & Hospital Bed Yoga

Executive & Management Consultant

Counseling Psychologist


Certified Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT


M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D., C-IAYT

Dr. Cunningham is a leading speaker, author, and educator in the field of Lifestyle Medicine Medical Yoga, and Health Psychology. She is the President of Positive Health Solutions and is the Founder and Director of the renowned certification training program Cardiac Medical Yoga. She is also the Founder of Limited Mobility Yoga and Hospital Bed Yoga. Dr. Cunningham has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin / Madison and has been in private practice in Charlottesville, Va.for over 25 years.

Dr. Cunningham is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing where she teaches courses in Lifestyle Medicine and Medical Yoga. She has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally and is a widely recognized authority in neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, health and business psychology, stress management and medical yoga. Dr. Cunningham is certified in Auricular Acupuncture and is a certified yoga teacher from two traditions. She has taught and practiced in these areas for over 35 years.

Dr. Cunningham is also 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 three popular CD’s entitled: Neuroscience, Yoga and Mindfulness; Healing Journey; and Before and After Surgery: Guided Imagery & Relaxation for Surgery Patients.

Dr. Cunningham has been prominently featured in print, radio, and TV as an expert in Lifestyle Medicine, Corporate Wellness, Medical Yoga, and Health Psychology. Her knowledge base and her informative lectures make her a much sought after speaker for keynote presentations and workshops. She resides in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Academic Background:

University of Virginia School of Nursing – Clinical Assistant Professor (current)
University of Virginia Medical School – Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin / Madison – Adjunct Assistant Professor
Northern Illinois University – Adjunct Assistant Professor

Television / Radio Appearances:

WORT Radio – Madison, Wisconsin
CBS Local Evening News, Madison, Wi.
WINA Radio – Charlottesville, Va.
Gibraltar Television News, Gibraltar

Body & Soul (A Martha Stewart Publication), 2018
Virginia Bride, 2012
Clinical Psychiatry News, 2007
Chicago Life, 2006
Heart Healthy Living – Better Homes and Gardens, 2006
Integral Yoga Magazine, 2004
C-ville Weekly, 2004
New Age Retailer, 2004
Spa Finder Magazine, 2004
Monster Featured Reports, 2003
Charlottesville Daily Progress, 2001
Yoga Journal, 2001
UVa Link 2001
Inside UVa 2001
Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association, 2000

Keynote or Featured Speaker (Sampling):

Preventive Cardiology Nurses Association, Va. Chapter
Meriter Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehab
American Counseling Association
Alaska Palliative Care Conference
American College Personnel Association
Virginia Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehab
Kentucky Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehab
Holistic Health & Medial Conference, Bangalore, India
American Association of Imagery
National Wellness Association