WHAT IS YOGA THERAPY?

By: LINA C. ~ AP, IAYT, ERYT-500, NBHWC ~ Leelah Lakshmi

Yoga Therapy is an alternative health care system focusing on physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual systems as they relate to ourselves and our environment.  It is used for prevention, rehabilitation, personal development and growth.

How Does Yoga Therapy Work?

Yoga Therapy works with the body’s natural ability to heal itself.  It doesn’t judge or shame.  It meets you where you are, with no labels, only love. The first step is recognizing that something is out of balance within.  This could be physical, mental, emotional, energetic, or even karmic.

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Ideally, it’s advised to have an initial meeting with the therapist, not only to build rapport, but to outline what the program will look like.

While Yoga and Yoga Therapy come from the same roots, they differ significantly in their approach and application. The training for a Yoga Therapist is far more rigorous than a Yoga Teacher.

In general, Yoga in the west, is practiced primarily as a physical practice in a group setting.  The West has adapted many styles of the physical practice, such as Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Anusara yoga, and Kundalini yoga, just to name a few. Yoga therapy doesn’t focus on any particular style of yoga.  It is a therapeutic approach to yoga, focusing on the specific needs of each individual. Yoga Therapy is typically practiced one-on-one.  It is a beneficial component to a person’s health care.  Working with a Yoga Therapist can be a life changing experience.

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What Does Yoga Therapy Provide?

• Education, or re-introduction of the mind-body-spirit connection

• Provides cognitive restructuring /reframing

• Counseling, SATTVAVAJAYA (Ayurvedic Psychology)

• mindfulness and provides simple practices

• Teaches the relaxation response – breathing, movement, meditation help to calm the nervous system   

• The Goal is to Bring the person back toward Homeostasis on all levels, not just physical

• Builds Compliance and adapts lifestyle and motivation strategies that are comfortable and sustainable

What are the benefits when working with a Yoga Therapist? 

• Rehabilitation of a physical injury or pain

• An understanding of anatomy and physiology                                 

• Understanding of the body’s energy systems

• An understanding of how the mind and emotions work and how they influence both health and disease

• How intuition, mindfulness, and spirituality enhance well-being and vitality

• Therapy is also used as a tool for self-discovery

How Does Yoga Therapy Support Mental Health?

Yoga Therapy provides significant benefits for mental health.

It provides a mind-body approach that reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma by incorporating physical movements, breathing, mindfulness and meditation techniques. All of these enhance emotional regulation and overall well-being.

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Yoga Therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers stress levels.  The first task is to regulate the nervous system.  It also increases GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity and promotes relaxation.

Yoga Therapy can boost mood by releasing endorphins (feel-good chemicals) and improve blood flow to the brain.

•Meditation and mindfulness techniques reduce activity in the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center, leading to a more tempered response to stress.

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 Yoga Therapy fosters awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings; while breathing and mindfulness help improve attention span and concentration.  The focus on controlled movements and breathing help stimulate the vagus nerve.  This enhances heart rate variability and helps the brain to adapt and heal.

Who can Benefit from Yoga Therapy?

Studies show that Yoga Therapy can help with a wide range of mind-body conditions.

It can help with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Yoga Therapy is beneficial for those dealing with chronic pain, or limited mobility. It is beneficial for those that struggle with sleep disorders or fatigue issues. Yoga therapy is appropriate for people with chronic health conditions.  This includes conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and neurological issues. 

It is perfect for anyone seeking improved overall well-being. 

Yoga Therapy is adaptable for people of all ages and abilities.

No prior experience is required or necessary. The Yoga therapist works with the client to create a personalized plan of care.  This is tailored to each individual based on their health and personal goals. The care plan is monitored and adjusted as the client and therapist continue to work together.  It is truly a wonderful way to take care of you!