Therapeutic Yoga

In the tradition of yoga, our health is viewed as a multidimensional system that is comprised of body, mind, breath, intellect, and emotions and essentially, their complex interaction. The practice of yoga is founded on the idea that intelligent direction of effort/energy can positively influence change within this complex system. Yoga therapy is the focused use of various yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques to help individuals with a variety of health conditions. It can be a helpful compliment to medical care, and in some circumstances, can be used in place of conventional treatments, such as surgery.

Yoga therapy is similar to other healthcare modalities in that it often done through individual consultations. Yoga therapy can, however, also be provided in a small group setting in which participants seek similar therapeutic outcomes and/or share a similar condition. In one-on-one yoga therapy consultations, the degree of assessment can be extremely detailed, which allows for a treatment plan tailored to suit each individual. However, in group sessions, the degree of assessment can be limited and the treatment plan is tailored more to the general needs of the group, with occasional individual modification provided as needed. In either case, the yoga practices are modified and postures amply propped to make them safer and/or more accessible to clients with injuries or other limitations.

Yoga therapists are required to receive specialized training to foster a supportive relationship between the therapist and client/student, and the skills necessary to effect positive change for each individual.