Yoga Therapy is a growing field committed to research and education on the treatment of a multitude of mental and physical health concerns and conditions using the multifaceted, ancient philosophy and practice of yoga.
The yoga therapy model offers a variety of unique, comprehensive, and individualized treatment plans set to obtain the client’s goals, in conjunction with other forms of treatment, by looking at the whole person – physical, mental, energetic, spiritual, and intellectual body. A trained yoga therapist will explore diet and exercise, habitual patterns, lifestyle, posture, energy levels, emotional traumas, and physical abilities/injuries in order to treat all aspects of the client’s needs. A yoga therapist might also be considered a lifestyle management expert or exercise and wellness specialist. Yoga therapy may be used to treat existing mental and physical health issues, but is also used in prevention of disease and health maintenance.
The International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) is a professional organization founded in 1989 as a leader in science and research of yoga as a healing component. In 2016, they began offering an accreditation program for currently 28 yoga therapy trainings worldwide.
How Yoga Therapy Differs from a Yoga Class
Yoga Therapy customizes the yoga to the person, not the person customizing themselves to fit the practice.
A yoga class and a yoga therapy session can both be extremely therapeutic, but it’s important to identify the differences when choosing what is the right fit for you.
Many go to a yoga class for exercise or to be surrounded by like minded people. The classes may have a subject focus, be heated, and the classes may be more general to accommodate an array of abilities and body types. The yoga instructors of a yoga class will have a variety of instructional styles and education.
Yoga therapy is a client-centered approach tailored to individual goals and needs and is available to all ages, body types, flexibility, and experience. Yoga therapy can help individuals who are active as well as those who are immobile due to health conditions. Therapists are trained to assess the client by asking thorough questions, listening to the client, observing breath and movement, and using appropriate touch when necessary to achieve the client’s specific goals. A trained yoga therapist will help you to reduce or manage your symptoms, improve function, improve your attitude to your imbalance or disease, help you establish attainable goals, and train you to learn to heal yourself from the inside out. You don’t have to know anything about yoga to begin seeing a yoga therapist.
What to expect in yoga therapy sessions:
- Yoga Philosophy and Ethics (Yama & Niyamas)
- Intention and Affirmation (Sankalpa)
- Physical Postures (Asana)
- Address specific areas of discomfort/musculoskeletal imbalances.
- Functional Movement
- Myofascial Release Techniques
- Breathing Practices (Pranayama)
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Mindfulness Practices
- Imagery and Visualization
- Sound (Mantra/Chanting)
- Hand Gestures (Mudras)
- Ayurveda (Science of Yoga)
- Lifestyle & Dietary Adjustments
- Marma Technique (Vibrations)
- Essential Oils
Yoga Therapy and You
Why should you consult a Yoga Therapist?
- Addiction
- Amputation/Prosthetic/Wheel-chair bound
- Anxiety/Depression/Stress/Tension
- Post Traumatic Stress (PTS/PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Chronic Pain/Arthritis/Fibromyalgia
- Functional movement issues/Injury/Illness/Surgery
- Digestive issues
- Grief and Loss
- Cardiac Issues
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Overcoming cancer and side effects of chemo
- Scoliosis or other musculoskeletal issues
- Struggle with balance
- Improve your flexibility and/or strength
- Diagnosis of condition in which doctor recommends gentle yoga
- Major life transitions
- Incorporate a self-care and/or a health and wellness routine into your life
- Experience fatigue, insomnia, sleeplessness, sleep disorders
- Want private yoga sessions / do not feel ready for a group yoga class
- Enjoy group classes, but are seeking some new ways of individualizing your practices
Steps to Success:
Pre-Appointment Assessment:
Prior to the first appointment, you will receive a questionnaire that is aimed at getting you to start thinking about your habits, routines, concerns, and goals. This is all helpful information for the yoga therapist to come into your first face-to-face session with some additional questions and some ideas to try. If you are unsure of your goals, a therapist can help you come up with a goal!
In-Person Initial Assessment:
The initial assessment session typically lasts between 60 and 75 minutes. During the first appointment, the yoga therapist will cover the questionnaire with you, ask additional questions regarding daily routines, perform an observational assessment on how you breathe, walk, and sit, as well as clarify simple goals. Based on the session, the yoga therapist will likely have small changes/techniques to try out together and ask you to practice until the next session.
Follow-up Session:
The first follow-up session, and any subsequent appointments will last 60 minutes. During the follow-up appointment, you and the yoga therapist will discuss how the small assignment(s) went (any notes, likes, dislikes, etc). The yoga therapist will also practice additional ideas (physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation options, etc) with you based on your goal(s).
