The Healing Process of Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well being through the application of the philosophy and practice of yoga. International Association of Yoga Therapists
Yoga therapy is a holistic, multi-faceted approach to health care that recognizes the interrelationship between body, mind, emotion and spirit. It helps individuals who are facing health challenges manage their conditions, reduce symptoms, increase vitality, and improve their overall quality of life. It is a complimentary therapy that integrates well with Western medicine and the treatments of other healthcare professionals.
However, yoga therapy can also be used successfully in a small group setting when the participants share a common health challenge. For example, I have tailored group classes for clients with respiratory issues (such as asthma or COPD), Parkinson’s disease, stress or mobility issues. Depending on the severity of the condition, participants in a therapeutic group class may or may not be able to take part in a regular yoga class. However, they can all benefit from a class that takes into consideration the symptoms of their condition and which is designed to both accommodate that condition and improve its symptoms.
Yogic practices that can be used in this therapeutic process include:
· physical postures and movements
· breathing practices
· meditation
· visualization
· relaxation techniques & yoga nidra
· self-reflection
· mantras or mudras
· physical postures and movements
· breathing practices
· meditation
· visualization
· relaxation techniques & yoga nidra
· self-reflection
· mantras or mudras
It is up to the individual therapist to do a careful, compassionate, informed assessment, then craft, from these or other yogic tools, a holistic practice that supports the individual in his or her healing journey.
Yoga therapy can benefit anyone, regardless of fitness level or health condition. As, Monica Cordes, a wise teacher of mine once said, “If you can breathe you can do yoga.”
Joanne Preece
Editor
Editor