What is yoga therapy?
In yoga therapy, we take a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to improving our clients’ physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Yoga therapists work with clients to develop tailored plans of care that may include physical yoga practice (asana), breath exercises and training (pranayama), and mindfulness practices (e.g., meditation). Goals in yoga therapy are generally client-driven. For different people, this might look like:
- creating new, healthy patterns of physical movement in the face of injuries or limited range of motion
- learning breathing techniques to help manage energy levels, pain, and mental health
- developing mindfulness and meditation as self-care tools
- having a safe space to reflect on stress levels, work-life balance, and priorities through a yogic lens
- cultivating a sense of wellness even in the midst of illness
Who can be a yoga therapist?
Certified yoga therapists have undergone 1,000 hours of training through an accredited program, certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
What conditions can yoga therapy help with?
The goals in yoga therapy are client-driven. What aspects of your physical, mental, or emotional health do you want to improve?
Beyond client preferences, there is emerging support in the scientific literature of the efficacy of yoga therapy for managing symptoms and improving quality of life in a range of conditions, such as:
- chronic low back pain
- chronic neck pain
- arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- cardiac rehabilitation
- multiple sclerosis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- anxiety
- depression
- schizophrenia