Yoga Therapy Defined

Yoga Therapy is like basic Yoga since it uses a wide range of practices that promote all-round positive health, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation. Yoga Therapy is unique, however, since the exercises are customized to the individual’s particular medical conditions or goals. Clinical research shows evidence that Yoga Therapy is effective in treating many specific conditions. A treatment plan can be created using Yoga Therapy alone or in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. In my personal experience working with clients, I have found yoga to be successful in treating many chronic conditions that have persisted despite conventional treatments.

Yoga Therapists may come from a variety of backgrounds, but should hold a professional degree as a health care provider or have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and functional biomechanics. They should be competent in adapting the principles of yoga to the client’s unique needs. Their level of education is important because it ensures they will be familiar with disease processes, normal healing times, and most importantly, contraindications to participation in yoga. The Yoga Therapist should be informed of diagnosis, prescriptions, and previous or current treatments pursued to create the safest and most appropriate sessions.

Private Yoga Therapy services are sought for several reasons. Here are just a few:
1) To ensure safe body mechanics before entering a group yoga class. This is especially important if there has been a recent injury or if re-injury is possible.
2) For a person who regularly attends yoga and has been injured.
3) For a person seeking a customized home exercise program. This is relevant to someone who likes to exercise in the privacy of their own home or travels regularly.
4) To address a individual physical or emotional conditions not addressed in group settings.
5) For the person who likes to be empowered with control over their own healing.

By encouraging clients to learn an independent practice and self-awareness, Yoga Therapy has potential to reduce the use of medications and expenditure on doctor visits and prescriptions.

"Yoga therapy is the use of the techniques of Yoga to create, stimulate, and maintain an optimum state of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health." Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P,T.