Don’t get the wrong idea - Yoga Therapy is not about working out or changing your body. Yoga Therapy is based on the calming of the mind and finding the light in your heart.
There are a wide range of Yoga Therapy tools including postures, breath regulation, meditation, dietary recommendations, lifestyle suggestions, chanting, visualisations / affirmations, special energetic seals, symbolic gestures and guided self-inquiry. These can all be useful to treat a wide variety of physical and mental health problems.
Yoga Therapy originates with Krishnamachrya who worked mainly one on one with people and used a variety of yoga tools depending upon the needs of the individual in order to create creates a balance in their systems. Although Yoga Therapy draws from the ancient tradition it is compatible with the modern theories of the importance of mind-body connection.
One of the most important parts of Yoga Therapy is working with our breath. It is helpful to learn to slow our breath which in turn slows our stress response and heart rate. This simple tool is excellent for slowing and lessening panic attacks, outbursts of uncontrolled anger and other times where true self control is needed.
Yoga Therapy is particularly good for treating depression and anxiety and dealing with the effects of trauma. In our sessions breath and yoga postures are used alone or in conjunction with Art Therapy as appropriate. Yoga therapy is also suitable for not only those struggling with mental or emotional problems, it is an excellent therapy for those wishing to reach equilibrium and further their understanding of themselves.
I am engaged in continual further training at the Svathsa Yoga Therapy Program and Viniyoga Healing and Yoga Foundation.
The word Svastha in Sanskrit literally means “to stay as your self” and refers to the state of optimal health and balance in body and mind.
If you'd like to try Yoga Therapy or find out more contact me here.
"What is yoga therapy? It is about knowing what you are doing and why ...using the tools of yoga intelligently and adapting the tools of yoga to the individual" - Dr. Ganesh Mohan