What Is Yoga Therapy?
Although the practice of Yoga has been around for centuries, the term "Yoga Therapy" is relatively new. Yoga therapy sessions are much more comprehensive than a typical Yoga class available to the general public.
Yoga Therapists have in-depth training that allows them to assess their clients limitations and injuries, while keeping them safe at all times. While Yoga Therapists cannot diagnose or treat diseases, they will work with you to address specific goals and can often coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure you are getting the care you need.
By definition:
"Yoga Therapy differs from traditional yoga focused primarily on postures in several ways. It has a clearly defined scope of practice based on educational standards, accreditation of training programs, and certification of therapists. It includes a focus on all of the yogic practices, as well as appropriate modifications adapted to individual needs. IAYT-certified yoga therapists acquire specific skill sets and practical experiences to enable them to work with individuals using a BPSS approach." (Pearson, et al 2020)
What can Yoga Therapy help with?
Yoga Therapy can help with a range of concerns:
Pain Issues including back & neck pain, arthritis, PMS, and other chronic pain conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
Neurological Issues such as MS, ALS, Parkinson's and traumatic brain injuries or concussions
Mental Health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and insomnia
Major Illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease
Expecting Mothers and Postpartum support
Healthy Aging concerns like Fall Prevention & osteoarthritis
A growing body of research has begun to confirm that Yoga Therapy promises to offer relief from a number of chronic pain and debilitating conditions. For more information, visit www.IAYT.org
References
1. Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance. (2016). 2016 Yoga in America Study. Retrieved from www.yogajournal.com/yogainamericastudy/
2. Holtzman, S., & Beggs, R. T. (2013). Yoga for chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Research & Management, 18(5), 267–272.
3. Bhavanani, A. B., Sullivan, M., Taylor, M. J., & Wheeler, A. (2019). Shared foundations for practice: The language of yoga therapy. Yoga Therapy Today, Summer, 44–47.
