Therapeutic yoga works with the whole person and in doing so, promotes the identification of the root causes of dis-ease and chronic conditions, facilitating healing. Our interconnected body systems continually seek balance and Yoga Therapy is one of the natural and integrative ways that we can begin to re-establish this balance.
When we are balanced, we are happier; we are better partners, parents, friends and members of our communities. When our interconnected body systems are balanced, we are healthier, we are stronger, more flexible in body and mind, calmer and more resistant to disease and chronic conditions.
Finding balance helps us to be the best version of ourselves. In therapeutic yoga, we focus on achieving balance across the five koshas, or aspects of the self – the body, mind, energy, emotions and what we believe in. The therapeutic application of asana (movement), pranayama (breath) and yoga Nidra (guided meditation) — is individually tailored to each client’s needs and is flexible, adapting to the client’s health issues as well as how the client feels, each time they show up for a session
Working together to develop an appropriate Yoga Therapy program, within the framework of a trusting therapeutic relationship, a trained yoga therapist will guide a client/student towards more self-awareness by making the connections between their stories and their health. With awareness comes the ability to make better choices and build inner resilience.
Research underlies a growing awareness that it is no longer effective to simply treat the symptoms of a disease, particularly with regard to the growing complexity of chronic conditions and the rise of such conditions worldwide. We are complex beings and the structural integrity of our muscular-skeletal system, the health of our immune and digestive systems, our circulatory and lymph systems as well as our hormonal and nervous systems form an interlaced network of connections, and we cannot simply focus on one and expect healing to occur. Working as part of a supportive “team” of medical professionals, nutritionists and by modifying lifestyle practices, the trained yoga therapist teaches movement and breathing practices as part of a tailored yoga therapy programme, to:
Improve breathing and lung capacity * Increase strength and flexibility within each individual’s capabilities * Reduce stress and anxiety * Improve immune function * Improve digestive function * Improve emotional resilience.
