YOGA THERAPY
Yoga therapy is the professional and most effective application of the principles of yoga to support people dealing with an illness, a temporary health condition or a chronic health challenges to relax, relieve stress and manage the symptoms in addition to treatment by a healthcare provider.
What Is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to health and well-being, that is emerging as a profound and effective method for promoting physical, mental, and emotional healing. Rooted in ancient yogic traditions, yoga therapy goes beyond the physical postures commonly associated with yoga. It involves a personalized application of yogic principles and practices to address various health concerns and enhance overall wellness. Yoga therapy is growing in significance in the realm of integrative healthcare.
Yoga Therapy is most effective when the client demonstrates a strong commitment and motivation to practice consistently. In my experience, this means practicing every day. It demands discipline, commitment, and introspection beyond the scope of attending a regular yoga class. The rewards, both physical and mental, as well as the deep spiritual insights gained, far surpass those achieved from simply attending yoga sessions.
Foundations of Yoga Therapy
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Yoga therapy finds its roots in the ancient philosophy of yoga, a holistic system that seeks to unite the mind, body, and spirit. The term "yoga" itself means union, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of human existence. Yoga therapy builds upon this foundation, recognizing that imbalances in one area of life can impact the whole. Drawing from classical yoga texts and teachings, modern yoga therapy integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and psychology.
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Principles of Yoga Therapy
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Central to yoga therapy is the belief that each individual is unique, and as such, their path to healing should be personalized. The therapist considers not only the physical symptoms but also the mental and emotional aspects of the individual. The practice involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness techniques. These elements work synergistically to restore balance and promote self-awareness.
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Benefits of Yoga Therapy
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The benefits of yoga therapy are wide-ranging, addressing various health conditions and promoting overall well-being. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength, and balance. It has been shown to alleviate chronic pain, improve cardiovascular health, and support immune function. On a mental and emotional level, yoga therapy reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It fosters a sense of calm and resilience, empowering individuals to cope with life's challenges
How Does Yoga Therapy Work?
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Although yoga has been practiced in some form for millennia, we are just beginning to understand these mechanisms from a Western scientific perspective. A tool applied in one area-say, a breathing practice can profoundly affect a completely different area of the body or the mind. For example, a yoga therapist might teach a client a particular type of breathwork ("pranayama") to help them address their chronic asthma; if the client practices that breathing exercise regularly, she might find that her long-time anxiety has eased, too, or perhaps his habitual neck tension has disappeared.
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Researchers think this works partly because of yoga's ability to regulate the nervous system and possibly to affect the way the brain processes information. Another reason yoga therapy works so well is that it's not a treatment done
to a patient-yoga therapists instead empower their clients to tap into their own innate healing capabilities.
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Applications in Integrative Healthcare
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Yoga therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of integrative healthcare. Medical professionals acknowledge its potential to complement conventional treatments and enhance the overall effectiveness of patient care. Yoga therapists often collaborate with healthcare providers to create customized plans that align with medical recommendations. Conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, mental health disorders, and even cancer treatment side effects can benefit from the integrative approach of yoga therapy.
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Yoga therapy stands as a powerful and holistic approach to healing, embracing the essence of yoga's ancient wisdom in a modern context. Its personalized and integrative nature sets it apart as a valuable tool in promoting health and well-being. As individuals continue to seek alternative and complementary methods for their healthcare, the path of yoga therapy offers a transformative journey toward balance, healing, and self-discovery. Through the union of ancient wisdom and contemporary science, yoga therapy illuminates a pathway to a healthier, more harmonious life.
IAYT
The International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT), founded in 1989, represents more than 5,500 yoga and healthcare professionals worldwide. IAYT's mission is to establish yoga as a recognized and respected therapy, To learn more about it visit goldcordyoga.com.iayt or yoga therapy.health.
"Dare to be a an empire of hope."
from movie "Caprini"
Yoga Therapy for Diverse Health Challenges
Yoga therapy has shown positive effects in various health conditions, including:, chronic pain, mental health, cardiovascular health, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders​, autoimmune disorders and digestive Issues.
Below are various health conditions and the potential benefits that individuals with these health conditions might experience through appropriate yoga therapy interventions. It’s important to note that the benefits mentioned are general and may vary from individual to individual. Additionally, individuals should always consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new interventions or therapies.
Research & Articles on Kundalini Yoga &
Yoga Therapy for Diverse Conditions
"Yoga has been practiced in some form for millennia. Still, from a Western scientific perspective we are just beginning to understand the mechanisms behind its effects. Although yoga is not a cure-all for physical or mental problems, a growing body of research confirms yoga therapy’s promise to offer relief from the suffering associated with a number of chronic and debilitating conditions."
– International Association of Yoga Therapist
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Below is a collection of research and articles about the benefits of Yoga Therapy for diverse conditions.
This collection will get updated regularly.
Yoga Therapist vs Yoga Instructor
Yoga therapists have a different type of education, skill set and focus than a yoga instructor. As a graduate from the International Kundalini Yoga Therapy Certification Training program, my training focused on developing my consciousness, sensitivity, experience and skill set. It involved a process of 1,000 hours comprised of 20 educational courses., clinical supervision, individual mentoring, personal development and a final capstone project.
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A general public yoga class can certainly ease everyday aches, pains, and mood complaints. But a yoga therapy session goes much further because it is tailored to the individual. Yoga therapists have in-depth training to help them assess and keep their clients safe.
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Yoga therapists works to address your specific goals while considering any limitations you might be experiencing. The practices your yoga therapist recommends could include the gentlest movements (or no movement at all!), a vigorous physical routine, a relaxing breathing technique or a meditation, or any combination of yogic tools like these-it all depends on what you need to increase your health and well-being.
Yoga Therapist
Requires, at minimum of 200 hours of yoga teacher training program to apply. Programs involved 1,000 hours of training/client contact required for accreditation.
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Education includes health and healthy lifestyle models, common medical conditions (symptoms pathologies, etc), Ayurvedic core principles. basic anatomy/physiology, basic psychology/ psychopathology, principles and practice of yoga therapy.
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Develops skills in clients assessment, goal-setting, therapeutic strategies, client follow-up & navigating the health care system.
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Selects yoga techniques specifically to address individual client's health needs and problems. Focuses on symptoms reduction, functional improvement, and emotional relationship with health condition
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Empowerment of client to be more active in self-care and overcome challenges of health issues.
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May work in different health care settings: private practice, clinic, and hospital. Develops small-group therapies for specific conditions.
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Yoga Instructor
No entry requirements for many programs. Education includes 200 hours of basic anatomy, physiology; history and philosophy of yoga. Training programs of 500- plus hours are available for advanced teaching.
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Focuses on education and instruction on yoga pose alignment, sequencing, correct yoga techniques, yogic breathing, meditation, relaxation, and guidance on yoga practice. It may involve yoga breathing, meditation, mantras, and chanting.
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Yoga poses presented as exercise that may be therapeutic; may or may not include hands-on adiustments from the instructor; yoga philosophy for guiding self-realization.
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Deep breathing is our nervous system love language.
Dr. Lauren Foger Mercy, Psychologist
Testimonials
Anilda Carrasquillo, is a remarkable person. She has clarity of mind, body and soul; beauty, loving kindness and wisdom. Anilda's presence is powerful. She speaks with a soft and gentle voice, with confidence and clear directions.
Ms. Sue Hovey
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