I spent last week immersed in Yoga Therapy training. It was an educational and intensive time of applying yoga techniques to relieve common ailments many experience as part of their healing process.
I've had many ask me - what is Yoga Therapy? Yoga Therapy applies yoga practices, at various levels, to compliment an individual's health treatment plan. Yoga therapy encompasses breathing, stretching, facia release, and stabilization exercises.
Many people will come up to me in a yoga class (or chair yoga class) and tell me that the stretches and/or breathing exercises we did that day were ones their doctor/physical therapist has suggested for their medical condition. I've had others come into class expressing yoga was suggested to help them with their specific health diagnosis. While I LOVE YOGA, a group yoga class isn't always the best option for those experiencing various chronic health conditions. Many times, an individual assessment and specific yoga practice designed for that person's unique health concern is the best option.
Yoga Therapy is becoming a great asset to those seeking alternative treatment for health concerns. Yoga Therapy is able to compliment doctor treatment plans and can give the body another outlet to reduce pain/inflammation, physical and emotional stress, blood pressure, muscle tension, and many more. As with any treatment plan, there are no guarantees that everyone's body will experience the same degree of relief with use of yoga techniques.
If you have been thinking about coming to a yoga class to help with your health condition, but aren't sure the best option for your body - contact me. Together we can assess your concerns and devise a plan to help you find relief. We all have different goals for our bodies - some of us have genetic traits we are combating (osteoporois, heart disease, etc), others have a desire to increase mobility and movement in specific areas. Share your goals with me and we can work together to help you get started on your journey.