It has been on my mind for some time to create a blog post that might help inform those who are intrigued and curious about Yoga Therapy. It has brought me great fulfillment to work with so many individuals over the last several years. Thank you for teaching me how to hold space for you, as you are.
What is Yoga Therapy?
As defined by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT),
“Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.”
There is a widespread view in the west that one must be fit, flexible, feminine, etc etc, in order to practice Yoga. This can not be further from the truth. Yoga can be practiced by anyone at any time. As long as you are breathing, you can practice Yoga. One of the biggest benefits of seeking a Yoga Therapist is that the work is done in a 1-1 setting. Therefore, the practice is molded to suit you and your current needs.
A Yoga Therapist is not a licensed medical professional. However they have received over 1000 hours of education and a large part of that education includes understanding anatomy and psyche. Your Yoga Therapist can work alongside your medical team to support your overall wellbeing.
Who should see a Yoga Therapist?
Anyone! No, but really. There is no Yoga experience necessary at all to begin Yoga Therapy sessions. In fact, it may be preferred for someone who would not be comfortable or well-suited for a Yoga group class. Some avid Yoga practitioners may seek a Yoga Therapist for a more customized practice to meet their goals. On the other hand, a complete beginner may seek a Yoga Therapist to support physical, mental, or spiritual needs. Yoga can be done in the studio, in your home, online, in a clinic, or even in a hospital bed.
What are the benefits for Yoga Therapy?
The benefits far outreach what I can put on paper! Yoga Therapy can support muscular imbalances, chronic pain, cancer treatments, grief, trauma-recovery, anxiety & depression, daily aches and pains, stress, and more. Yoga is a holistic approach that addresses the whole being. Your Yoga Therapist might even have lifestyle tips and recommendations depending on their scope of practice and education. Yoga is especially beneficial for soothing the nervous system, which all other systems of the body can benefit from.
Read here about how Yoga can help change the brain when coping with chronic pain.
What can I expect in my Yoga Therapy session?
Before your first session, your Yoga Therapist will send you an intake form. See mine here. The questions asked cover the “5 layers of our being”. The physical, energetic, mind, higher wisdom, and spirit. Your Yoga Therapist would like to get an idea of where you are at at each aspect of being so they can pinpoint a starting point for your sessions. What is most important though, is your own personal goals for seeking a Yoga Therapist. That is what your sessions will be focused on. You can always shift these goals at any time.
The initial session is 90 minutes long. In those 90 minutes, we review your intake, answer any questions you might have and clarify your goals. At times a structural assessment can occur (depending on your goals), a breathing assessment, and joint mobility assessment. A relaxation portion is included in every session.
If you are meeting in person, you might be going to your Yoga Therapists office, a yoga studio, or another space the therapist may be renting and working in. If you are meeting online, you would create a space in your home that is big enough for your mat and a few other props. You might want to check that you have enough space by gently swinging your arms and legs in each direction to make sure furniture is not in the way, if possible.
Thereafter, each session is 60 minutes. You can expect a combination of the following:
a verbal check-in & deep listening. This helps your Yoga Therapist cater the practice to meet you where you are at on that particular day
movement: yoga postures and/or flowing movements. Often the practice is more gentle, however it can be rigorous at times. Again, this depends on your goals for yoga
meditation: guided, silent, mudras (hand gestures), muscle relaxation, and more
pranayama: breathing practices. Your Yoga Therapist will choose breathing practices that align with your energy and physicality
home yoga therapy plan: this is a realistic plan for you to do on your own time at home or office. Your Yoga Therapist will co-create this plan with you. It typically is a combination of the above. Over time you may adjust or add to your plan.
What should I do before and after a session?
Because movement is involved, try to not eat a big meal 1-2 hours before your session. If you are online, set up your space with your mat and any props or comfort items you have. Some clients like to bring tea and a candle. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for you to move in all directions comfortably. Afterwards, try to keep in mind what you might have learned during the session and bring it into your day. If you have homework sent by your Yoga Therapist, seek a time that realistically works for you in your day to practice. Often the home practice will be 20 minutes or under. You will get more out of your yoga therapy if you create a home practice. Your home practice might be a handout and/or an audio or video.
Any risks to know?
According to the NIH:
“Yoga is generally considered a safe form of physical activity for healthy people when performed properly, under the guidance of a qualified instructor. However, as with other forms of physical activity, injuries can occur. The most common injuries are sprains and strains. Serious injuries are rare. The risk of injury associated with yoga is lower than that for higher impact physical activities.”
Working one on one with an experienced yoga therapist greatly minimizes the risk.
I hope this helps answer some questions you might have had about Yoga Therapy!
Work with me online from anywhere or in person in New Haven County, CT.