What is the Difference Between Yoga and Yoga Therapy?
Understanding Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is a holistic science.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as “The process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga.”
TKV Desikachar & K. Desikachar define yoga therapy as “a practice that not only addresses the illness in a multi-dimensional manner but also aims to alleviate suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the illness, yoga therapy can not only be preventive or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.”
Yoga steeps you in philosophy, mind-body science, and practice. Yoga therapy incorporates the discipline of yoga, its techniques, and practices to address health issues directly. The goal is to help practitioners experience a yogic approach by learning how to manage, reduce, and even eliminate symptoms, restore mind-body balance, increase vitality, and improve attitude.
J. LePage at Integrative Yoga Therapy states, “Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.”
Facts about Yoga Therapy
Can be held in an individual or group setting
No prior yoga experience is required
It’s inclusive, and there is a Code of Ethics teachers must follow
IAYT trains and certifies already certified yoga teachers
Backed by science and is considered complementary
Sessions include an intake, mindfulness, meditation, breath work, stretches and movement that is right for your body, and open ended conversation with your teacher
“People come to yoga therapy for a myriad of reasons, but in a larger sense, the practice always has the same goal: empowering clients to care for themselves using mind-body practices and lifestyle changes. So every yoga therapy session — like every yoga class — follows a similar pattern and format. At the same time, however, each yoga therapy session is customized for the client—and because everyone is different, the yoga prescription is different for everyone.” - Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Want to learn about what to expect during a yoga therapy session? Click below.
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