About Yoga Therapy

Yoga made for you

Yoga therapy is built around you as an individual, rather than offering standard solutions based on the goal, condition, illness or affliction that you’re working with. Every body is totally unique and each yoga therapy practice takes into account your unique physical, mental, emotional and energetic health.

Collaborative

Different from Western medicine systems and modalities that provide you with a treatment or a pill, the aim of yoga therapy is to empower you with the tools to own your own healing process. You will be provided with the knowledge, tools, motivation and support to take responsibility for creating the change you are looking for. Yoga therapy is a commitment from you, for you.

Multi-dimensional approach

Every person is multi-dimensional, and so too is the yoga therapy approach. Working with various yogic models including the Pancamaya model, the Ayurvedic doshas, and the Prana Vayus to understand your unique state of being, yoga therapy practices are carefully curated around the insight these yogic systems offer. Yoga therapy is also multi-dimensional in terms of working with other therapies, for example, to support a Physician in management of an ongoing illness, a Physiotherapist to support healing from an injury, or a Psychologist to support management of mental health matters.

Vinyasa Krama. Change is created one step at a time.

Yoga therapy is an evolving process. Healing doesn’t happen overnight and this can be the most challenging aspect of a practice since modern culture has trained us to expect quick fixes. Yoga therapy is a step by step process that can change your life. But, it can take time. 

Who is it for?

Yoga therapy is for anyone who wants personalised support in using the tools of yoga, breathwork (pranayama) and meditation to improve health and wellbeing. Rather than being focused on curing, yoga therapy is about healing and learning sustainable ways to manage your health through a daily practice that will address the root of the issue to deliver long term results. Common paths that lead people to yoga therapy are:

• Chronic stress and nervous system effects

• Preparing for or healing after pregnancy and child birth

• Recovering from physical trauma or injury 

• Dealing with illness and disease - hypertension, Parkinson’s, thyroid conditions, asthma, cancer, diabetes and arthritis can all be managed very effectively with yoga therapy as a complementary therapy to support other treatments and to reduce adverse side effects of conventional treatment

• Supporting the immune system and autoimmune conditions 

• Dealing with depression and anxiety

• Managing mental health and wellbeing 

• Healing from trauma 

• Healing from eating disorders 

• Maintaining health and vitality through the ageing process 

  The list above is not conclusive, rather, just intended to illustrate the broad spectrum of ways yoga therapy can help. If you’re keen to know if and what yoga therapy can do to help you, get in touch.

How does it work?

Yoga therapy usually begins with an in-depth consultation to investigate your goals, understand your current state of health, other medical or therapeutic treatments, lifestyle context and yoga experience. 

This leads to development of a personalised daily practice (something you take away and do at home) customised around your needs. The practice will draw from the wealth of tools that the yogic systems offer. Every practice is unique, but will often include a blend of breathing exercises (pranayama), movement (asanas) and meditation (dhyana) to start with. Contrary to popular opinion, yoga is not just stretching! Although movement is a common and effective method to open and condition the body for healing, not all yoga therapy practices involve movement. 

After your first consultation, your journey will usually involve weekly check-ins for the first four or so weeks to make sure you are settling in well to your practice and to make any necessary adaptations. Once the practice becomes regular, clients often come back for a monthly check-in where we evolve and update the practice based on your changes and progress. There is no strict protocol for how much, how often etc, it is completely customised around your goals and resources.

Interested to know more about what Yoga Therapy can do for you? Get in touch