Yoga Therapy Designed To Fit Your Individual Needs
“In recommending Yoga practices, one should always consider an individual’s particular circumstances. Just as other activities and practices must be adapted to the changes in one’s life, such as aging, so too Yoga practices need to be adapted as the practitioner changes.”
– Krishnamacharya
What is Yoga Therapy?
The use of yoga in a therapeutic context was originally introduced by Krishnamacharya, father of many of the yoga systems we know in the West today.
Like in other healing systems, a yoga therapist will identify various imbalances in a person and then offer techniques to bring those aspects into balance. Various techniques can be used to help a person find balance and heal, including movement (asana), breath work (pranayama), chanting, philosophy or point of view, and meditation to name a few.
How is Yoga Therapy different than Yoga?
A Yoga Teacher is trained to guide students through classes and sequences to better their health and wellbeing in a general way.
A Yoga Therapist has been trained to work with the system of yoga to treat specific conditions. Some examples may include physical pain (back pain, shoulder injuries), anxiety disorders, cancer support, PTSD, insomnia, depression, autoimmune diseases, addiction, obesity, and many others.
Yoga therapy can act as a useful adjunct to the western medical model or as a stand-alone therapy depending on the condition.
What can You expect at your First Session?
Yoga therapy sessions are done in a private setting, either in person or online. A Yoga Therapist will do a thorough intake in order to get to know you and your concerns. Depending on the nature of your issue there may be a physical evaluation as well. Once the Yoga Therapist has decided on a course of action, they will begin the process of teaching you practices to help with your condition.
The relationship between Yoga Therapist and student is an important one, and often the support and structure provided by this relationship can nurture the healing process. You will be given practices to work on at home and will have follow up appointments to making sure things are improving for you.
⸙ Benefits of Yoga Therapy ⸙
Physical Benefits
You will feel stronger and more flexible after every exercise. Any aches and pains you may feel will decrease as you stretch through them.
Stress-reduction
The calm breathing exercises, gentle motions, and meditative benefits of yoga can help calm your nervous system and help treat any psychological distress you may feel.
Improved Circulation
Better circulation not only lowers your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, it also increases oxygen flow to your brain, improves your mood, and helps you think more clearly.
Emotional Benefits
A greater peace of mind comes to just about everyone who performs yoga and this gives you access to new and healthier coping mechanisms. When starting to feel stress, you can turn to the calming breathing exercises inherent in yoga.
Increased Self-Discipline
Learning how to say “no” to harmful habits is challenging, but committing to yoga can give you the discipline you need to start building healthier, nourishing practices in your life.
Introductory Offer!
Join Paula for 4 personal yoga therapy sessions to address your individual physical, mental, emotional and/or lifestyle needs. In the first session she will provide you a fully personalized yoga therapy practice, including drawings so you can easily continue at home.
You will be asked to do the practice regularly at home (about 20 minute short practices) to observe the tangible benefits of yoga therapy. We will then meet every few weeks to assess progress and adapt the practice as needed.
Email info@breatheyogastudio.com for more information & to book your sessions.
