I would like to say it is with deep respect and gratitude to the ancient teachings of yoga and mindfulness, my teachers past and present, that I continue to learn and share with humility, curiosity and openness.
As Nischala Joy Devi says, “Today the word ‘Yoga’ conjures up the image of some difficult or contorted pose. Once relegated to a few faraway ashrams or caves, it is now practiced in gyms, health clubs, and studios all over the Western world. What is being taught under the name of Yoga is a minute part of this great tradition, a microscopic focus on the physical.”
(The Secret Power of Yoga, pg. 13)
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy uses a holistic methodology of care, integrating mind-body-spirit awareness, to help provide support for client's health and wellness.
Yoga therapy specifically applies yogic tools—examples may include, asana (postures) pranayama (breath work), meditation, mantras (sacred sounds), mudras (energetic gestures and seals), mindfulness and more to address an individual’s needs, physically, mentally, emotionally, & even spiritually.
Yoga therapy looks at whole mind-body-spirit care from a place of inquiry and exploration, rather from a “you’re broken, let’s fix you” perspective."
According to 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. Yoga therapy is the appropriate application of these teachings and practices in a therapeutic
context in order to support a consistent yoga practice that will increase self-awareness and
engage the client/student’s energy in the direction of desired goals.
The goals of yoga therapy include eliminating, reducing, or managing symptoms that cause suffering; improving function; helping to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of underlying causes of illness; and moving toward improved health and well- being.
Yoga therapy also helps clients/students change their relationship to and identification with their condition.” - International Association of Yoga Therapists
What does a yoga therapy session look like?
Yoga therapy is working with an individual client or in a small group setting to address specific needs or conditions.
As Gary Kraftsow, C-IAYT says:
"Clients are usually not coming to learn yoga, but to get help with or relief from some symptom or health condition that is troubling them. In most cases, the instruction focuses on their condition and how the yoga techniques can help them feel better or improve their function, rather than on the techniques or methods of yoga practice. “
In a yoga therapy session you will have a focus on:
Individual assessment, formal intake
Address specific concern(s)
Practices tailored to client goals (with take-home resources)
Individual empowered with self-healing
You may also attend a 'small group' yoga therapy series, which will have a specific focus to address a certain need or condition.
What may working with a certified yoga therapist help with?
Managing and reducing stress
Increasing self-awareness and regulation
Healthy aging, including osteoporosis, balance and fall prevention
Mobility issues
Chronic and persistent pain, including back and arthritis
Mental health, including concerns like anxiety, depression (please note that yoga therapists do not diagnose mental health conditions or problems.
(Further research can be found here: Yoga Therapy Health )
Who is yoga therapy for?
One size fits all is not a thing, and has never been a thing.
Yoga therapy provides personalized programming to support your overall health and wellness.
If you're open and curious, to discovering ways to help provide greater ease, self-awareness and balance into your daily life, through the ancient art and science of yoga, then exploring yoga therapy may be for you.
“Yoga therapy can complement physical, occupational and massage therapy; psychotherapy and more. Although yoga therapists do not diagnose or treat diseases, IAYT-certified yoga therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology and mental health; this allows them to interact with clients’ other healthcare professional effectively and to competently suggest referrals when needed. “ - International Association of Yoga Therapists
What is the 'International Association of Yoga Therapists'?
“The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) was founded in 1989, and consistently championed yoga as a healing art and science. IAYT supports research and education in yoga and serves as a professional organization for yoga teachers. and yoga therapists worldwide. Our mission is to establish yoga as a recognized and respected therapy." https://www.iayt.org/page/LearnAbout
What is an IAYT certified yoga therapist's Scope of Practice?
All IAYT-certified yoga therapists (C-IAYT) must adhere to a professional Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice upon receiving designation. 'IAYT-accredited yoga therapy training programs take place over a minimum of 800 hours and 2 years and prepare yoga therapists to safely offer client care in a range of settings.' www.iayt.org
Within the therapeutic plan developed for your client, yoga therapist's will assess, guide, teach, modify, and provide clear guidance and a therapeutic plan appropriate to individual's needs. The term therapeutic plan refers to the implementation of yoga therapy and does not imply providing any medical treatment.
A yoga therapist does NOT advertise themselves as a licensed healthcare practitioner, diagnose a medical or psychological condition, unless qualified to do so as a licensed healthcare practitioner. Yoga therapists do NOT diagnose mental health conditions or problems, unless otherwise qualified to do so.
According to IAYT: "Because IAYT is not a licensing body for yoga therapists, the Scope is not a legally binding document. Rather, it serves as a set of guidelines and parameters for IAYT-Certified Yoga Therapists and the yoga therapy community. It is important to note that this Scope is not meant to imply in any way that yoga therapists are physicians or practitioners of other licensed healthcare fields who are capable of diagnosing and treating conditions from the perspectives of these professions." - (International Association of Yoga Therapists- Scope of Practice)
You can read the whole Scope of Practice of an IAYT certified Yoga Therapist here and the Professional Code of Ethics here.
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