Yoga Therapy

I learned Yoga Therapy as a part of my training in India while working in a Naturopathic Hospital. At the hospital, I saw that the use of Yoga was a central part of the treatment for every patient, no matter what the condition they presented with. In India, Yoga is not just a leisure activity, but a serious science, that has been studied and researched for its physiological effects on the human body.

What is it?
Yoga Therapy is an integrated approach to uplift a person, physically, mentally and emotionally. It provides a system whereby I am able to prescribe Yoga exercises, breathing techniques and relaxation methods according to the conditions that are presented. For example, there are specific breathing exercises indicated for high blood pressure, yet completely different ones if you are having hormonal problems.
Most of the programmes I do include a combination of Yoga postures – stretches and holds, some Yogic breathing followed by relaxation. It is a time-honoured system of health and wellbeing that helps you not just to become more healthy, but also to stay healthy.

So, How does Yoga help?
Physically, Some of the postures are held to build strength, others are used to stretch the body to build flexibility. Core strength is widely accepted as a crucial part of keeping the body fit and healthy, and this is also one aspect of the key postures, especially where back pain is a part of the picture.
Those who start to practice the postures and the breathing regularly will also get to know that it helps to calm the mind, and to unite the body with the mind. It is also a way to learn more about yourself. By becoming more aware, you will understand your body and your mind and by understanding your body and mind, you will set the scene for positive changes in your life.
Another way of looking at Yoga therapy is to see the body as an energy system, and if one area of the body is sluggish, or running slowly, then I can include postures that stimulate those organs and systems. If another area is working too fast, then Yoga techniques are used to calm and relax those systems. Therefore, in its subtle way, it is balancing the body.
Yogic breathing techniques are a way of balancing the energy systems of the body. Stimulating or calming the subtle energetic layers of the body to support your physical and mental health.

How many sessions will I need
During the first session, I will give you a basic programme for you to practice every day and I will understand your body better. The second session will also include some breathing and mediation, and often by the third session, there is a general understanding of what needs to be done. After this, I will leave it up to you to practice and come back to me if you require any changes to your workout, or if your priorities have changed. How many sessions you have are entirely up to you, but I feel that 3-4 sessions will give you a good routine, and where you go from there is up to you.