YOGA THERAPY

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is a blend of asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breath awareness), mudra (hand positions), mantra (sound), meditation, and relaxation techniques (such as Yoga Nidra). These practices work together to bring greater health and freedom to all levels of being including the physical, energetic, and mental-emotional levels. Yoga Therapy is not a substitute for allopathic medical care. If you are injured or have an illness, you should always follow the advice of your licensed medical professional. It cannot be claimed that Yoga Therapy cures any ailment or illness, however, many students find that the medical care they are receiving is much more effective when they supplement it with yoga and other forms of holistic health care. Since I began teaching in 1998, I have had the privilege to work with students who suffered from a variety of health issues, injuries and disabilities including arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, insomnia, knee replacement, menopause, obesity, and stress. In my practical experience, I have found that yoga and the process of turning inward is beneficial for people dealing with injury and chronic illness. It allows them to listen to their bodies in new ways that can have a grounding and healing affect on the emotions as well. IS YOGA THERAPY FOR ME? A therapeutic approach to Yoga enables people of all levels to experience the benefits of yoga by using modifications of traditional yoga poses taught in a gentle and compassionate way. Whether you have an injury in need of healing, are living with a disability, or are dealing with stresses of everyday life, we will work together to create a customized program that will bring more freedom to your movement, ease to your mind, and balance to your life. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? During your first appointment, you will be asked questions about your past and present health concerns, exercise routine, pain management, and medical care. We will then explore various yoga postures and other techniques based on what you are hoping to accomplish. Personalized Sequences: During subsequent sessions, you will receive personalized yoga sequences that will guide your home practice reinforcing what we work on together. These sequences are a valuable part of the program because they chronicle your progress as well as give you confidence to practice on your own. Home Practice: Home practice is a very important part of Yoga Therapy. We will come up with a plan based on your schedule and other exercise routines, that will enable you to succeed in your goals. Clients who are diligent with their home practice see results much more quickly than those who choose not to practice on their own. It is recommended that you purchase a series of 3-5 sessions at a time and schedule the sessions once a week. This arrangement gives us ample time to find out what works for you, as well as giving you a chance to make the yoga techniques you learn part of your life between sessions. Contact Barbara to schedule a Yoga Therapy Session