“As you start to walk on the way – the way appears” – Rumi
Ammonite Pavement – Lyme Regis
I have recently successfully graduated from Yoga Campus, Islington with a diploma in Yoga Therapy. The right training at the right time for me as I continue to explore yoga as a way of helping people to help themselves. The understanding that all bodies are very different and there isn’t one yoga to fit all.
This has been a wonderful journey covering so many aspects of the mind – body union. This course has enabled me to understand more fully how the mind influences the body and the body influences the mind.
What is yoga therapy
Yoga is always evolving and yoga as a therapy, or yoga chikitsa in sanskrit, is an ancient practice. Drawing on the wealth of the yoga tradition; philosophy and practices. Choosing, adapting and modifying those ancient practice elements that will be the most effective and efficient for any given individual at a particular time to help them heal, grow, transform in whatever way they are seeking to do in their life at this time.
Yoga therapy helps with all layers of the Self. Physical body being only one of the layers. Many clients coming to therapy in the initial instance for a physical ailment and then finding greater comfort in body by releasing discomfort from the mind.
Yoga therapy gives you a focus, grounding or energising you depending on your needs and helping to calm and control emotions whilst building strength, flexibility and mobility where appropriate. Many western medicines depleting the body and the mind. Yoga therapy is also used to create space to rest, enabling restoration and renewal. During yoga therapy, a personal yoga practice is devised that is wholly geared towards the needs of the individual.
How does yoga therapy differ from western medicine
Yoga therapy is a methodology that science and medicine are widely accepting as a valid and viable treatment for physiological and mental disorders.
The main principal of yoga therapy is to consider the whole person. A holistic approach and includes a personalised yoga practice which the client takes on as a regular home practice. Empowering the client to take control and to seize the opportunity to help themselves. Understanding that a committed practice is the gateway to greater wellbeing, helping to ease suffering.
Someone embarking on yoga therapy may be experiencing a condition for which they already have some medical advice and intervention. Yoga therapy will complement this treatment. Biomedical research is confirming the benefits of yoga therapy either as a stand alone treatment or used in conjunction with other treatments.
How is yoga therapy different from a group yoga class
In a regular yoga class – although your specific needs and conditions are considered and options given, the class structure and content is not considering you specifically.
During yoga therapy, teacher and client together will find a practice that serves the client the best, enabling the client to really create the change they are looking for in their life. Either physical, mentally, energetically or spiritually.
Who may benefit from yoga therapy
Anyone and everyone. Whatever your condition or if you simply wish to understand your body and mind better and live a more balanced existence. Yoga therapy can deepen your yoga journey, discovering your yoga that is aligned to your specific needs. A course of yoga therapy will change your perceptions of yourself and others, thereby enhancing your life. Helping you recover from or better manage your condition. Yoga therapy is also greatly beneficial for those supporting someone else through a difficult period and dealing with emotional pain.
