What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy in a therapeutic setting differs from most classes you see advertised. Yoga therapy is a more tailored practice that helps people with health/mobility problems, or those recovering from injury. It's generally done one-on-one, so you can share more about your concerns with your therapist and ensure the routine fits your specific needs.
While general yoga is preventative in nature (and may help resolve mild ailments), it may not be suitable for those with specific mobility/health concerns. In contrast, yoga therapy encourages healing through a personalised treatment plan.
When you work with a yoga therapist, they may also recommend you continue working on certain poses between sessions.
Some concerns that can be supported with yoga therapy include:
- arthritis
- back pain
- depression
- painful joints
- certain musculoskeletal issues
- stress
- headaches.
As with all complementary therapies, yoga therapy is designed to be used alongside conventional treatment to help the body heal more effectively.
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that brings movement and breath together to promote physical and mental wellbeing. The benefits of yoga are varied and include:
- increased flexibility
- improved strength
- reduced stress levels
- increased energy.
For dedicated yogis, it is more than just an exercise – it is a way of life. The practice's philosophy dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient India.
Yoga is believed to have originated around 5,000 years ago. Since then, it has evolved and adapted, but the premise remains the same: unity. The two components which the discipline joins together are postures (asanas) and breathing (pranayama). This means when doing the poses, you should breathe and move in unity.
This focus on your breathing and movement increases awareness. Being more aware of your body and the present moment is thought to have a calming effect, which is why many experts recommend this practice for stress relief.
While a yoga class will consider your ability, it may not address your personal health concerns. That is why some people turn to yoga therapy for targeted support.
What's the difference between yoga and yoga therapy?
Yoga focuses on bringing the body into harmony using techniques and poses. It is typically taught in a group setting, led by a yoga teacher or instructor.
Yoga therapy, on the other hand, specifically aims to improve health and wellbeing using yoga practices. A yoga therapist is trained to work safely with people who have medical diagnoses and is often provided in a one-to-one setting.
The British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) accredits yoga therapists.
What are the benefits of yoga therapy?
A key benefit of yoga therapy is greater self-awareness. By helping you become more aware of your mind-body connection, the practice can help you understand how one impacts the other and how this relationship may affect your health.
Yoga therapy is a relaxing and mindful practice, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can exacerbate health concerns.
Physically, yoga therapy encourages gentle, safe movement to improve flexibility, mobility, and strength, helping your body feel as good as it can.
In this video, yoga practitioner Tess Jewell-Larsen (C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP, MA) explains the difference between yoga and yoga therapy, as well as what you can expect from sessions and the benefits of working with a professional.
Types of therapeutic yoga
While the principle of yoga is the same throughout, there are many different types. This is great because you can choose the style that best suits your needs.
Alternatively, your yoga therapist may recommend specific types based on how your individual ailments need to be addressed. Here are some examples:
Hatha
Hatha is one of the more common styles available. Typically a more gentle practice, Hatha is often recommended for beginners to learn the basics and benefit from the relaxation element.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is designed to encourage relaxation and healing, so it typically involves less movement. Instead, you spend 20 minutes or so in just a handful of poses. Holding poses longer helps you get as much physical benefit as possible.
Restorative poses are often incorporated into yoga therapy.
Yin
Like restorative yoga, Yin involves less movement but holds poses longer. While restorative yoga focuses more on releasing mental and physical tension, Yin encourages deeper stretches. Both use props such as blocks and pillows to help you hold poses more comfortably.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is often referred to as 'flow yoga' as it involves moving through poses in a fluid motion. Between poses, you'll move through a 'vinyasa', a series of movements that link the poses together. This style requires focus and is known for helping to quieten the mind. However, the amount of movement required may make it difficult for those recovering from illness or injury.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga looks to strengthen both body and mind by activating your Kundalini energy. It typically involves chanting, breathing and repetitive poses. It often uses movements like shaking to do this, encouraging you into an almost transcendent state where you feel at peace and revitalised.
Integrative yoga therapy
Combining different yoga approaches, including meditation and yoga poses, integrative yoga therapy caters to your preferences and needs.
Pregnancy yoga
Pregnancy yoga is an adaptation that uses poses to support women through all stages of pregnancy. Many women continue the practice postpartum to rebuild strength.
If you are considering pregnancy yoga, ensure you seek advice from a professional. Some poses aren't recommended for pregnant women, so it is important to work with a teacher who can guide you through safe poses. You are advised to speak to your doctor before trying any new exercise, especially when you're pregnant.
What does a yoga therapy session look like?
Your first step is to consult with a yoga therapist. During this meeting, the therapist will discuss your medical history to understand your specific concerns. They will also likely ask about lifestyle factors that may be affecting your condition.
Your yoga therapist will then create a treatment plan tailored to you, putting together a range of suitable poses and exercises.
In most cases, the therapy will be delivered in a one-to-one setting; however, it can also be delivered to groups of people with the same concerns. During your sessions, your yoga therapist will show you how to do the poses and ensure you do them safely. They will also track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Some therapists will encourage you to continue your practice at home. They may also offer advice on relaxation and meditation too, to complement your therapy.
Yoga therapy FAQs
Do I need to be flexible?
A common misconception of yoga is that you need to be lean and flexible to do it. This is not the case. The aim of yoga is to stretch your body as it needs. For those who are naturally flexible, this may mean they need to stretch quite a lot. If you're not so flexible, you'll only need to stretch a little to get the benefits.
Do I need to know the philosophy behind it?
For some people, understanding the philosophy behind yoga enhances their practice as it becomes part of their lifestyle. That said, it's not necessary. How much philosophy you're exposed to in your practice will depend on your yoga teacher. If you want to hear more (or less!) about the philosophy, simply ask your practitioner.
Can I use yoga therapy in conjunction with other treatments?
The gentle nature of yoga therapy makes it an ideal complement to most treatments. That said, we always recommend speaking to your doctor before adding a new treatment. You should also talk to your yoga therapist about any other treatments you are receiving.
Am I too old to try yoga?
Yoga is an ideal exercise for older people. This is because it is both gentle and adaptable. The way it strengthens the body helps to prevent falls, while increased flexibility helps maintain mobility. If you are older and considering yoga, ask a yoga teacher or therapist to show you how to adapt the poses and practise safely.
Can I get injured doing yoga?
The most common yoga injuries are repetitive strain injury and overstretching. This happens when you push yourself too far or move in a way that isn't safe for the body. To avoid injury, follow your yoga instructor's instructions and don't overexert yourself.
All yoga stretches should feel pleasant. If you feel pain, stop.
What experience should a yoga teacher and yoga therapist have?
While no laws regulate yoga teachers, it is recommended that they have relevant qualifications, insurance, and/or membership with a professional body. Many professional bodies self-regulate practices like yoga, such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). These usually require members to meet certain training standards and to abide by a code of ethics and complaints procedure.
To become a qualified yoga therapist, the British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) recommends a minimum of 200 hours of yoga teacher training and at least two years of experience before beginning therapy training with a course accredited by the BCYT.
We recommend contacting a yoga practitioner directory to confirm whether they are qualified to teach yoga or provide yoga therapy.
