Yoga is a form of exercise that combines stretching, movement, and breathing exercises into a cohesive package. Any yoga can be therapeutic and beneficial for a person’s physical and mental well-being. However, yoga therapy is a more specific application of yoga techniques to address physical, mental, or emotional issues. Yoga therapy is commonly used within mental health treatment as part of a holistic approach to tackling mental health. Holistic methods, like yoga therapy, may be combined with conventional methods like talk therapy and medications.
Contact Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485 to learn more about mental health treatment options available to you or someone you love.
What Is Yoga Therapy?
People who are trained as yoga therapists will bring more expertise to the table than someone who teaches a yoga class at the local gym. That’s because yoga as a therapeutic intervention is about much more than just having someone follow directions for stretching and breathing. Yoga therapy does include the application of techniques like:
- Scripted movements and stretching
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation or visualization
- Physical postures
What separates yoga therapy from attending a yoga class at the gym is the relationship between therapist and client. It is collaborative, and the therapist will take time to understand a client’s needs and adjust the yoga techniques as necessary.
What Does Yoga Therapy Treat?
Yoga therapy can treat a variety of physical and mental ailments. A few of the mental conditions that yoga therapy is able to treat include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some physical conditions that yoga therapy can treat are back pain, arthritis, musculoskeletal issues, asthma, and so much more.
Back pain offers a clear example of how yoga therapy can be applied. Specific yoga postures and positions can strengthen the back and provide relief for back pain. Yoga therapy can also be effective at treating mental issues because of the way it combines physical exercise with meditation and breathing. All of those things support positive mental health.
Another example is post-traumatic stress disorder. Yoga therapy is able to treat this issue through specific postures that reduce sensory arousal and calm the nervous system. As a holistic form of treatment, yoga therapy is easily complemented by other forms of traditional or holistic treatment. Yoga therapy need not be the only thing that a person does to improve their health and well-being.
What to Expect From Yoga Therapy
What to expect during each session of yoga therapy is hard to pin down. That’s actually one of its benefits. A yoga therapy session for you ought to look completely different from what another person will experience. That’s because yoga therapists work with clients to ensure that therapy is customized to their physical and mental needs. Nonetheless, there are a few things you can expect regarding the overall process of encountering yoga therapy.
The first step is meeting with a therapist and discussing your needs. Once the therapist has a good idea of why you are seeking yoga therapy, they will be able to craft an initial plan of action. Yoga therapy tends to start with around six sessions. After this initial period, adjustments can be made as necessary.
Therapists will often recommend practices for clients to do at home between formal sessions. One of the goals of yoga therapy is to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to take care of their health. The process of receiving yoga therapy is designed to be client-led and focused on compassion.
Find Comfort with Serenity Grove’s Yoga Therapy
Serenity Grove is a great option if you are looking for nearby yoga therapy. Our professional, highly-trained staff have years of experience helping people achieve their mental and physical health goals through the application of yoga techniques.
Reach out to us by calling us or 844.904.3485 or using our online form to learn more about healing through yoga therapy.
