What is Yoga?
“All yoga is an interaction with the source of vitality in our system. That source has a personality and we want to align with its guidance. Which puts us on the track of spirit guiding and moving through us.”
From my teacher, Chase Bossart
Heal wounds and develop undiscovered potential.
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been passed down for thousands of years, offering wisdom on how to cultivate balance in the body, mind, and emotions. While many people associate yoga with physical postures, it’s much more than stretching or exercise. Yoga is a system of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. It’s a discipline that links breath, movement, and attention to create a profound state of well-being.
At its core, yoga helps individuals shift from states of stress, agitation, and confusion toward inner peace and clarity. It’s not about flexibility or physical prowess—it’s about finding stability, balance, and a deep connection with oneself. Yoga is accessible to all, regardless of age, physical ability, or experience level.
What is Yoga Therapy?
While all yoga has the potential to be healing, yoga therapy is the specific application of yoga’s tools to support an individual’s unique needs. It is a therapeutic approach that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a holistic way. A certified yoga therapist tailors practices to the individual, considering their health history, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Unlike general yoga classes, which may focus on fitness or relaxation, yoga therapy is a personalized process. It’s designed to help manage and alleviate symptoms related to pain, stress, chronic conditions, and emotional struggles. It’s complementary to medical and psychological treatments, providing a non-invasive, sustainable path toward improved well-being.
How Does Yoga Therapy Work?
A yoga therapist assesses an individual’s needs and designs a personalized practice that includes specific movements, breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle adjustments. These tools work together to restore balance, reduce suffering, and cultivate resilience. Over time, yoga therapy empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing process.
The Eastern View of the Body: A Different Lens
- Physical Body (Annamaya-kosha) – The structural body, including muscles, bones, and organs. Physiological Body
- Physiological Body (Pranamaya-kosha) – The body’s internal functions, such as digestion, circulation, and respiration.
- Mind (Manomaya-kosha) – Thoughts, emotions, and mental patterns.
- Behavior and Personality (Vijnanamaya-kosha) – Learned behaviors, habits, and personal tendencies.
- Emotional Layer (Anandamaya-kosha) – The most subtle yet powerful aspect, influencing all other layers.
Yoga therapy acknowledges that these layers are deeply interconnected. If someone experiences chronic pain (physical body), it may lead to anxiety (mind) and affect their behaviors and relationships (personality). By working with all layers, yoga therapy provides a holistic path to healing.
Tools Used in Yoga Therapy
Poses (Asana)
Gentle, therapeutic movements help relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical health. The goal is not extreme flexibility but rather functional movement that supports daily life. A yoga therapist selects and modifies poses to ensure they are safe and beneficial for each person.
Breathing (Pranayama)
Breathing practices influence the nervous system, emotions, and overall state of being. Different breath techniques can calm anxiety, improve focus, enhance lung capacity, and support healing. Conscious breathing is one of the most powerful tools in yoga therapy.
Mindfulness and Attention (Meditation)
Meditation cultivates awareness, presence, and emotional balance. In yoga therapy, meditation is adapted to fit the individual’s needs, whether through guided visualization, breath awareness, or concentration techniques.
Chanting
The use of sound and vibration in yoga has therapeutic effects on the mind and body. Chanting can calm the nervous system, improve focus, and create a deep sense of connection and peace.
Lifestyle and Behavior Patterns
Yoga therapy encourages awareness of daily habits and routines. Small changes in movement, diet, sleep, and stress management can lead to profound shifts in well-being. A yoga therapist provides guidance on integrating healthier behaviors into everyday life.
Textual References and Ancient Teachings
Yoga philosophy offers insights into common challenges such as negative thinking, stress, and obstacles to growth. Teachings from texts like the Yoga Sutras or the Bhagavad Gita provide practical wisdom for navigating life’s challenges with clarity and resilience.
Student-Teacher Relationship
The relationship between the yoga therapist and the client is foundational to the healing process. Unlike a general yoga class, yoga therapy involves ongoing guidance, mentorship, and adaptation of the practice as the individual’s needs evolve.
Three Levels of Yoga Therapy Practices
1. Healing and Recovery: For those experiencing pain, illness, or emotional distress, yoga therapy provides gentle, supportive practices to reduce symptoms and restore balance. These practices focus on relieving discomfort and creating a sense of safety and stability.
2. Maintenance and Protection: For individuals managing chronic conditions or seeking long-term well-being, yoga therapy offers tools to maintain balance and prevent future issues. This level emphasizes consistency and self-care.
3. Developing Capacities (Transformation): For those seeking personal growth and transformation, yoga therapy provides practices to expand physical, mental, and emotional resilience. This stage involves deepening self-awareness, refining behaviors, and cultivating a greater sense of purpose and clarity.
Who Can Do Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy is for everyone. It is accessible to individuals of all ages, physical conditions, and levels of experience. Whether someone is dealing with a specific health concern, recovering from an injury, or simply looking for a way to improve overall well-being, yoga therapy offers personalized support.
Unlike fitness-based yoga classes, yoga therapy is tailored to meet each person where they are. Whether someone is highly active or unable to move due to illness or injury, there are tools within yoga therapy that can be adapted to fit their needs.
Start Your Healing Journey
Yoga therapy is a powerful, personalized approach to healing and self-care. If you’re ready to explore how yoga therapy can support you, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can develop a practice that nurtures your health, restores balance, and empowers you on your journey toward greater well-being.
For more information or to schedule a session, click the link, contact me at Whitney@LifeRenewalYoga.com, or call 812-296-6828.