What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy is a systematic and individualized approach to achieving well-being, by way of yoga. The ultimate goal of yoga therapy is a healthy body and an integrated mind, which is achieved by correcting imbalances in the body and mind, through the practice of yoga.
Correcting imbalances in the body usually involves the physical movement practice of yoga, also referred to as “postures” or “asanas”, and is what most people in the U.S. understand to be “yoga”. Imbalances in the mind are usually corrected by regulation of the breath (pranayama) combined with meditation (focus). From the perspective of yoga, the body and mind are very much influenced by our behaviors, such as our thoughts and actions. Therefore, correcting imbalances in the body and mind also involves making changes to our behavior towards ourselves and others.
In other words, yoga therapy involves making intentional changes to the way individuals relate to themselves, and to others, to achieve mental and physical well-being.
How is Yoga Therapy Applied to Mental Health?
The word “therapy” can be a bit confusing, particularly when yoga therapy is used in the context of mental health treatment. Yoga therapy is not yoga plus psychotherapy; it is therapeutic through the transformative process of restoring balance to the body and mind, through the practice of yoga.
In this context of yoga therapy for mental health, the purpose of the physical movement practice is to increase the quality of the breath, and to prepare the body to be in a state of meditation. For most people, this requires correcting imbalances in the body that create discomfort, pain or restlessness in the body or mind when attempting to engage in breathing practices or meditation.
From the perspective of yoga therapy, the state of the body, breath and mind are interdependent and always affecting each other, and they are always capable of changing. Yoga therapy is a vehicle for change that works by addressing the imbalances in the body, breath, and mind that may result in illness, and offers a path towards long-lasting health and well-being.
Where Can You Learn More About Yoga Therapy?
Here are a few resources that I recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about yoga therapy:
“Yoga Therapy: A Guide to the Therapeutic use of Yoga and Ayurveda for Health and Fitness.” A.G.Mohan and Indra Mohan
“Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration.” A.G.Mohan
