This quarantine has motivated all of us to create healthy habits and Yoga has been having always topped our list. Given such circumstances, is it time to take Yoga Therapy? Read on to understand yoga as an extension of our life and how it translates into therapy, by Sonu Wassan.

So much has been written, portrayed, presented and represented about yoga. The fame of yoga has risen among the masses, more in recent times with the growing awareness about ‘well-being’ and the association of yoga with it. Underlying all yoga approaches is the belief of Shri T. Krishnamacharya – “Teach what is most appropriate for an individual”.

Yoga Therapy

In his 60s, Shri T. Krishnamacharya acquired students from various backgrounds and with various health conditions, where the need to adapt to his teachings, were felt. This lead to a change in practices according to each student’s ability and their starting point, and this formed the guiding principles for Yoga Therapy.

All yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, whereas Yoga Therapy is the specific application of yogic tools according to the physical, mental and emotional needs of an individual. It draws from both Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions to restore the health and well-being of the person being treated.

A general group yoga class can certainly help deal with everyday aches, pains, and mood complaints. But a yoga therapy session goes much further because it is customized to the individual’s needs. It works on Annamaya, Pranamaya, Vijñanamaya, leading to access the Anandmaya (the bliss within).

Yoga therapists have in-depth knowledge and are trained to help assess the needs of an individual, and establish the most important form a connection with the needs, hence, facilitating the person to heal from within. The one-to-one session is inclusive of a diet, lifestyles modifications and the asana, pranayama practice with chants, and an overall visualization to cater to different requirements of the students with various conditions.

Most importantly, Yoga Therapy works on the principles of Ahimsa, to move and create space gently, respecting physical, mental and emotional boundaries of each individual. The breath is the most powerful tool, which is used in healing. The whole emphasis is to make a person empowered.

Yoga Therapy has begun to emphasize its efficacy on the global front also. It is used to treat physical and mental health issues, but can also be used for prevention and maintenance of a healthy body. It is a growing field. The future lies where health and healing can come together in the most holistic way, complementary with other systems of healing and well-being.

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Disclaimer: This article is authored by Sonu Wassan, a Yoga therapist based in Gurugram. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.