7 Reasons Why You Should Do Therapeutic Yoga

The moment you hear the name ‘therapeutic yoga’, it is sure to raise one of the two reactions. One would be – what? Isn’t all yoga therapeutic? The second would be – I am not sick so I don’t need it! But the fact is that therapeutic yoga is the newest kid on the block! It is what everyone in the fitness circles are talking about! So, is your interest piqued? Well, don’t worry! We have all the answers, right here at StyleCraze!

What Is Therapeutic Yoga? 

Therapeutic yoga is an adaptation of yoga that applies yogic principles and methods to heal various human ailments. It is a blend of restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breath work, meditation and chakra stimulation. Therapeutic yoga is preventive as well as restorative. It is among the most effective complementary therapies for various illnesses and diseases according to many medical studies.

What Diseases Does Therapeutic Yoga Focuses On?

Here is the list of common ailments that are benefited by specific therapeutic programs. This list is not exhaustive, but merely indicative:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Depression
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder injury
• Athletic injuries
• Heart diseases
• Migraines
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Psychological disorders
• Post Cancer Effects
• Somatic dysfunctions
• Aids/HIV+
• Insomnia
• Menstrual disorders
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis
• Sinusitis
• Post Traumatic Syndrome
• Stress

How It Works:

For thousands of years, yoga has been acclaimed for its healing and therapeutic properties. But, it is only now that yoga therapy is gaining momentum as a separate discipline recognized by science and medical research. Here are the basic tenets of therapeutic yoga:

1. The Difference:

Therapeutic yoga focuses on specific and individual needs. It actively works on ways to heal and improve the conditions, illness or injury. While regular yoga is broader and encompasses the whole being, therapeutic yoga is more target specific and works towards healing that particular ailment.

2. Twofold Approach:

The approach adopted by therapeutic yoga is twofold – prevention and restoration. It aids in the recovery from physical and mental illnesses. Then it works on preventing it from occurring again. To do so requires a deep understanding of the human body. It also requires a deep knowledge of yoga and its techniques. Therefore, it is important to consult a yoga therapist for this. Yoga therapists hold very small group classes or private sessions because therapeutic yoga requires individual attention

3. Yogic Philosophy:

According to ancient yoga philosophy, humans consist of an integrated mind-body-soul system. For optimum health and well-being, this system must be in balance and harmony. Therefore a yogic approach to therapy and healing is holistic including postures for the body, pranayama for the internal systems, meditation and energy work for the mind and hormonal health.

4. Physical System:

It is believed that every ailment is caused due to some kind of blockage in the internal energy system of the body. Yoga promotes the flow of prana in the body. It helps in clearing the blockages by stimulating the nadis.

5. Psychological System:

Like the energy system is spread throughout the body, our psyche is believed to be spread along different centers. These centers are called chakras. Each chakra is related to your nerves, endocrine gland, different organs and many different psychic qualities. The blockages in these chakras lead to psychological and somatic disorders. By awakening the chakras, these blockages can be removed. Therapeutic yoga can heal various psychosomatic disorders through energy work and meditation.

6. Self Knowledge:

Yoga brings the mind, body and spirit in harmony and leads to self-awareness and enlightenment through meditation. Therapeutic yoga uses this to help recognize what actually is wrong in the body and how to get rid of it completely.

7. Therapeutic Yoga Sessions:

There is no set sequence or exclusive set of therapeutic yoga asanas. Therapeutic yoga varies on the basis of ailments and different individuals. Some people use pillows and yin yoga for therapy and some include more meditative and energy work.

Therapeutic yoga is not just another passing fad! It encompasses the wisdom that is centuries old. So, the next time you are down and out, make an appointment with a yoga therapist for a holistic healing experience!

Hope now you got an idea on what is therapeutic yoga exactly! Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

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Author

Shirin MehdiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.

Read full bio of Shirin Mehdi