What is therapeutic yoga and why you should do it?
The moment one hears the name ‘therapeutic yoga,’ it is usually followed by one of two reactions. One is – what? Isn’t yoga therapeutic in itself? The second may be – Since I am not sick, I don’t need yoga. But the truth is that therapeutic yoga is the newest fad in town! It is a revolutionary development in the field of yoga, and fitness routines.
What Is Therapeutic Yoga?
Therapeutic yoga is an adaptation of yoga that is used to heal various ailments by applying yogic principles and methods. It is a fine blend of restorative yoga, gentle yoga, meditation, breathwork, and chakra stimulation. This technique of yoga is preventive as well as restorative. It is one of the most effective corresponding therapies for various disorders, illnesses and diseases according to several credible medical studies.
What Diseases Does Therapeutic Yoga Focus On?
Following is a list of general ailments that are alleviated by specific therapeutic programs. This list is not exhaustive, but merely indicative:
- Aids/HIV+ and Immuno Deficiency Diseases
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Athletic injuries
- Back pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Depression
- Heart diseases
- Hip pain
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Menstrual disorders
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Osteoporosis
- Post-Cancer Effects
- Post Traumatic Syndrome
- Psychological disorders
- Sciatica
- Shoulder injury
- Sinusitis
- Somatic dysfunctions
- Stress
How It Works:
For thousands of years, yoga has been appraised and lauded for its therapeutic and healing properties. However, it is only now that yoga therapy is gaining momentum as a niche and a separate discipline recognized by scientific and medical research. Here are several reasons why you should join this yoga bandwagon without losing any more time:
-
The Difference between regular yoga and therapeutic yoga:
Therapeutic yoga is focussed on the individual and specific needs of a person. It actively works on localized areas to heal and improve the conditions, illness or injury. Regular yoga, however, works on a broader level and encompasses the whole being. Therapeutic yoga is a lot more target specific and works towards healing only an ailment.
-
Twofold Approach:
Therapeutic yoga adopts a twofold approach – prevention and restoration. It assists in the recovery from physical and mental disorders. Then it works on ensuring that it does not occur again. Deep knowledge of the human body is a pre-requisite to dabble into this type of yoga. Intense knowledge of yoga and its techniques is also necessary. Hence, it is imperative to consult a qualified yoga therapist.
-
Yogic Philosophy:
Ancient yoga philosophy dictates that humans consist of an integrated mind-body-soul system. Balance and harmony in this system ensure optimum health and well-being. 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.
-
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.
-
Psychological System:
Like the energy system is spread throughout the body, our psyche is believed to be spread among different centres. These centres are known as chakras. Every chakra is linked to your endocrine gland, nerves, different organs as well as many different psychic qualities. The blockages in these chakras lead to psychological and somatic disorders. By awakening the chakras, these blockages can be removed. This technique can heal several psychosomatic disorders through energy, work and meditation.
-
Self-Knowledge:
Yoga harmonizes the mind, body and spirit and paves the path to self-awareness and enlightenment through meditation. Therapeutic yoga utilizes this to help identify what is actually out of order in the body and how to focus on getting rid of it completely.
-
Therapeutic Yoga Sessions:
There is no prescribed sequence or exclusive set of this yoga asanas. Therapeutic yoga varies about ailments and different individuals. A few people use pillows along with yin yoga for treatment, and some consist of more meditative as well as energy work.
All in all, This is not just another fad! It encompasses the wisdom that is centuries old. Therefore, the next time you sense down and out, make an appointment with a good yoga therapist for a holistic healing experience!