Key Examples of Yoga Therapy Practices
What are the examples of yoga therapy?
The Quick Answer
Yoga therapy utilizes five main tools: Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, guided imagery, and dietary/lifestyle advice. These are combined in specific ways to treat conditions ranging from back pain to anxiety.
Why We Ask This
New clients often expect a workout and don't understand that 'therapy' might involve sitting still, breathing, or even discussing food habits.
The Practical Science
PIES Fitness Yoga highlights that tools include 'asana, pranayama, meditation, and guided imagery.' Uniquely, they note that 'diet is an integral part of yoga therapy,' aligning with Ayurveda's holistic view of health.
In Clinical Practice
For a client with anxiety, an example session might avoid active poses entirely and focus on 'grounding breathwork' and dietary changes to reduce caffeine. For back pain, it might involve very specific, supported postures.
References & Context
What Are Some Examples of Yoga Therapy?"Among the yogic tools used therapeutically are asana (the physical postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and guided imagery. Although many people don't realize it, yogis also consider diet an integral part of yoga and therefore of yoga therapy."