What Is Yoga Therapy? A Clinical Perspective
What is yoga therapy?
The Quick Answer
Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process that uses yogic tools—postures, breathwork, and meditation—to address specific physical, mental, and emotional health needs. Unlike a general yoga class, it focuses on the individual's unique health goals, often working alongside modern medicine.
Why We Ask This
Many people seek holistic ways to manage chronic conditions or mental health struggles but find general yoga classes too fast-paced or generic to address their specific clinical needs.
The Practical Science
Yoga therapy uses evidence-based practices (postures, pranayama, meditation) tailored to the individual. As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, it is a 'whole-body approach' that empowers you to improve health. The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) ensures therapists are trained to work with specific conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or trauma.
In Clinical Practice
In tailored sessions, you might use gentle movement to ease back pain, specific breathwork to lower blood pressure, or guided relaxation to manage insomnia. It bridges the gap between a yoga class and a medical appointment.
References & Context
What Is Yoga Therapy? - Cleveland Clinic"Yoga therapy is a process to empower you to empower you to improve your health and well-being through the practice of yoga. In other words, yoga therapy is a whole-body approach to better health by using the tools of yoga to meet your specific physical, mental and emotional needs and goals."