What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy does not involve diagnosing mental health issues. Instead, it utilizes yoga's comprehensive tools, such as asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, to enhance overall well-being. Yoga therapy assessments evaluate physical, mental, and spiritual health as a whole, emphasizing preventive health care and the promotion of balance and harmony.

Sanskrit is the ancient Indian language in which yoga texts were commonly written. Using Sanskrit names connects us deeply with the historical and philosophical roots of yoga, originating from India. It honors the tradition and enriches our practice by providing insights into the poses’ purposes and origins. Additionally, the vibrational quality of Sanskrit can enhance mental focus and add a meditative element to the practice

Not all therapeutic yoga requires being on the floor. Sessions can be effectively conducted in a chair or with the support of a chair. Additionally, yoga therapy can be extremely beneficial from a bed if there are physical or mental limitations. With your doctor's approval, you can engage in breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle movements right from your bed.

Absolutely! It's important to dispel the myth that you need to be highly flexible to practice yoga. Flexibility is one of the many benefits of practicing, not a requirement. Yoga therapy focuses on enhancing your flexibility, strength, and overall balance—both physically and mentally. Asanas, or physical postures, are just one aspect of a comprehensive yoga practice. There are variations available that can help you gradually build flexibility

Yes, please consult with a healthcare provider before beginning Yoga Therapy. This step ensures that the therapy aligns with your specific health needs and any existing conditions are safely managed.

Yoga Therapy can be helpful for beginners and be adapted for individuals at any level of fitness. You don't need to be able to do any complex poses—or any poses at all—to gain the benefits of yoga therapy.

Wear whatever you find comfortable and allows for easy movement. Yoga is typically practiced barefoot because it may help improve balance and stability. Being barefoot might help you feel a deeper connection to the ground. However, accommodations can be made to meet your specific needs, such as wearing a brace or socks if necessary.

The initial session involves a comprehensive intake that includes a health questionnaire, an assessment of your posture, movement, breathing patterns, and balance. In addition, it involves setting goals for your sessions together. Subsequent sessions generally focus on evaluating your progress and may include personalized yoga poses, breathwork, and meditation tailored to your needs.

Currently, yoga therapy is typically not covered by insurance and is usually paid for out of pocket. However, it's a good idea to check with your health insurance provider or see if you can use funds from a flexible spending or health savings account to cover the costs.