Complete Guide about Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic Yoga is one that unites the wisdom of classical yoga and current knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is an integral tool that helps to enhance the physical health and emotional balance of the person.

In general, the practice of yoga is in itself therapeutic. However, Therapeutic Yoga (also called Yogatherapy) proposes exercising the body and mind in a personalized way.

Likewise, you can adapt traditional yoga postures to enhance their effect, reduce risks and adapt them to the needs and biomechanical characteristics of each one.

Yogatherapy has based on the premise that the body has multiple resources for self-regulation and self-balancing. For this reason, it gives special importance to the correct alignment and the development of an awakened consciousness.

What is Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic Yoga is one that incorporates into practice the most advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as the contributions of osteopathy and physiotherapy, with the aim of improving health, both physical and emotional, psychological and spiritual.

According to the Spanish Association of Therapeutic Yoga, unlike classical yoga, Yoga therapy classes are personalized or in small groups and are designed to rebalance physical imbalances and improve people’s conditions.

Also, the sessions tend to be smoother and less demanding. There may be more emphasis on the practice of relaxation, meditation, and visualization. Body alignment of the postures is emphasized and further supports (such as blankets, chairs, tapes, or walls) may be used.

In addition, Therapeutic Yoga tries to develop a fuller consciousness, based on the belief that the body has the capacity to self-regulate and rebalance itself. “You just have to hit the right keys.”

Although in this practice the word ‘therapy’ is used, experts in Yogatherapy are not therapists, but teachers and do not have the study or the corresponding responsibility.

Benefits of Therapeutic Yoga

Anyone can benefit from Therapeutic Yoga, both to prevent imbalances and to improve physical discomfort and conditions that we may experience.

In addition, it does not require experience and no previous knowledge is needed.

Therapeutic Yoga can benefit those who suffer from a variety of pathologies and injuries:

Chronic diseases. The University of California Osher Center for Integrative Medicine applies different therapeutic yoga methods to people with cancer, heart problems, and other chronic ailments.

Sport. Sports scientist LeRoy Perry applies it in the training of Olympic athletes and sports teams, who aim to improve their performance and physical and mental well-being.

Depression. The University of Mississippi found that yoga can be considered an alternative method of treating stress, anxiety, and depression, as it has been shown to create a greater sense of well-being, improve self-esteem, and foster an optimistic outlook on life.

Musculoskeletal conditions. In personalized Therapeutic Yoga classes, herniated discs, hyperlordosis, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, sciatica…

Xuzhou Central Hospital (China) showed that yoga can reduce chronic back pain and improve condition compared to no exercise.

Hypertension. It can also be beneficial to those suffering from hypertension and obesity.

The University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany) found that yoga can be an effective intervention to control hypertension. Breathing and meditation may help counteract the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system associated with hypertension.

therapeutic yoga exercises

The following three exercises help correct posture and stretch and strengthen your back:

1. Opposite arm and leg. Get on all fours, raise one arm and the opposite leg. The body forms a straight line. Breathe for 30 seconds and switch sides. Do three sets.
2. Ardha Uttanasana with wall. One meter from the wall, lean forward, and support your hands. The back and arms form a straight line. Lower your hands as far as you can.
3. Urdhva Hastasana with wall. She raises her arms and rests her hands on the wall. He goes up little by little, first one hand, then another. She raises her heels and stretches to the maximum.

These exercises should not cause any pain. In fact, avoiding it is a golden rule in the world of yoga.

As you can see, Therapeutic Yoga can be a useful practice to improve the physical, mental and emotional state. The important thing is to learn to listen to yourself more and to be advised by a qualified professional.