It is very intriguing to take note of the development of the observation encompassing yoga on the planet. For most of its existence, yoga was a means to attain spiritual transcendence. However, in the 20th century, it became widely advocated as a form of exercise. However, with the turn of the century, there was a revival in the application of yoga as a more holistic practice. In other words, people unified the concepts of yoga and therapy and came up with yoga therapy.
Yoga therapy isn’t a new and emerging concept. This is because the research work that Swami Kuvalayananda had done at the beginning of the 1900s showed the world the positive effects of yoga. Moreover, towards the end of the century, Dr. Dean Ornish described therapeutic yoga as a means to reverse cardiac problems and firmly established yoga as a practice with proven health benefits. Since then, medical yoga therapy has become widespread and popular. Doctors recommend it for a number of conditions with visible effects.
What Is Yoga Therapy
In simple words, yoga therapy refers to the application of yoga as a medical treatment. To go into a slightly more detailed definition, yoga therapy is the use of yogic practices in a scientifically supported plan as a treatment for specific medical conditions or for the holistic progress to a state of better health. Yoga treatments can be a helping hand with both mental health & physical issues. By and large, specialists will suggest yoga treatment related to another clinical treatment. Yoga therapy is a long-term treatment method and aims to improve the overall health of the subject. That is why doctors usually prescribe another short-term, immediate-action treatment method for alleviating current, intense symptoms.
What Can Yoga Therapy Treat
Nowadays, the number of conditions for which doctors recommend yoga therapy has increased to quite a long list. Research is still on as scientists continue to unravel the exact physiological and biochemical impact of yoga on human bodies. In fact, more and more conditions are coming under the purview of treatment via professional yoga therapy. Some of the common physical conditions that yoga therapy can help with are:
- Back Pain
- Spinal Mobility
- Paraplegia
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Diabetes (Both Type I and Type II)
- HIV AIDS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Asthma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cancer
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Side-effects of Chemotherapy
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Brain Injury
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Digestive Problems
- Obesity
- Cardiac Diseases
- Menopausal symptoms
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Fatigue
Additionally, a portion of the regular psychological instabilities that yoga treatment can help with are:
- Stress
- Schizophrenia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating Disorders
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Epilepsy
- Post-Natal Depression
- Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD)
Other than such specific conditions, yoga therapy can even help people who are looking for a holistic fitness regime. Yoga therapy can help them regain focus, boost energy, and relieve general stress and exhaustion. However, one should not view yoga therapy as the be-all-and-end-all solution to their problems. If one continues to stick to a habit that aggravates their problem while doing yoga therapy, you cannot expect the same results as another who is showing full dedication to the treatment. Neither should one start expecting miraculous results within a few days. This is because yoga therapy is a long-term treatment method that takes time to manifest results. Patience and dedication are essential if you want it to be effective.
What To Expect In A Yoga Therapy Treatment
When you go to sign up for a yoga therapy program, a yoga therapist or counselor will see you first. They will ask about the issue you are facing. Moreover, they may want to see your diagnosis reports. They ought to likewise inquire as to whether you have any optional issues or an alternate condition. This is to ensure that the treatment plan they set up for you will not have any adverse effect on your body or mind. They would then, in consultation with you, come up with a preliminary program for a certain small number of sessions. Later, they will inform you that they will continue with this program if it seems to work out, else they will modify it.
A typical yoga therapy session consists of the following:
- Basic stretches and bends ease you into the level of flexibility needed.
- Therapeutic asanas to address the specific problem you are there for
- Pranayama or breathing exercises to complement the asanas
- Meditation to train your mind
- Guided imagery techniques to align your mental direction toward recovery
The therapist will also give you homework. This is for two main reasons. The first is to keep the therapy in continuation to perpetuate the effects without interruption. The second is to help you incorporate yoga therapeutic elements into your daily life. That way, in any event, when the treatment closes, you can keep making the most of its advantages.
How To Become A Yoga Therapist
To earn the title of certified yoga therapist (CYT), you will need to pass an International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)-an accredited yoga therapy course. But before becoming a yoga therapist, you will need to pass a basic 200-hour YTTC. Tratak Yoga offers yoga levels for all levels of students. In fact, this might can be just what you need to start off on the path to becoming a yoga therapist.
