Suggested props: sturdy chair, no-slip surface, yoga blocks or books, yoga strap or belt, tennis ball(s) or similar, Pilates ball or small inflated ball, yoga bolster or firm pillow(s).

What is Yoga Therapy?

I am often asked what is Yoga Therapy?

The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) defines Yoga Therapy as “the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.”

“the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga.”

I describe Yoga Therapy as a holistic journey of self discovery and a path to overall wellbeing. Using the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda to reconnect our body and mind, rediscovering the spirit within us to bring us back to wholeness and contentment with our true self and current state. A Yoga Therapists empowers and supports individuals through their unique journey focusing on the specific goals of the individual and looking at the body, mind, and spirit as one whole entity.

Here is a comparison of what you might see in a Yoga Therapy class and common yoga class. This is a generalization and a regular yoga class can vary depending on the teacher and how much of the entirety they teach of the yoga tradition.

Yoga Therapy Class

  • Instructors have minimum RYT-200 hours training in a specific yoga style, and minimum 800 hour accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma
  • Clients have a specific health issue in common and other yogic practices are explored to support these
  • Smaller classes, less participants
  • Pace of class is slower and focus is to regulate the nervous system
  • Sequences and practice only include 10 -13 movements, interoception during movement is always an emphasis
  • Sequences include gentle, restorative movements
  • No obvious peak to the class and activating the relaxation response is the focus
  • Specific education related to the therapeutic focus are included in each class

Common Yoga Class

  • Instructors have minimum RYT-200 hour training in a specific yoga style
  • Clients are mobile and classes are mostly asana and fitness based, and may not be accessible to all
  • Larger classes, more participants
  • Pace of class can vary and be much faster and focus often fitness based
  • Sequences/practices can include upwards of 20-60 movements (asana), interoception may not be cued
  • Sequences may include challenging high risk movements
  • The peak of the class is a physically challenging pose
  • Education of some yoga techniques or benefits may not be offered

Yoga Therapists also work alongside a multidisciplinary team, such as your doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist, psychologist, and more to ensure you are receiving complete support and care along your journey.

More questions, visit the International Association of Yoga Therapists at https://www.iayt.org/ or let’s connect to discuss more.

Who’s Behind the Scenes

Christina (she/her/hers) is a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist and Accessible Yoga Teacher creating inclusive, accessible, equitable, and empowering spaces where individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda. She shares these teachings to the best of her ability and with respect for the history and traditions of the cultures where these practices originated. 

Through her persistent pain journey the therapeutic benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda have been transformative, guiding Christina toward whole-body wellness and much-needed restoration. While embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment Christina reclaimed agency over her own health and wellness finding relief from physical pain, nurturing her mental and emotional well-being, and building resilience and a renewed sense of vitality.

Christina is now a passionate advocate sharing her experiences and knowledge to support others on their own paths toward healing and wholeness. Her teachings and training is centered around self-care, self-discovery, self-awareness, relief from stress and anxiety, sleep support, relief of persistent pain, supporting chronic disease and illness, injury recovery, optimizing pelvic health, bone health, and healthy aging.

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