I have completed my training to be a certified yoga therapist, and am constantly in a process of learning how to be a better therapist as well as teacher. My students have taught me probably as much as I’ve taught them.More and more articles about the benefits of yoga are appearing in the popular press. And yoga is helpful to many people in many ways. But most yoga classes are offered to people whose general health is good. It doesn’t have to be perfect – most yoga teachers are conscious of physical conditions that would contraindicate certain asanas (poses). However, people who have a serious medical condition would do well to err on the side of safety and seek out a yoga therapist instead of a yoga class.

Yoga therapy is usually taught one-on-one or in small groups. It tends to be gentle and nurturing, although it can be challenging. There is a strong focus on bodily awareness and postural alignment. Yoga therapists are trained in Pranayama, or breath awareness, and also are able to teach basic meditation techniques so your mind and spirit can assist your body in returning to wholeness.

Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall, M.D., lists conditions that are improved by yoga, including anxiety, arthritis, back disorders, and also reviews scientific studies that have been carried out on the effectiveness of yoga as a therapy.

Yoga is never offered as a substitute for medical care. Usually yoga therapy is offered as part of a treatment regime, with the support of a physician, chiropractor, physical therapist and/or other medical personnel.

If you'd like to learn more, please feel free to contact me.