As described by Spanda Yoga, "while the practice of yoga itself is inherently therapeutic, yoga therapy applies select yoga techniques and principles to an individual’s specific – usually health related - concerns. Most people consider yoga’s physical practices its main value. These practices are very effective at promoting, maintaining and restoring vibrant physical health. Yet there’s much more to yoga’s holistic model of health including physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of our being. In yoga therapy we work with the body, breath and mind in response to assessing how these are habitually patterned as we go about our lives.”

Also described by Spanda Yoga, a yoga therapy session is tailored to each individual by a yoga therapist trained in multi-level assessment and in modifying and adapting yoga’s ancient classical practices to suit each person’s needs in a safe and effective way. In a session you might learn and do practices to:

• Improve range of motion and coordination

• Correct faulty breathing patterns for better energy and sleep

• Address areas of discomfort or muscular imbalance through specially designed postures and movements

• Streamline and repattern movement and everyday postural efficiency

• Use visualization or meditative introspective practices

Or any combination of these and other yoga therapy tools!

Check this out, from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, one of the National Institutes of Health: Yoga: What You Need To Know.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite”. As a practice, it is a scientific system for addressing total health including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the United States, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, or the physical part of yoga; however, these poses, or asana, are only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga.

Yes! Many people think that they are not “flexible” enough “for” yoga, but that's like thinking that you need to be able to play piano in order to take piano lessons! Yoga meets you where you are. Through your yoga practice, flexibility will be balanced by strength, coordination, ease, connection to your breath and an improved sense of well-being. As our practice develops, we learn more about ourselves, deepen our connection to ourselves, each other and the world around us.

Hatha yoga is a popular tradition from which many other yoga styles are derived. Hatha yoga reinforces equilibrium, flexibility and strength. The primary elements of the Western practice are yoga poses (asanas) and breath control. However, there are six other vital elements involved in the full enjoyment of the discipline which are collectively referred to as the "eight limbs of yoga" and must be explored to be appreciated. Utilizing these “limbs” of yoga can change how we feel not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too!

Many people practice yoga as a way to manage their health conditions. There are many different types of classes which suit different health needs and can also be adapted and modified for injuries/conditions. However, if you have a medical condition or injury and haven’t practiced yoga before, talk to your health care provider about your intentions and any restrictions you might have and then speak to an experienced yoga teacher or yoga therapist to get advice about any poses, movements or practices you might need to avoid or adjust.

It is best to wait an hour or two after eating before practicing yoga, but a small nutritious snack before your class is alright and always be mindful of good hydration. Observe your body to learn how much time you need to digest your food before practice.