Yoga Therapy vs Yoga Classes

I am proud to announce my recent change in status as an instructor certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. It has taken many hours of reflection and detailed documentation of years working with individuals in private home settings. I enjoyed reviewing my clientele history and the myriad of unique challenges with which they entrusted me. Each person has presented a combination of physical, mental and emotional expression, beautiful when balanced, but challenged when illness strikes. When imbalance shows up in a chronic tri-fold way, yoga therapy proves extremely helpful. It is often a place to turn when traditional western medicine is not providing answers because sometimes drugs and surgery cannot compete with loving care and simple health strategies based on the body/mind connection.

What is the difference between yoga classes and yoga therapy? A class is most often designed to be a well-rounded physical routine meant to suit the mainstream public. A yoga therapy session is designed to bring balance to a particular individual using tools specific to their current needs.  Pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (chanting), yantra (visualization) and Ayurvedic remedies (such as dietary or sleep pattern suggestions) take on a bigger role and, combined with prescribed asanas (postures), can bring about huge changes in awareness of our perspective on personal health. That being said, many health insurance companies recognize yoga therapy as a valued alternative healthcare approach and will reimburse their members for such services.

I was blessed to be exposed to yoga therapy early on in my training 15 years ago and appreciate my many teachers as well as the clients who came before me with open minds and hearts. Today I continue to coach privately and assist in the anatomy component of  Teacher Trainings with Inner Domain Yoga School and RTR by Potomac Pilates School. I consider my work as an ayurvedic life-style counselor and  Pilates teacher  helpful additions to my offerings as a yoga therapist.

So although I am still a proud E-RYT 500 member of Yoga Alliance, I am very grateful to be officially recognized by the yoga therapist  community world wide and hope to provide service to more people in need. The International Association of Yoga Therapists is paving the way for involvement in hospitals and medical clinics, bringing the benefits of yoga to a larger audience of people who may shy away from boutique yoga studios. It is an exciting public health opportunity and I am thrilled to be on the front lines.

 

Author Info

lisayogini

Comments ( 2 )

  • Michelle Ames

    Congratulations, Lisa! I can envision you helping people greatly to find balance and healing in their lives through yoga therapy. Bless you!

  • What a fantastic achievement – well done Lisa!

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