What is Yoga Therapy?

T

he phrase' Yoga Chikitsa' translates to 'yoga therapy' in Sanskrit. It's a term often used to describe a yoga practice that focuses on healing the body, creating physical mobility, and calming the mind.

However, in today's landscape, anyone can attend a one-day teacher training class or workshop and claim to be a yoga teacher. While they may have an impressive title to share on social media, it's crucial to recognize that they may not fully comprehend the depth of the work that the original Yoga Therapy Studio (CPY) has been diligently understanding and sharing with the community since 2001. This lack of understanding could jeopardize the well-being of those seeking to use yoga as a therapy.

When it comes to choosing where to go for Yoga Therapy,

We suggest taking charge of your health and well-being by looking for experience and effectiveness with the yoga therapists you choose. At CPY, we prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring you receive the best care and guidance.

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Theresa in a restorative Liquid Fire Yoga posture that helps to relieve sciatic and lower back pain in some individuals, there are multiple variations of this pose to explore.

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Yoga Therapy. An effective practical approach to yoga practice that will change how you live life.

Imagine the scenario: you're at a doctor's office, seeking answers, and the doctor suggests yoga. With a shake of the head, the person is left alone to look for a place to learn yoga.

Where does one begin?

Back in the '90s, when yoga was still a relatively niche practice, it was effortless for students to find a place to practice; they looked for particular things, what kind of practice it was, the class length, and the teachers' experience. That's all anyone had to go on, and back then, it worked. Amazingly well. Plus, there weren't teachers on every corner. Within one weekend of classes, one could pick out the place or teacher that worked best for them. Now, students need a full year of yoga classes daily to begin navigating all the different teachers and classes available. Most are relying on the Internet and social media groups to figure it out. However, that is also limiting because good teachers may not be on social media because their focus is teaching.

At CPY, we have a unique vision.

To teach yoga as therapy, tapping into its true essence. Our Yoga Therapy is not a passing trend; it's a proven approach that effectively manages health conditions and enhances overall well-being. What sets us apart is our focus on individual needs and goals, our emphasis on breath work and mindful movement, and our commitment to providing a personalized, therapeutic style of yoga.

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So, hot yoga may be hot, but it is not yoga therapy. If your doctor suggested yoga, they didn't mean a workout yoga; they meant yoga done for its therapeutic benefits.

Yoga therapy is a specialized form of yoga that uses specific poses, breathing exercises, and meditation to address health conditions and improve overall well-being. It's not just about physical exercise, but about using these practices to promote healing and well-being. This unique blend of physical and mental practices is designed to bring about positive changes in your health, providing a ray of hope for those seeking a holistic approach to their well-being.

We invite you to consider Yoga Therapy as a complementary approach to improve your overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with a specific health condition or simply looking to enhance your quality of life, our personalized, therapeutic approach to yoga could be the solution you've been searching for.

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Group classes are available for you to apply the lessons and techniques learned in your personalized Yoga Therapy sessions.

These classes provide an opportunity to practice what you've learned in a supportive group setting, and they can be a great way to reinforce your individual practice.

All our students approach yoga from the mindset of therapy and meditation, and they are not here just to get a sweat on. We do sweat a lot in our group yoga classes, but the difference is that we teach you how to breathe and move correctly to build a sweat. We don't blast heaters on you and run you as fast as possible through poses to make you sweat, we utilize yoga practice instead.

We take it breath by breath. Step by step. Breath by breath.

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Yoga therapy comes in many forms and shapes.

The benefits of CPY's Yoga Therapy,

as taught by our duo (Calvin and Theresa) that are highly qualified and experienced yoga therapists, include helping with a wide range of health conditions, including, but not limited to, pain management, recovery from injuries, living with chronic diseases, and improving mental health.

Pain management. You can learn how to handle living with pain and learn how to ease the pain.
Recovery from athletic injuries. When yoga therapy is included in a physical therapy routine, students see a faster healing rate and can return to their sports much more quickly.
Living with cancer is complex, and battling it is even more challenging. Yoga therapy helps the blood flow and increases oxygen levels in the body, which supports more effective movement of cancer treatments in the body. It also helps uplift the mindset of the one undergoing treatment. Many CPY students have shared their success stories, highlighting how their energy levels, hopefulness, and overall physical body all felt better when taking yoga therapy sessions.
Living with chronic disease can be a huge energy drain for both the body and the mind. Yoga therapy can increase the body's energy levels and reduce the pressure of living with a chronic illness. Not only is yoga therapy good for the body and muscles, but it is also highly effective in calming the mind and giving one a source of energy even when one has felt all energy is lost.
Migraines are one of the most challenging experiences. Yoga therapy provides a practice that helps reduce the pressure of migraines by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving blood circulation. This practice also helps students develop better coping mechanisms when migraines occur. Also, by reducing overall stress and tenseness in the body, migraines tend not to recur nearly as frequently.
Accidents happen, and so does the pain from them. Once you have been diagnosed after an accident and have been advised to begin physical therapy, this is the perfect time to also incorporate yoga into your routine. We work harmoniously with other physical therapists, using their advice to tailor the most suitable yoga practices for your healing journey. This collaborative approach ensures you feel supported and part of a team.
Un-diagnosed back or body pain that no one can figure out the cause. When you do a yoga therapy session, you tell us what causes the pain, and we work with you one-on-one to find the best yoga routine for you to incorporate into your life. This individualized approach, a hallmark of yoga therapy, ensures the practice is tailored to your unique needs and health conditions, providing you with the most effective and safe treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with back pain and it has been recommended that you use physical therapy or move the body, you would be an excellent candidate for yoga therapy. We prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring that all yoga therapy sessions are conducted under the guidance of our qualified yoga instructors. We will help you learn how to care for your back to help lessen the pain and the possibility of the injury reoccurring a gain.
Mental health is a huge focus today, and yoga therapy can help. We are here to support your personal navigation of the challenges life hands you, whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. We can actively help you feel differently mentally and emotionally because yoga works on emotions and the mind. Consider what mental health therapy you are using and add Yoga Therapy to your treatment plan as recommended by your psychologist or psychiatrist.

While you may think none of your issues are listed here, whatever you feel yoga can help you with, we will find a way to help you incorporate it into your life.

This emphasis on Yoga Therapy's positive impact can make you feel hopeful and optimistic about your mental and physical health journey.

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Consider incorporating Yoga Therapy into your health plans as a complementary approach.

It's important to note that Yoga Therapy is not a replacement for your existing plans but a supportive addition that can enhance your overall well-being.

While we understand the profound effects and benefits of adding Yoga Therapy to your life, we also recognize that it takes a collective effort to support you. We will never claim that yoga is a cure-all or can completely heal everything, even though it has been transformative for many students. We encourage you to remain engaged in your therapies and seek advice from your healthcare providers.

Yoga Healers?

At our studio, we don't label ourselves as healers (even if we have played a significant role in healing processes with many individuals). We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore learning about yourself and learning how yoga can benefit you and your life.

Text or Call to schedule a session:

407-999-7871

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