How Will Yoga Therapy Help Me?

By Pauline Shakti Tait, SYT

Pauline Shakti Tait, SYT

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How Will Yoga Therapy Help Me?

Do you suffer from any of the following issues work related pain and injuries, recurring pain from old injuries, sports injuries or falls? Arthritis, posture or genetic issues such as scoliosis? Pelvic issues such as limping, recurring back pain, bow legs or knock knees? Or issues related to the nervous system such as Parkinson's disease and stress? Healing may be possible through Classical Yoga therapeutic guidance and 20 minutes of practice each day.

The practice of dynamic and static yoga has become popular in the U.S. What we call it yoga is only one branch of yoga in the classical sense. The physical practice is called Hatha yoga.

Yoga began around since 200 BC through Patanjali, an oral teacher. His 87 daily teachings, known as Sutras (threads of knowledge), were eventually converted into a text from which Classical Yoga originated. This text is distributed worldwide. Patanjali describes the nature of the mind and ways to control its continuous restlessness, and the importance of having a clear mind. His first Sutra promotes the practice of Hatha yoga, the physical poses that we commonly practice today.

Classical Yoga is based on a process of physical and mental training resulting in the ability to think more clearly and make wiser decisions. When the mind is clear we experience more happiness and good health. We learn the joy we continually seek from the outside world is experienced from within, if we dare to tap into its resources. A clear mind also teaches us to use our intuition and insight. Through continued practice and study, insights become more regular and we can better manage situations and ourselves.

Continued Hatha yoga practice also has physiological benefits. The gentle movement of limbs isolates and strengthens muscles. Static yoga uses full range of motion and builds muscle tone to eliminate pain. Depending on the pose, yoga brings blood flow to specific organs. Standing poses can lower blood pressure. Backbends and inversions can increase blood pressure. Shoulder stands increase blood flow to the thyroid.

Vinyasa yoga is a series of poses rolled into a continuous flow, enhancing vascular circulation and strengthening the mind. Ultimately, the breath and mind become deeply connected if breath is relaxed then mind will follow. Shallow breathing, common in our fast paced life, creates a disruptive mind with unnecessary and non-productive thoughts.

Certain positions called Bandas or energy locks enhance respiratory function and restore lost energy. Specific hand positions called mudras are used in meditation and reduce sensory overload from the outside world.

More advanced Classical Yoga includes Ayurveda, the Science of Life. This aspect focuses on the five basic elements earth, fire, water, air and ether. The principals of Ayurveda can be used to create a harmonious personality. All aspects of Classical Yoga are included in the Structural Yoga Therapy Program.

You can work toward achieving balance and harmony with a 12-week structural yoga therapy plan. All aspects of yoga are included, with Ayurveda playing an integral part.