YOGA

Yoga is an ancient system of relaxation and rejuvenation. This practice utilizes postures, breath, relaxation, and meditation as a means to achieve physical and emotional health. The postures strengthen and tone every part of the body, including the internal organs. These postures are also beneficial because they are always performed with a conscious awareness of breath. The link between the breath and the posture creates a comforting connection between our physical and emotional selves. Breath control supplies energy to the body and calms the mind. Relaxation and meditation relieve stress and clarify thinking. Yoga teaches respect of the body and the importance of being present and aware in each moment (IAYT).

The American Medical Association is currently reporting that many diseases are stress related. Yoga is a very simple, yet profound, stress management technique. Yoga brings awareness to your body, and instead of fighting stress, we can learn to flow with it. EVERY BODY can do yoga. It does not matter how fit or unfit you are right now. Soon after you do yoga, you will feel lighter. Regular repetition will provide you with a greater range of motion, and a sense of peace.

YOGA THERAPY

"Yoga Therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class" Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.)

Yoga Therapy's purpose is to promote better health and assist in bringing about physical and mental steadiness to each individual. Yoga is used to address mental and physical problems while integrating the body and mind. In these sessions, the yoga therapist will create a treatment and lifestyle plan for the individual based on their needs, with patient input and participation. Treatment plan includes yoga postures, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, lifestyle/diet modifications, and any other health goals. A structural analysis is also administered in order to address any physical limitations or areas of pain. Yoga therapy takes medical considerations into account, thus making it an effective and safe means of treating these conditions. Yoga therapy aids in restoring the proper functioning of the various bodily systems.

Yoga therapy is holistic in asserting that true healing must occur on all levels of being: emotional, mental, and spiritual. The healing modalities used in Yoga Therapy are complimentary to Western medicine; and as such, should not be construed as a substitute for either a medical diagnosis or the services of a physician.