What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy is the professional and therapeutic application of yogic tools, including yoga postures, breathing practices, meditation techniques, and much more, to address a person’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Most of us in the west first learn about yoga through its physical practices, and it’s a common misconception that yoga is all about stretching or movement. In actuality, Yoga Therapy can help people who can’t touch their toes or even move their body at all.
The yogic model of health and wellness is unique because it addresses every aspect of life rather than considering each body part or system separately. Yoga Therapy is complimentary to allopathic medicine and is a safe way of working with the natural capacity of your body and mind to optimize well-being.
Through a dynamic, therapeutic relationship, practices & protocols are created that empower the client in their own journey towards greater well-being.
Yoga Therapists use the principles & practices of Yoga to address mental, emotional, physical and spiritual imbalances (dis-ease) in a person.
Yoga Therapy empowers people to progress towards improved mental & physical health through the application of the tools of Yoga.
Yoga Therapists work across hospital settings, outpatient clinics, behavioral health clinics, addition recovery centers, physical therapy, rehabilitation centers, aged-care facilities, military and in private practice.
Yoga Therapists assess and recommend an individualized practice for clients using the teachings and tools of yoga.
Clients often come to yoga therapy after exhausting many other health alternatives.
What is the difference between a group Yoga Class and a Yoga Therapy Session?
For some conditions or complicated issues, a group yoga class may not be appropriate for your well-being because it is not individualized for the person. A one-size-fits-all approach to Yoga, like in a group class, is not conducive to a persons healing.
People also find that private sessions help them to realize their goals faster than in group classes.
FAQ
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient system of science, philosophy, and psychology that originated in India 5,000-10,000 years ago. Traditionally, yoga was handed down orally from teacher to student. But in the west group classes have become the norm, which mainly just focuses on the yoga postures. These precious teachings are so much more than just a bunch of postures. Yoga is connection, unity, and infinite wisdom.
Is Yoga A Cardio Workout?
While it can be, you will never get a cardio workout from my yoga classes. The classes I teach are either Yoga Nidra (deep rest) or a classical style in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. The yoga postures are gentle and soothing. All of my classes focus primarily on nervous system regulation.
What Should I Bring?
A yoga mat is optimal, but not required. My yoga posture-based classes can be practiced from a chair or bed. Yoga Nidra classes can be practiced in your favorite resting posture with lots of optional supports such as blankets, pillows, folded-up towels, bolsters, or couch cushions.
What Should I Expect?
In my yoga posture-based classes, we sometimes start with a mental/emotional check-in without group sharing. Then we start with gentle, standing postures to discharge stress before transitioning to the floor for lying down and seated postures. The breath is the main focus throughout class. For most new students, the breathwork is the most challenging. I offer lots of options throughout, even the option to skip a practice if it doesn’t feel good to you.
In my Yoga Nidra classes, we may start with some slow movement, but most of the class is lying (or sitting) in your favorite resting posture while I guide you through a rotation of consciousness throughout the body. The focus is inner awareness and deep rest. I offer lots of options in all of my classes.
What Should I Wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Yoga pants are never required. Sweat pants and a T-shirt work great. Have socks and blanket nearby to cover up during the slower, lying-down postures when your body temperature drops.
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Phone
310-878-2903
luna@crissyluna.com
Serving
The South Bay, Los Angeles, and World Wide
