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How yoga therapy helps

Many people will prefer a yoga therapist as a one-to-one instructor when they seek relief for a particular health condition, a stressful or anxiety-related circumstance, or simply to find balance, wellbeing and inner strength. 

In a regular yoga class, general yoga methods and practices are taught and are not always the most suitable. 

Yoga therapy differs in that it focuses on the client’s specific condition and needs. For a yoga therapy practice to be most effective, it needs to be designed according to the individual person’s physical health, mental health, energy levels, breathing patterns, social interests and unique circumstances. Analysis of these components, listening to the client and then choosing appropriate yoga tools are part of the yoga therapist’s training.

A complimentary half-hour consultation is available, to discuss one’s state of mind and body, personal expectations and whether yoga therapy is appropriate in the particular circumstances. Then, in a following session, a personal practice routine is designed and taught, involving a sequence of mindful movements, integrated with specific breath techniques and other yoga techniques. This is designed to support the client in managing their specific health condition.

This routine is important and should be practised about five times each week to become natural and most beneficial. The length of each session could be anything between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the time available or personal needs. In the first teaching session, you will be shown how to get the best from your sessions. First, you will watch and learn as the therapist demonstrates breath-focused poses one at a time. Later, you can repeat these poses yourself, with guidance and feedback from the therapist to ensure you recall each move and can perform each pose comfortably.

When you are comfortable with the breath-centred poses, they will be prepared as illustrated practice sheets, that you can use in your private sessions at home. 

Based on feedback from your experience of the first home practice, the subsequent practices are monitored to accommodate the changing nature of symptoms, done gradually and in stages.

It is best initially to commit to a minimum of four sessions over six weeks, to get started and to feel the effects, which are gradual rather than sudden. Each session lasts for an hour and costs €55. 

After that, if you would like to continue to develop the practice, the frequency of sessions entirely depends on individual choice and what is appropriate, usually every four to six weeks. 

The home practice takes into account the client’s condition when they first attend. It aims to improve those symptoms which can be improved and to manage those symptoms which don’t change, and to reduce stress, ease breathing, calm the mind and relax the body.

Ultimately, yoga is a process of self realisation, developing gradually in stages towards the individual’s potentiality. Some key points of yoga philosophy will often be helpful in sustaining and encouraging your practice.

The home practice is a central aspect of yoga therapy and the yoga therapist aims to support and encourage your relationship to the practice. The philosophy of yoga indicates that the practice needs to be done continuously and with care over a long time.