Therapeutic yoga is a holistic practice that combines traditional yoga techniques with modern medical and psychological understanding to support healing and well-being. Unlike general yoga classes, therapeutic yoga is tailored to individual needs and is often used as a complementary approach to treat a range of conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and recovery from injury or surgery.
This form of yoga emphasizes gentle movements, breath awareness, meditation, and guided relaxation to help restore balance in the body and mind. It is especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those managing chronic health conditions, as it can be adapted to suit all levels of physical ability.
Therapeutic yoga is typically led by instructors with specialized training who work closely with healthcare providers. The goal is not to achieve difficult poses but to support healing, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life. It fosters a sense of inner peace and self-awareness, empowering individuals to take an active role in their own recovery and health maintenance.
Here is a list of therapeutic yoga practices, often used to support healing, recovery, and overall well-being. These styles and approaches are tailored to help manage or alleviate specific physical, emotional, or mental health conditions:
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🧘♂️ Major Types of Therapeutic Yoga
1. Iyengar Yoga
Focuses on alignment and precision
Uses props (blocks, belts, chairs) to support healing
Helpful for musculoskeletal issues, postural correction
2. Restorative Yoga
Deep relaxation with long-held, supported poses
Reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue
Often used for recovery from illness or trauma
3. Yin Yoga
Targets deep connective tissue and fascia
Improves flexibility and joint mobility
Helpful for chronic pain and stiffness
4. Chair Yoga
Modified poses done while seated or using a chair
Suitable for seniors, those with limited mobility, or recovering from surgery
5. Viniyoga
Adapted to individual needs
Emphasizes breath, function over form
Effective for back pain, mental health, and chronic conditions
6. Kundalini Yoga (Therapeutic Use)
Combines kriyas, breathwork, chanting, and meditation
Used for trauma, emotional healing, addiction recovery
7. Yoga Therapy (IAYT-Informed)
A personalized approach using yoga tools (asana, pranayama, meditation)
Tailored to treat specific health conditions
Practiced by certified Yoga Therapists (e.g., IAYT practitioners)
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🧠 Conditions Addressed by Therapeutic Yoga
Physical
Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, arthritis)
Injury rehabilitation
Heart disease and hypertension
Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma)
Mental/Emotional
Anxiety, depression
PTSD and trauma
Insomnia
Stress-related disorders
Neurological
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke recovery
Metabolic/Autoimmune
Diabetes
Thyroid imbalances
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
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🌿 Common Therapeutic Yoga Techniques
Asana (physical postures) – gentle, mindful movement
Pranayama (breath control) – regulates nervous system
Meditation and mindfulness
Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) – for deep rest and healing
Mantra chanting – for mental clarity and emotional stability
Lifestyle & Ayurvedic integration – diet, daily routine, cleansing