What is Yoga Therapy
Art Brownstein, M.DYoga therapy consists of the application of yogic principles, methods, and techniques to specific human ailments. In its ideal application, Yoga therapy is preventive in nature, as is Yoga itself, but it is also restorative in many instances, palliative in others, and curative in many others.
How Can Yoga Therapy Help
Yoga therapy works with the whole person, treating root causes of illness and promoting holistic health. Yoga therapy can be effective in treatment of specific conditions but goes further that that: the holistic health that yoga therapy encourages can prevent future illness, increase energy levels, and create a sense of well-being.
There are many techniques and approaches used in yoga therapy, but some of the general principles include:
- The Relaxation Response
- Yoga is very effective in relieving stress. Excessive stress is a contributing factor to many health problems. Further, stress relief can make symptoms easier to deal with.
- Balancing The Nervous System
- Many people have an overactive sympathetic nervous system. This causes the parasympathetic nervous system to
lose out
resulting in decreased immune and digestive function, along with other health consequences. Yoga can help balance the nervous system. - Muscular Balance
- By correcting excess muscular tension and strengthening weak muscles, the body is brought into alignment and harmful pressure is removed from nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and internal organs.
Further Information
Please see the lecture slides from my recent seminar.