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Yoga Therapy
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by Marsha T Metzger, M.ed, RYT, KYTA
Yoga, which is such an ancient practice, is finding its way into all sorts of
Western modes of healing. Not only is it great physical exercise, it can also
have profound healing effects on the psyche and the soul. Yoga Therapy involves
a one-on-one interaction between client and practitioner. Yoga Therapists address
the story behind the body of a client, through careful observation of the client’s
breathing patterns, yoga postures, and ability to be with themselves in quiet
meditation. The body has incredible messages to tell, and yoga becomes a natural
means to understanding these messages. It is said, for example, that tight hamstrings
hold tight emotions, or rounded backs may indicate a deep heart wound that wants
to be protected. How we stand, how we hold ourselves in relation to others, can
all be looked at through the microscope of yoga.
Yoga Therapy can also be used as an adjunct to any healing that a person is seeking.
For example, someone undergoing surgery may want to meet with a yoga therapist
pre and post surgery to help with the fears going in to surgery , and the recovery
process afterwards.
Or, someone may just want to grow in their yoga practice and would benefit from
more personal attention. While yoga therapy is not psychotherapy, the incredible
self- awareness that can occur through observing oneself in a variety of postures
can be quite enlightening. Sometimes, the body is really trying to tell us something,
and a yoga therapist can help bring that something to the surface.
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