Yoga Therapy

What is Yoga Therapy?

Whilst all types of yoga has the potential to be healing and therapeutic, Yoga therapy specifically applies breathing, meditation, asana (postures) and more, to address the emotional, mental, and physical requirements of an individual

The aim of yoga therapy is to work together with an individual or sometimes groups of clients to find the most appropriate techniques to help improve health and wellbeing. Supporting any ongoing issues that might be causing stress or some of the other negative impacts of illness, pain, or injury.

What to expect from yoga therapy

Having studied Yoga & Physiology at New York University, I know how effective yoga can be in the treatment and prevention of many illnesses, injuries, and stress-related illnesses. There have been many recent studies that have shown that the use of yoga can improve health and wellbeing and help with a variety of conditions. A particularly interesting Scientific paper is the ‘Physiological Effects of Yogic Practices and
Transcendental Meditation in Health and Disease’ by P A Balaji, Smitha R Varne1, Syed Sadat Ali

Individually tailored yoga therapy can help with:

• Chronic pain including low back pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis, and other types of pain such that associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
• Mental Health, including stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, trauma, and PTSD
• Support for illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
• Overall Well-being and healthy aging

After an initial consultation, I will work with you to address your specific goals, whilst taking into consideration any limitations that you may experience. The consultation is designed to:

• Assess lifestyle and physical capability
• Identify any health issues
• Discuss reasons for seeking therapy
• Recommend a Dietary Plan
• Create a holistic lifestyle plan

Your recommended yoga practice may include:

• Breathing techniques (Prayanama) – You will be guided through a series of breathing exercises, ranging from balanced breaths to energizing breath

• Meditation – Combined with yoga this will focus on relaxation and mindfulness

• Physical postures (Asana) – You will be taught specific yoga poses to address specific musculoskeletal imbalances or areas of discomfort

• Movement which can range from gentle to vigorous

Because the yogic health model address every aspect of life as opposed to considering each body part of system separately, it is a unique and safe way of optimizing your wellbeing by working with the natural capacity of your mind and body. Yoga therapy is tailored to individuals with the aim of promoting good health as a whole. The emphasis is on the mind, emotions, body or a combination of these.

For example, back pain may be caused by poor posture. Yoga therapy would focus on working with the body and Yoga postures. If the back pain was caused by stress, then the inclusion of Meditation and breathing techniques would also be very useful.

What happens in a Therapy Session

Your session will be based on the health questionnaire that you complete when booking and generally lasts for 60 minutes. It usually begins with a posture and movement assessment and observation of breathing patterns.

We will work with movement, breath and awareness using restorative poses to experience deep relaxation and help to eleviate stress. Having defined you short and long term goals, we will work with specific yoga techniques to address any physical and emotional imbalances. At the end of our session, you will be given a practice to address your own specific requirements that will help support you on your journey to increased wellbeing.

Booking a Consultation & Prices

The initial consultation lasts 60 minutes and costs £60.00. Follow-up sessions last for 60 minutes and cost £40.00 per session.

If you are interested in trying Yoga Therapy to help aid your well-being please download the questionnaire below and email the completed questionnaire to sharon@namastehathayoga.co.uk once payment has been made via the PayPal button, I will email you to arrange the day and time for the initial consultation.  Your confidentiality is respected at all times.

Follow Up Sessions

Follow-up sessions last for 60 minutes and cost £40.00 per session or choose from a package below. Follow up sessions can take place in your home or via a private zoom call.

*Please note I have a 48-hour cancellation policy – of an appointment is cancelled with 48 hours or less notice, no refund will be given.

I believe yoga should be accessible to everyone. I offer discounted concession rates to those on a low income, retired, unemployed and NHS employees. If this reflects your current situation, please email me at sharon@namastehathayoga.co.uk so we can find a payment level that suits you.