Yoga Therapy
The interweaving of health-fullness
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga is at its core, an ancient spiritual tradition and way of being in the world which is deeply rooted in the Indian Subcontinent.
Yoga Therapy is a modern discipline that has adapted elements of Yoga to primarily support health and healing. Yoga Therapy draws upon Asana (physical movement), Pranayama (control of the breath), Dharna (concentration) and Dhyãna (meditation). It also draws upon elements of a yogic lifestyle to contemplate and weave in to day-to-day life.
Yoga Therapy is open to everybody and every body. It’s a person centred approach meaning each session is tailored to your needs. Yoga Therapy has adopted the framework of the Five-Layered-Self or Pancha Kosha, that comes from the Taittiriya Upanishad, a traditional text. It views each individual as comprising five, uniquely, inter-weaving layers consisting of the physical, energetic, mind/emotion, wisdom and heart layers. As we are all uniquely us, no one person will ever have the same needs.
In hospital medicine, when living with chronic disease or changes associated with ageing, there can be so much focus on physicality. This can sometimes make us feel that we are incomplete or no longer whole. I believe that health is about more than just the physical aspect. It is possible to live well with a chronic disease and be uniquely you. The Pancha Kosha shows us that everything interconnects, including our relationships with our communities and the world around us.
Yoga Therapy doesn’t claim to cure or fix.
It offers an opportunity to explore that old English word, hǣlth. Whose meaning is “wholeness, a being whole or sound.”
The field of Integrative Medicine recognises Yoga Therapy as a modality that can be used in combination with conventional medicine for the management of many conditions.
The Research
There is evidence that dates back as far as the 1970’s showing that yoga can be used to improve physical health, in particular, the reduction of blood pressure through regular meditation.
Currently, there is much research being undertaken looking at the benefits of Yoga therapy and other Mind Body Interventions, such as mindfulness meditation. It is increasingly showing that regular practice can lead to beneficial changes throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system and nervous system, right the way down to the cellular level.
Benefits include strength, balance, flexibility, bone health, functional breathing, pain management, bringing balance to the nervous system, restorative rest, coordination, reduction in blood pressure, connection and gratitude.
Why Choose Me?
Expertise & Experience – Accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Healthcare background.
Person Centred Sessions - Each session is Accessible & Adapted to You.
Flexibility - Sessions delivered virtually or in the comfort of your own home (SO32)
Our first session is always free and lasts about an hour.
Our first session is “the Intake.” This is a discussion about your background to ensure that we can work safely together. You can share as much, or as little, as you wish to. Everything shared is confidential.
All sessions are adapted to you and your needs. And your feedback is important, so each session will start with a check-in.
Yoga Therapy is for every body.
I work with everybody.
However, I will only ever work with 2 clients at any time. This means there may be occasion where you will need to join the waiting list. Alternatively, I can direct you to a colleague who may be able to work with you sooner.
Given my medical background, my main interest is in working with those who have conditions associated with ageing and those living with chronic disease.
This is because I strongly value what Yoga therapy can bring to the lived experience and I want to share that with as many people as possible. And just a reminder, I do not offer medical advice.
What to expect
I currently work online via Zoom. However, I can come to you if you live within SO32.
In each session you can expect, a warm welcome.
A settling of the body. Supported with props and/or a chair.
Movement adapted to your body and level of fitness/health.
Breath Gym; adopting the functional breath.
Relaxation & Yoga Nidra. This is the part of the session my clients adore the most!
Price
My hourly rate is £80 per session.
To book or inquire please email.
If you believe that working with me will be beneficial but fear that it may be unaffordable, please contact to discuss further.