Doctors & Healthcare Providers
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is a complementary healthcare approach which aligns with the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to health and wellness. In many countries, it is included in university and continuing education programs for healthcare providers.
Yoga therapy training and scope of practice
Many healthcare providers recommend yoga as part of patient treatment. Therapeutic yoga is distinct from public or private yoga classes. The training and scope of practice of a certified yoga therapist is significantly different than that of a yoga teacher.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) is a certifying body committed to highest of standards. An IAYT-certified yoga therapist does not diagnose, treat disease, or prescribe medication unless they are otherwise licensed to do so. They always ask clients for any existing diagnoses and treatments provided by their doctors, physical therapists and the rest of their healthcare team. IAYT certified yoga therapists receive anatomy, physiology, and psychological training so that they can effectively work with other healthcare providers, suggest referrals when needed and support clients with the therapeutic application of yoga practices.
In addition, many certified yoga therapists hold accreditations or licenses in other health fields. As a yoga therapist, I integrate my certifications, training and experience with somatic coaching, health coaching, mindfulness based interventions, compassion training, clinical somatics, and trauma sensitivity to support improved quality of life and alleviation of symptoms and suffering.
What to expect and results from yoga therapy
Yoga therapy empowers clients to be proactive in their health and wellness. Within the context of a therapeutic relationship, a yoga therapist will offer:
personalised assessment which includes any existing diagnoses and treatment plans from their healthcare team
client goal setting
teaching and practicing of relevant yoga-based practices including: movement, breathing, relaxation, meditation, visualisation, mindfulness and compassion
As a result of yoga therapy, many clients experience significant increases in their self-perception of overall wellbeing. They also often experience a reduction or elimination of a variety of symptoms including pain, sleep difficulties, stress, tension and more. Further, clients are often more motivated to follow the recommendations of their healthcare team and take a more proactive role around their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Who refers their patients to yoga therapists?
For these reasons, many doctors refer their patience to certified yoga therapists. Referrals come from medical specialists including doctors, company doctors, surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, and oncologists. Additionally, referrals may come from physical therapists, massage therapists, psychologists, and more.
Referrals happen both ways as yoga therapists commonly refer their clients to other practitioners including doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, gynaecologists and more.
Further references and research about yoga therapy
Research - For further reference, we have compiled a list of promising research on the effectiveness of yoga therapy with a variety of healthcare topics including cancer, chronic illness, pain, stress management, anxiety, depression, arthritis, heart disease and more.
Terminology
Yoga therapy is seen as complementary healthcare. To keep this distinction clear, we use the following terminology:
client instead of patient
self healing potential instead of healing and recovery
suggested referral rather than referral
Have further questions?
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