“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured” ~ B.K.S. Iyengar
“Yoga therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health care refers to the adaptation and application of Yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges at any level manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality, and improve attitude.” ~ Gary Kraftsow
Therapeutic yoga practice is designed to help alleviate or manage various types of illness on physical, mental, and emotional levels.
Yoga reduces inflammatory signaling in fatigued breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
“Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way. With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages. As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves. Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more in our lives, regardless of the exterior circumstances.” ~Cybéle Tomlinson
Some Precautions
Yoga poses (asanas) and focused breathing exercises are are proven tools stress management and relaxation.
Yoga’s mind-body connection also makes it useful complement as an alternative medicine practice. Yoga philosophy provides transformative tools for the mind and emotions as well. But if you’re just looking for better stress management, yoga can still help. It is important to see your health care provider before you begin yoga if you have any certain conditions or concerns, including: Pregnancy, balance issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma or other eye conditions, severe osteoporosis, artificial joints, or severely overweight. If you have any of these conditions, you most likely will be able to practice yoga If you use caution and avoid certain positions. Regardless of your health status, start slowly and gently.
Remember, you don’t have to do every pose demonstrated in class. If a pose is uncomfortable avoid it. If you are unable to hold a pose, come out of it. Yoga teaches us not to exceed our personal limits.
