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# Yoga Therapy

yo·ga ther·a·py - YOH-gah THER-ah-pee

## Definition

Yoga therapy is the clinical application of yoga principles, practices, and techniques to address specific health conditions, promote recovery, and support overall well-being. Unlike general yoga classes that follow standardized sequences, yoga therapy involves individualized assessment and treatment planning by a trained yoga therapist who tailors practices to the client's specific medical conditions, physical limitations, and therapeutic goals.

Yoga therapy integrates physical postures (asanas) adapted for therapeutic purposes, breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, relaxation practices (yoga nidra), and philosophical teachings to address conditions spanning mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD), chronic pain (low back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis), neurological conditions (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis), cardiovascular health (hypertension, heart disease rehabilitation), metabolic conditions (diabetes management), and respiratory conditions (asthma, [COPD](/conditions/copd)).

The evidence base for yoga therapy has grown substantially, with over 3,000 published clinical studies. Systematic reviews support its effectiveness for chronic low back pain, anxiety and depression, PTSD symptoms, [hypertension](/glossary/hypertension) management, and quality of life in cancer patients. The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) established accreditation standards for yoga therapy training programs, requiring a minimum of 800 hours of specialized education beyond basic yoga teacher training.

## Also Known As

Therapeutic yoga Clinical yoga Medical yoga 

## Key Facts

-   • Yoga therapy requires 800+ hours of specialized training beyond basic yoga teacher certification. 
-   • The strongest evidence supports yoga therapy for chronic low back pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 
-   • Yoga therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve, reducing cortisol and promoting relaxation. 
-   • Over 36 million Americans practice yoga, and an estimated 14 million have been recommended yoga by their doctors. 
-   • The VA healthcare system now offers yoga therapy as a complementary treatment for veterans with PTSD and chronic pain. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Yoga therapy is increasingly integrated into conventional healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, cancer treatment facilities, and mental health clinics. If you're managing a chronic condition and interested in yoga therapy, seek a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) who can work with your healthcare team to develop a safe, appropriate practice.

The therapeutic mechanisms of yoga likely involve multiple pathways: stimulation of the vagus nerve (improving parasympathetic tone), reduction of [cortisol](/glossary/cortisol) and inflammatory markers, enhanced interoception (body awareness), improved flexibility and strength, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and social connection in group settings.

## Related Terms

[Vagus Nerve](/glossary/vagus-nerve)[Cortisol](/glossary/cortisol)[Stress Response](/glossary/stress-response)[Resilience](/glossary/resilience)[Integrative Medicine](/glossary/integrative-medicine)[Endorphins](/glossary/endorphins)

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## Sources

1.  [Yoga for Health](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know) - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)
2.  [Yoga Therapy](https://www.iayt.org/page/AboutYogaTherapy) - International Association of Yoga Therapists
3.  [Clinical Evidence for Yoga Therapy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6928757/) - National Library of Medicine

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