What’s the difference between Yoga and Yoga Therapy?
Think of yoga as a way to keep your whole self well—body, mind, and spirit. A regular yoga class usually includes postures, breathing, meditation, and a lifestyle approach based on yogic philosophy. It’s great if you’re generally healthy and just want to feel more flexible, strong, balanced, and relaxed.
Yoga therapy is a little different. It’s more personal and designed to support specific health needs of an individual—whether physical, mental, or emotional. Here we use the same tools of yoga—movement, breath, meditation, relaxation, chanting —but in a way that’s tailored to you and your unique needs.
In short:
Yoga = General wellness practice for everyone
Yoga Therapy = Personalised support for specific needs of an individual
How does Yoga Therapy actually work?
Yoga Therapy works by activating the healing energy within us
Our bodies are wise.
They’re always giving us signals—hunger, tiredness, the need for sleep. In the same way, pain, discomfort, or restlessness are messages too, telling us something needs care.
In daily life, we often push past those signals. In yoga therapy, we pause, listen, and respond gently. A session may include:
Deep rest for body and mind (switching on the healing mode/ parasympathetic nervous system)
Gentle, mindful movement with the breath
Breathing practices to help prana flow smoothly
Simple chanting (if it feels right for you)
Guided relaxation or visualisation
Together, these create space for your natural healing energy to move freely. Sometimes we’ll also talk about small lifestyle shifts—things like sleep, food, or work balance—if they can support your journey.
What happens on the body and mind level?
Yoga therapy works on many layers:
Body: Gentle postures bring back mobility and strength, ease stiffness, and reduce pain. Breath and relaxation improve circulation, digestion, lung function, and immunity.
Nervous System: Practices calm the “fight or flight” response and activate the “rest and repair” state, helping our body focus on healing.
Mind & Emotions: Breathwork, mindfulness, and awareness reduce stress, ease anxiety, and lift mood. Many people feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
Yoga therapy recognizes that chronic conditions often involve multiple interlinked factors—physical strain, emotional stress, poor sleep, lifestyle habits. By addressing all these together, it helps the body to restore balance.
Who can come for a Yoga Therapy session?
Anyone dealing with a health issue—whether it’s pain, stress, or recovery—can benefit. Yoga therapy is not a replacement for medical care; it works alongside it. You can absolutely continue with your Doctor’s treatment and medicines while you explore yoga therapy.
Do I need to know yoga before starting?
Not at all. You don’t need any experience. We’ll guide you step by step through movements and breathing practices in a simple, comfortable way. You’ll also get a practice sheet so you can continue at home. And of course, you can reach out anytime if you have questions.
Is it available online?
Yes! Sessions are available both online and in person.
If you’re nearby, you can join me in Chennai for in-person sessions. Otherwise, online works beautifully too.
How many sessions will I need?
We usually suggest starting with 4–6 sessions.
The first one is a consultation where we get to know your needs. Then we’ll begin with your practice. After two weeks of trying it at home, you’ll come back for a review. Based on your progress and feedback, we’ll review and make changes related to postures, breathing, or chanting, as needed.
Is there research on Yoga Therapy?
Yes, lots of studies are happening on how yoga therapy supports different health conditions. If you’d like to read more, here are a few places to start:
