Berkhamsted Yoga Therapy Clinic – Thursday 1:15pm-6:00pm


Berkhamsted Yoga Therapy over Zoom

Venue: ZOOM 121 session

Yoga Therapy

Yoga views the mind and the body as one entity. It believes that if given the right tools in the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. The practice of yoga is therefore is considered therapeutic.
It is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health problems. Due to this, it can aid in the alleviation of a range of conditions. These include low back pain, high blood pressure, asthma, COPD, diabetes, digestive problems, cancer (coping with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, rehabilitation from surgery, and reducing anxiety). It also includes MS, Chronic Fatigue,  depression, stress and anxiety. Yoga Therapy is regulated by the CNHC – The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. John is certified with International Association of Yoga Therapists.

The process

Yoga therapy uses gentle postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation to help restore body/mind balance and promote natural healing. It is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness and flexibility. It empowers you to look after your own health.
 
Ordinary yoga classes can improve general health and resolve mild complaints. However, they may be ineffective – or even harmful – for serious conditions. In such cases, yoga therapy can help people by tailoring yoga to their individual needs. It takes into account their health problems, constitution and circumstances.
 
First of all, you will be given a yoga practice which you can practise on a regular/daily basis. The practice will be adapted to the time you have available.
 
The practice of Yoga Therapy is complementary to western medicine and should not be viewed as a substitute for a medical diagnosis or the services of a physician. It can be practised in conjunction with medical treatments being received and with other complementary therapies.
 
Over a four year period  I studied with the Bio Medical Trust and Yoga Campus for their Yoga Therapy Diploma. This included a foundation, a two year study period and 250 hours of case study work.
 

Stage 1 – Application  – Questionnaire

Before the initial assessment you will be asked to fill in a general health questionnaire. Depending on your condition some additional forms relating to that specific condition.
 

Stage 2 – Initial Assessment

This is as a result of and based on the forms you have completed and usually takes between one and one and a half hours. At the end of the assessment I will teach you one or two practices for you to do at home before we meet for the next session.
 

Stage 3 – Personal Practice

At the second session I will take you through your personal practice which I will have created from our discussions at the initial assessment. From your feedback we can make any adjustments. We can also make sure the practice meets the time you have available. This second session will take in the region of an hour. 
 

Stage 4 – Review

At subsequent sessions I will get your feedback on the practice and review that you are practising the postures safely and as intended. Finally, following these discussions we will decide how to further develop the practice.