Yoga Therapy

I love seeing clients one to one in Yoga Therapy. It is really rewarding to see the progress that can be made, working holistically through yoga.
I love to see the joy on people’s faces!

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Devon School of Yoga Therapy Logo
Independent Yoga Network

What is it?

Yoga therapy involves working with a client to negotiate together solutions to common health issues.  Yoga is best practiced with an open mind and a desire to improve one’s own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  It is only through developing one’s own regular home practice that one really experiences the benefits. We discover for ourselves a more natural and easeful way of working with our bodies. Through collaboration and working together we discover what will work best.

Vanda Scaravelli once said “In the beginning you have to make room for yoga in your daily life and  give it the place it deserves, but after some time Yoga itself pulls you up by the hair and makes you do it!”

Who is it for?

Yoga therapy would suit anyone of any age.  I have so far worked with people of a range of ages, although most so far have been from age 50 and up to over 90.  It can be useful for people with reduced mobility, chair bound or bed bound.  It is also very useful with a younger age group for a huge variety of conditions and common complaints. Yoga can help all ages, both sexes and people from many different walks of life.

What can Yoga Therapy help with?

Yoga will be helpful with a variety of conditions, from Asthma, Anxiety and Arthritis, through Cancer, Depression, Diabetes, Fibromayalgia, Headaches and Heart Disease and on through the medical alphabet to Insomnia, IBS, Menopause, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Obesity. It can also provide relief for a vast array of more minor complaints from constipation, indigestion, concentration/memory, tension, stress and general aches and pain. Many people just want to feel fitter, more flexible or stronger.  As they practice they find that yoga helps with an all round sense of well being, it reduces stress and anxiety and eases many common complaints.  You are never too old to start learning yoga!  The benefits begin right away, and increase the more that you do.

How does Yoga Therapy work?

Yoga helps to heal the body in a myriad of ways.  It increases flexibility, strengthens the muscles, improves the balance, improves the immune system, posture and lung function.  It leads to a slower and deeper breathing and increased oxygenation of tissues.  It improves joint health, nourishes the inter-vertebral discs and improves the return of the venous blood.  It increases circulation of lymphatic fluid and improves the function and flexibility of the feet.  It improves proprioception so that one has a greater awareness of the position of limbs.  It improves the functioning of all bodily systems, strengthens the bones, helps to condition the cardiovascular system and helps promote weight loss.  It relaxes the nervous system, improves brain function and lowers levels of the stress hormone Cortisol.  It lowers the blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure and helps to thin the blood.  It improves the bowel function, aids with digestion and helps to release any unconscious muscle gripping or tension.  Yoga relieves pain, and often lowers the need for medication. It fosters one’s own innate inner healing, improves psychological health and fosters spiritual growth.

Yoga therapy may involve the use of a variety of methods from yoga, shiatsu massage and traditional Indian Ayuvedic and Chinese medicine.  It might involve breathing exercises, Kriya exercises to clean the nostrils and airways, shiatsu massage or self massage, physical yoga movements, preliminary exercises and held poses, meditation and inner awareness to improve one’s inner healing ability. Sessions might also involve counselling to provide a space for talking. We might look at diet and lifestyle changes that can be made. Yoga is not just physical exercises but a whole way of life. It is a way of being in the moment, having compassion for oneself and others and treading a little lighter on our planet. Through learning yogic principles and developing one’s own home practice we come to a greater self awareness which in turn leads to greater happiness and fulfilment.

Words fail to explain the total value of Yoga, it has to be experienced.

BKS Iyengar 

What are sessions like?

Working one to one with clients, to help solve specific issues, we can design a programme that is manageable for you.  Together we would gently find what works best for your body.  Through an agreed practice we would find ways to help solve health problems in a fun and enjoyable way.  Depending on the need, this might involve a variety of different techniques.  You will come away feeling relaxed spaceous and calm.

How much does it cost? 

I am able to offer some sessions at a reduced rate to enable those on a lower income to access yoga and yoga therapy. Donations can be between £25 and £50 per session.

Where would we meet? 

I am now seeing clients at my home by arrangement, or theirs, and occasionally online. Sessions are usually one and a half hours or 2 hours which may include relaxation or a Yoga Nidra.

How can I find out more?

Please contact Alix for more information.

Alix carefully planned Yoga, relaxation, meditation and bodywork to help with health issues and anxiety around them, suggesting home practices and following up the next month. Her calm, caring attitude put me at ease and I have really benefitted from these sessions. - Helen Phillips

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