Tag: embodiment

Yoga therapy is a yoga modality that is more therapeutic in its intention than say a yoga class. Like a yoga class which has different styles. For example Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga for example. Yoga therapy has different styles. So it’s worth doing your research to check if your practitioner will be good fit to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals.

Our governing body says

Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga.

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

I believe a yoga therapy session should be a safe space to explore your physical, mental, and emotional limits. It’s an opportunity to connect with your body, gain insights into yourself, and achieve a deeper understanding of that self.

My teacher describes the style of yoga therapy I practice as

Combining breathwork, gentle poses, meditation, and guided self-inquiry, designed to help practitioners safely embrace their physical limits in order to gain mental and emotional insights into themselves. It does not replace psychotherapy (talk therapy), but rather provides a somatic pathway to a deeper understanding of the self.

Michael Lee, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

What does a session with Pure Yoga Therapy session look like?

Because I trained with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (PRYT),I like to stay true to their somatic approach. Each session starts with a warm-up to connect your body and your breath. And to prepare your bodyfor the simple yoga poses that follow. I like to use props, so you can feel support you in the poses. As this allows you to ”drop-in”, or become embodied more easily. Most poses are lying on your mat, rather than the standing poses you might do in a class. This is because these restful poses also make it easier for you to “drop-in”. The session ends with a short meditation, and an opportunity to reflect on any insights you might have gained during the practice.

Throughout your session, you explore “the edge,” which is the feeling of sensation when you are in a pose. This sensory awareness allows you to focus and connect more deeply with your body. In this embodied state you become more aware of your body, your feelings, and your emotions.

The 6 Phases in a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (PRYT) Session

1. Warm-Up 

The warm-up is all about connecting your body and your breath. It’s like a little dance that gets you ready for the poses that come next. 

2. Edge Coaching

When you experience sensation, such as during a yoga pose, being present in that moment can help you focus and connect with your body. The feeling of sensation is called “the edge”. Here you can feel the sensation in your body. But you are not being overwhelmed with discomfort and can remain present.

3. Dropping In

“Dropping in” is a state where you feel a deep connection with your body. Your thoughts slow down and you become very aware of the sensations and the emotions arising in you. In this embodied state, you can observe these sensations and emotions. Without the need to explain or attach any meaning to them. You are guided to embrace whatever you notice in your body. This state is achieved using simple supported poses, usually lying on a mat. Poses like supine twist, supported forward fold and child’s pose. 

4. Meditation

Reaching a meditative state is easier after body-breath work. The mind is quietened and can be centered. So, during your meditation, you can tune in to your body and your breath.

5. Listen to your body

When you can connect deeply to your body you notice thoughts, feelings, and maybe even images arising. This can provide new insight.

6. Insight to action

At the end of the session, you will explore some ways in which you can effectively integrate these valuable insights into your life. Talking about what holds you back from achieving your goals and discuss actionable steps you can take to move forward.

What Can Yoga Therapy Do for You?

• Allows you to reconnect with yourself

By combining modern psychology and mindfulness techniques, yoga therapy can help you connect deeply your body in a new and profound way.

• Helps you to navigate change

Yoga therapy, can help you gain clarity. You can discover what might be holding you back from living your best life. You can learn how to navigate change and stop feeling like you are stuck.

• Let’s you live a life more fulfilled

By investing in yourself and practicing self-care, you can befriend your body and discover what it might look like to be your best self. When you know and understand yourself, you can find the path that allows you to flourish and thrive. 

• Works with you to let transformation happen

Stress and trauma can hold you back. Using the embodied approach you can better understand how to achieve your goals and ultimately transform to be your best self.