Yoga offers many benefits that support a longer, healthier life. Research shows it can be as effective as traditional exercise for physical and mental health. While all yoga helps overall well‑being, therapeutic yoga focuses on addressing specific health concerns by drawing on poses and practices from many styles to create a routine tailored to an individual’s needs.
Therapeutic yoga can increase strength, flexibility, balance, immune function, and psychological well‑being while reducing stress. It can help conditions that are worsened by poor immune function or high stress, and it’s useful both for people seeking general health and those managing particular issues.
Seven therapeutic yoga practices to consider:
– Modified side plank (variation of side plank): Builds strength and balance and is accessible to beginners. It’s a good choice for improving stability and can be adapted for people with joint or mobility limits.
– Mountain pose (tadasana) with deep breathing: A simple standing pose that focuses on breath control. Practicing deep, full breaths in tadasana can help increase lung capacity and steady the breath for people with respiratory concerns.
– Tree pose: A basic hatha balance pose that improves steadiness and concentration. It also supports relaxation, self‑awareness, and can be helpful for mood and recovery after traumatic injuries.
– Bridge pose: Opens the chest and spine, promotes relaxation, and strengthens the back and glutes. It’s gentle and widely used in therapeutic sequences.
– Warrior I: Builds strength and focus while boosting confidence. This pose can be particularly empowering for people preparing for major life events, such as childbirth.
– Bee breath (bhramari): A calming breathing technique that reduces stress and anxiety. It can also soothe the airways and has been used to relieve breathing problems related to environmental irritants.
– Cobra pose: A mild backbend that gently stretches the abdomen and spine. It can serve as a safe, noninvasive option for managing certain kinds of pain and discomfort.
Adding therapeutic yoga to your routine can help you reach specific health goals while lowering stress and improving strength and balance. Start gently, stick to a regular practice, and remember that the hardest part is simply showing up—consistency is what brings results.
