Google yoga and arthritis, yoga and cancer, yoga and heart disease, yoga for back pain — nearly any condition — and you’ll get an idea of yoga’s vast reach with medical conditions. You’ll see research — respected, credible evidence — backing up what yogis have known for centuries: yoga can reduce stress; promote healing; speed recovery; reduce the need for medications; promote a better sense of well-being and empower the individual to become a more effective partner in their own healing.
RESOURCES
For information, including summaries of the latest research on yoga and information on therapeutic yoga programs throughout the country and the world, the International Association of Yoga Therapists www.iayt.org is a wonderful resource. And check out my blog, my nancyobrienyoga Facebook page and @nancyobrienyoga on Twitter for the latest.
Restorative Yoga is one of the ultimate forms of healing yoga. In New York, Integral Yoga Institute offers three restorative classes weekly in addition to many other offerings devoted to yoga’s healing powers. (I teach one of the classes once a month.)
Outside the New York City area, search for teachers and facilities that offer Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga or Therapeutic Yoga.
My experiences with private clients, who have dealt with MS, cancer, chronic Lyme and heart issues, patients at the WTC Clinic, who deal with breathing challenges, chronic pain and post traumatic stress disorder, and patients at Coler-Goldwater, many of whom are bedridden or in wheelchairs, made clearer than ever to me the benefits yoga can bring. It’s heartening to know that research continues to support the integration of yoga and meditation practices into health care. Of course, we have a long way to
In Nancy’s Yoga for Arthritis and Chronic Pain workshop, participants learn how the breath, gentle movement, and deep relaxation can bring compassionate awareness to the challenges, the pain, and stiffness of arthritis, releasing the deepest healing and restorative powers of the body and mind throughout daily and nightly routines. Read all about it here, and check iyiny.org for an updated schedule.