Yoga therapy is a natural way to
- improve your joint mobility
- regulate your mood
- manage chronic pain or illness without drugs or surgery
- awaken you to the beauty of this moment and the perfection that is already present.
Yoga therapy is different than attending standard western style yoga classes. A therapeutic approach to yoga practice is personalized for your particular goals, abilities and even the time of day. Yoga therapy prescriptions might include physical postures, breathing techniques, mindfulness tools, dietary or other lifestyle suggestions. Yoga therapy offers a person a simple yet profound and common sense adjustments to their routines that promote physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
What is yoga therapy?
Research has developed simple and accessible protocols to:
- Alleviate chronic pain without drugs or surgery
- Regulate mood and emotions
- Cope with chronic illness
- Reduce stress and improve sleep
- Discover a more mindful diet to achieve a healthy weight
For example, therapeutic yoga is good for arthritis, safe for osteoperosis, a treatment for anxiety and/or a coping tool for living with cancer. Yoga therapy can teach you stretches for joint mobility, stretches for sciatica relief, treatment for headaches or treatment for knee pain. Therapeutic yoga is a natural remedy for most of our common concerns.
What is a Yoga Therapist?
To be certified by the regulating body of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, one has to understand the classical practice of yoga, anatomy of the human body, the physiology of disease/dysfunction and be able to create a customized, safe and effective practice for individuals.
How does yoga therapy work?
A yoga therapy prescription involves daily practice, arranged in a way that fits into your schedule. Consistency is the most important element to success. If there is one over-riding principle, it would be small steps or changes, but done frequently. The plan works because it’s compassionate, achievable and pleasurable. You can start to take charge of chronic conditions like lower back pain, shoulder pain, depression or fibromyalgia with yoga therapy.
How can yoga therapy be effective for so many different conditions? At the heart of things, true healing begins with a balanced nervous system. Our over-stressed, overly-busy lifestyle stresses the systems of our body to such a degree that we deny ourselves the most natural of healing tools – rest! In the following video, learn the difference between stress and relaxation response. Understanding these two opposing physiological states can help you recognize how to employ therapeutic rest for optimum health and performance.
About Cheryl
The journey to yoga can be as unique as each fingerprint. A university degree in business led Cheryl to entrepreneurship for several decades. It was during these stressful times of being a single mom and managing a rapidly growing small business that yoga became a life saver. Meditation, although very weird at the time, was the only period of the week that no one was grabbing for attention and all the problems just had to step aside. It was an unusual but refreshing feeling. The call to share the teachings got very strong and she listened.
Took first yoga class – 1981
Taught first yoga class – 2000
Opened the Yoga Centre of Niagara in 2007 and sold the business in 2016.
Graduated RYT200 in 2008 (East to West Yoga, Toronto)
Received Certificate of Yoga Therapy (E-RYT 500) in 2010 (Ananda Seva Mission, California)
Became an official Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) when regulation became mandatory in 2016.
As part of professional credentials, there is constant study and upgrade required. A partial list of the additional courses is:
Jillian Pransky (Certified Yoga Therapist and Restorative Yoga Specialist) 2019
Trauma Sensitive Yoga Certification 2016
Dr. Richard Miller of the IRest institute 2010, 2012
Dr. Bo Forbes (clinical psychotherapist and author) 2012
Gary Kraftsow, Viniyoga (basic) 2012
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, trauma specialist 2012
Antonio Sausys, grief specialist 2010
Mukunda Stiles, the father of Structural Yoga Therapy 2010
Thomas Ashley Farrand, chanting and Sanskrit scholar 2005
Oda Lindner (Niagara on the Lake, Ontario) (ongoing)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does yoga therapy cost?
Therapy sessions are usually about one hour and are equivalent to the cost of a massage or physiotherapy appointment. Here is the information about Cheryl’s sessions. Accessing the group classes bring many of the benefits without the premium pricing. Learn more about group options here.
Can I access yoga therapy online?
Yes! Many effective programs can be accessed in the safety and privacy of your own home through videos and recordings. Cheryl is always available by email, text or zoom chat to review your questions or concerns as you apply these techniques. See the full list of courses here.
Is yoga therapy researched and safe?
Even the most recommended protocols in the most respected medical circles cannot be absolutely guaranteed. Many yoga therapy clients are actively seeking to take a pro-active role in their health care. Understanding the why behind the treatment is empowering as well as healing. Extensive research studies can be located at www.yogatherapy.health. Yoga therapy tools are generally simple and repeatable at home with little equipment or expert knowledge. The fact that you are in complete control of the program at all times creates optimum parameters for safety.