It’s said that people begin the practice of Yoga when they are experiencing dukha (suffering) of some sort and need assistance in finding freedom from it—whether from physical suffering (as pain), mental suffering (as disorder), emotional suffering (as stress), and/or spiritual suffering (as separation).
The term Yoga Therapy is a relatively contemporary description for a system of practices that, as observed through the varied definitions in this book, is still being clearly defined. It is generally agreed that Yoga Therapy consists of therapeutically-natured practices from Yoga that may or may not include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), dhyana (meditation), bhavana (imagery), philosophical training, lifestyle modification techniques, and experiential and foundational elements of Ayurveda.
A Whole-Person Approach
As a discipline of health and wellness, Yoga Therapy takes into consideration the complete state of one’s health in terms of physical conditioning, emotional state, energetic balance, attitude, dietary and behavioral patterns, personal associations and relationships, and the environment.
What the many modern interpretations of Yoga Therapy have in common is an understanding of the vital integration of mind, body, and spirit to heal the whole person. Additionally, it can be accurately claimed that both Yoga and Yoga Therapy can be used to promote health and prevent disease.
Yoga vs. Yoga Therapy
The difference between the two is that, while Yoga is generally shared as a physical group practice in the Western world, Yoga Therapy is designed for the individual and is applied according to that particular person’s constitution.
It is generally sought out by those who cannot take a class with others due to lifestyle needs, injuries caused by chronic pain, physical limitations, social disorders, and/or compromised immunity as in the case of diseases such as cancer.
Empowering the Individual
The Yoga Therapy model supports, enables, and empowers the whole individual and his or her health using therapeutically-natured practices and yogic modalities that have withstood the test of time and outlived other systems, the diversity of cultures, and economic realities.
Integration of this ancient model with the most current scientific, evidence-based medicine ensures the wisdom of Yoga Therapy will continue to advance on its own and, as such, is the perfect complement to any other system of medicine seeking a more natural and holistic approach.
A Vision for the Future
All in all, Yoga Therapy can transform lives, change people’s perspectives on life, positively influence habits, improve health, and end suffering. When applied as a modality for healing, wellness, and prevention, Yoga Therapy’s use in modern medicine is powerful and limitless.
With this being our intention as Yoga practitioners and therapists, integrative healthcare professionals, authors, and pioneers, it is hoped that this book will inspire a whole new generation of medical doctors, scholars, researchers, and yogins. The future of Yoga Therapy depends on it.
Yoga therapy is at the heart of Larry Payne’s work, and this workshop is where his decades of experience come alive in real time. If you’re curious how these principles translate into safe, spine‑smart movement, breath, and everyday ease after 50, join Larry and Catherine in Santa Fe for Prime of Life Yoga and explore practices designed for real midlife bodies—so you can keep moving well for years to come.