What is Yoga Therapy? And why is it helpful?

Yoga Therapy is a specific modality of yoga that utilizes the practices and concepts of yoga, including the Kosha model and Ayurveda, to look at the entire person: body, mind, and soul. The Kosha model is how yogis visualize the layers of existence. Basically, there are five layers that are necessary in order for our bodies to exist; physical, breath, thoughts and emotions, mind and wisdom, and soul. (​Here’s more information for further reading.)

Ayurveda is the life-science companion to yoga that looks at the whole person based on their relationship to the elements and the 5-senses. This holistic medicine that many practitioners use as a lifestyle practice in addition to yoga movement and breathwork can have a profound effect on the emotional and physical well-being of every individual. An example of this is the particular diet that one might cultivate, as well as seasonal living, or using complimentary alternative medicine practices such as oil-pulling and massage to support the body-mind connection. Some yogis may even use essential oils for relief of ailments like distilled lavender, peppermint, and/or eucalyptus to treat headaches. Ayurveda and yoga are branches of the same tree in the science of healing body, mind, and soul.

​Through the Kosha model and Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy looks at the entire person to create an environment for optimal healing. Yoga Therapists then have specific training to support individuals with pain care, anxiety and depression, those with terminal illness, on the care care continuum, and more. ​​

Yoga Therapy Immersion classes are offered monthly at our studio with Erin Alexander. These masterclasses are open to everyone. Erin Alexander has been teaching in conjunction with Santosha Yoga Collective since 2022. She is a Yoga Therapist who owns All Souls Yoga in Auburn. Within this yurt of healing, she and Santosha host retreats and regularly collaborate with shared community offerings.

(Erin Alexander pictured third from the left)

At Santosha (meaning “Contentment”), Yoga Therapy is not only an option for practitioners of yoga but the teachers as well! 

Traditionally, after completing your 200-HR teaching certificate, yogis have the option of continuing their education to receive a 300-HR. This certificate is designed to look deeper at the postures, philosophy, and world of yoga since the foundational level has been achieved. Like a Masters program after an Undergraduate degree, 300-HR training certificates have plenty of different specialties.

We are thrilled to be hosting Inner Peace Yoga Therapy School at our studio in May 2024. In this Yoga Therapy Teacher Training, Erin will be the facilitating teacher in coordination with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy School, where students will have the opportunity to receive their Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 300-HR certificate. Teachers may choose to go on and complete their full 800-HR IAYT training from this accredited program.

Stay tuned for more offerings like this one! 

Any questions? Send us an email at [email protected] or you can directly call or text us at 916-303-0621.

We can't wait to see you on the mat! 

Post written by Stephanie Alston ERYT200 and Annie Schwab RYT200.