Francesca Gold, Master of Arts in Yoga Studies, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, discusses how to find homeostasis through yoga therapy.

Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga. We address a variety of ailments in an integrative way: injury recovery after the acute phase, lessons in posture and proper breathing, developing a connection to a higher power, and more. 

What is a yoga therapist?

Yoga therapists are health care practitioners. We’re trained to work with individuals working through various health concerns (such as mental wellness challenges, chronic pain, cancer, sleep challenges, and cardiovascular disease). A yoga therapy session offers you a chance to sharpen your self-inquiry skills, develop compassion for yourself and your path, learn new ways to approach healing, and engage in preventative care. 

Yoga therapy is an integrative, holistic, and scientific system of self-inquiry, inner transformation, and physical health. Yoga therapy can be blended with any other treatment(s) you are using. The appropriate application of Yogic teachings and practices in a therapeutic context, a consistent home practice, and a willing individual will are keys to improving overall health, balance, and vitality.

As part of a living tradition, yoga therapy continues to adapt and evolve to our current cultural and medical context. It’s informed by the medical field and there’s a growing body of research that continues to provide evidence to increase the understanding and efficacy of yoga therapy as a therapeutic discipline. 

How is yoga therapy different from a yoga class or private yoga session? 

Yoga and yoga therapy, while they have some overlap, are considered different and distinguished fields of study. Yoga therapists have specialized expertise and training to create daily yoga routines and lifestyle changes for individuals to overcome many types of obstacles such as emotional trauma, physical injuries, chronic conditions. 

How yoga therapy can support your goals

Because yoga Therapy addresses the entire body, spirit, and mind system and approaches healing in a holistic way, the potential for deep and lasting transformation is possible. Whether you’re looking to improve functional range of motion, balance, increase flexibility, or are recovering from an injury, or if you’re working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, there’s a host of tools that are functional and relevant to support you.

You’ll receive personalized guidance, an adapted practice to suit your specific needs and goals, expert support along the way, and specific steps to implement into your daily life and routine that will support you in reaching your goals and get you feeling better. 

This website does not provide medical advice and is for informational purposes only. The content here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Spa & Beauty Today.

Francesca Gold is a deeply feeling yoga practitioner, teacher, mentor, and scholar who has been teaching for over 15 years and works to align her inner reality and value system with how she shows up in the world. Francesca completed a 1,000 hour yoga therapy certification over 5 years and holds a Master of Arts in Yoga Studies. She runs an apprenticeship yoga teacher program (Gold Yoga School), regularly leads classes at her yoga studio Breathe Ojai, and has a private yoga therapy practice. To book a session or learn more visit francescamichellegold.com.