As human beings, our amazing mind-body connection functions best when we are in a state of dynamic balance (Feuerstein, 1998). By approaching our mental health care from a more holistic viewpoint and incorporating yoga practices into and alongside mental health counseling, we open ourselves to the healing possibilities of this ancient practice. This post explores how yoga can play an important role in our overall health and well-being; mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Yogic Breathwork (Pranayama)
Incorporating the practice of yogic breathing techniques, or pranayama, can be a simple and accessible way of beginning to introduce yoga into the therapy space. Yogic breathing techniques have been proven to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and lower or stabilize blood pressure (Powers & Grilley, 2020). By incorporating just a few minutes of calming meditation and breathwork at the beginning of a therapy session, we can more effectively ground ourselves and shift our focus to the present moment and the internal world.
Many online resources can be found that provide free and quality guided meditation and breathwork videos that can be used both in and out of therapy sessions. Insight Timer is a great resource providing free content online and through their app: https://insighttimer.com/guided-meditations
Incorporating Yoga into Therapy (Asanas)
Research continues to emerge supporting the benefits of yoga in treating a wide variety of issues, including stress, muscle tension, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression (Bhargav et al., 2021). This research has helped both the medical and psychological fields to take a more comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment, with the awareness that our mental and physical health interact.
Mental health professionals “can expand their continuum of care by integrating yoga into their interventions and tailoring therapy to each individual, targeting the needs of each client”
(Kamradt, 2017).
Incorporating elements of yoga into the therapy practice integrates both mind and body, offering clients a holistic approach that can improve their connectedness and awareness to both internal and external experiences (Sciarrino & Ellis, 2016). For clients who are interested in exploring the physical practice of yoga asanas, qualified practitioners can guide this process or help connect the client with certified yoga teachers and classes in their area or online.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is still an emerging field, but is rapidly gaining respect and awareness by the medical, psychological, and yoga communities. Yoga therapy applies “the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices” (Feuerstein, 1998).
The practice of yoga therapy takes a holistic approach to treatment and can be used to treat psychological or somatic issues ranging from back problems to emotional distress (Feuerstein, 1998). Yoga therapy integrates the Eastern wisdom of traditional yogic concepts with the techniques of Western medical and psychological knowledge. This approach sees the interconnectedness of the whole person; mind, body, and spirit, and therefore has the potential to help and heal on a deeper personal and spiritual level.
Conclusion
In the 2021 Psychology Today article, Why Yoga Is a Valid Mental-Health Treatment, the author speaks clearly to the fact that “regular yoga practice reduces symptoms of anxiety in the short- and long-term” (Sussex, 2021). In a world where anxiety, depression, and stress are continually on the rise, incorporating elements of yoga into our lives could help to improve our overall mental health and well-being. By incorporating elements of yoga into the therapy space, mental health professionals can offer their clients a more holistic approach to their healing journey, one that acknowledges and supports the needs of the mind, body, and spirit.
References
- Bhargav, H., George, S., Varambally, S., & Gangadhar, B. N. (2021). Yoga and psychiatric disorders: a review of biomarker evidence. International Review of Psychiatry, 33(1-2), 162–169. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2020.1761087
- Feuerstein, G. (1998). Yoga and yoga therapy – international association of yoga therapists (IAYT). The International Association of Yoga Therapists. https://www.iayt.org/page/YogaAndYogaTherapy
- Kamradt, J. M. (2017). Integrating yoga into psychotherapy: The ethics of moving from the mind to the mat. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 27, 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.01.003
- Powers, S., & Grilley, P. (2020). Insight yoga an innovative synthesis of traditional yoga, meditation, and eastern approaches to healing and well-being. Shambhala Publications, Incorporated.
- Sciarrino, N. A., & Ellis, A. E. (2016, December). Five ways to implement yoga in psychotherapy. [Web article]. Retrieved from http://www.societyforpsychotherapy.org/5-ways-implement-yoga
- Sussex Publishers. (2021, April 28). Why yoga is a valid mental-health treatment. Psychology Today. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202104/why-yoga-is-valid-mental-health-treatment
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