Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy by Shakura Healing Center

Therapeutic Yoga

The study and practice of yoga is historically a method of reintegration as defined in the ancient Hindu scriptures. The main treatises that form the basic scriptures of yoga, are The Yoga Upanishads, The Yoga Darshana of Pantanjali and the Hattha Yoga Pradipika. The Sanskrit translation for the word Yoga can be traced to the root "yuj" which means to link or yoke. "That which unites is called Yoga". According to the Vedanta, Yoga means supreme realization. "Yoga is the reunion of the living self to the Supreme Self".

Therapeutic Yoga - Senior Yoga I study and practice a traditional form of yoga that includes asana, pranayama and the study of the sutras. As a healer I am not interested in teaching yoga as an exercise but rather as a holistic therapy for the body, mind and heart. I work with people of all ages but I have found that therapeutic yoga is especially beneficial to the 60 and above population and for those who are recovering from injuries or chronic illness. There are infinite reasons to practice yoga and meditation not the least of them is maintaining an open heart and a compassionate awareness of your self in relationship to everything around you.

The practice that I use with my patients includes a sitting meditation, which is essential in any yoga practice. The asanas or physical poses are done using props of support, such as blocks, belts, chairs and blankets. I work with a modified group of poses that include standing poses, forward bends, twists, balances and baby backbends. Once a month or when required restorative poses are essential. The list of benefits from practicing yoga is vast, here are just a few:

Restores strength and stamina
Strengthens bones
Strengthens lung capacity
Helps to alleviate depression
Strengthens and calms the mind
Helps to correct high and low blood pressure
Calms the nervous system
Increases oxygen and fresh blood to the brain
Helps to regulate the hormonal, digestive, circulatory and respiratory system
Helps to enhance clarity and emotional stability
Integrates the body, mind and spirit

I work with specific asanas depending on the patient and what ailments they are presenting with. I have had great results with asthma, osteoporosis, painful menses, menopausal symptoms, depression, fatigue, anxiety, headaches and overall improvement of the immune system as well as structural imbalances.