F.A.Q
Introduction to Yoga Therapy
I'm not flexible. How do I get started?
Contrary to popular belief, yoga isn’t about the poses you see on Instagram. True yoga, and especially yoga therapy, diverges from that perception. At Baobab Yoga Therapy, we prioritize working with your body as it presents itself each day. Whether you’re feeling stiff, fatigued, or dealing with specific health concerns as listed under the ‘About Baobab’ tab, we will accommodate and if you’re interested in yoga therapy, we’ll conduct a personalized intake and a physical and breath assessment. This allows us to tailor your practice to your unique needs as they evolve. Remember, consistent effort yields significant results and we support you to stay committed so you may experience the profound impact yoga therapy can have.
What’s the difference between yoga therapy and physical therapy?
Despite some similarities, the tools and underlying philosophy used by yoga therapists vary from those of physical therapists. In particular, yoga therapists focus on adapted movements, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation, and self-inquiry among others to facilitate lifestyle changes. They also adopt a biopsychosocial and spiritual approach. Read more on IAYT’s website.
What does Trauma-Informed yoga mean
The Trauma Informed Yoga approach considers differing traumatic histories that people may have sustained and prioritizes safety above everything. It offers participants the opportunity to attune and make choices based on their needs, or if they are too out of touch with their body to make such choices, we support clients to connect with their body so they can make those choices for empowerment. Trauma informed means using invitational language, encouraging clients to modify practices as they deem appropriate for themselves; it also means practicing caution with physical assists, being wary of anything that may be triggering to an individual.
Accessibility and Adaptability
I have difficulty getting down to and up from the floor to practice.
In yoga therapy, we adapt to your needs. Whether it’s practicing standing, sitting on a chair, seated on the floor, or lying down, we tailor the practice to your health concerns. If lowering to the ground is challenging, we’ll find alternatives such as sitting or standing positions and utilize props and equipment to support your practice. Our focus is on making your practice functional while ensuring you receive the same benefits.
I’m in too much pain, I can’t practice
At Baobab Yoga Therapy, we prioritize pain-free practices. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, prevent suffering, restore balance throughout the body, and enhance your quality of life. Yoga therapy could be an ideal approach to easing your pain in the gentlest way possible. Our intake and physical assessments are meticulously tailored to ensure we work without causing discomfort, allowing you to move and breathe with ease.
What if I have an injury?
Committed to IAYT’s standards, we specialize in safely modifying poses and practices for injuries, physical restrictions, and various conditions. Through ongoing communication and assessment of your injuries/conditions, we continuously adapt practices to support your recovery or symptom management within the scope of yoga therapy.
What if I can't get out of bed?
Depending on the specific issue, yoga therapy can be remarkably beneficial even when mobility is limited. Whether you’re confined to a hospital bed or at home, we can complement your medical treatment with gentle movements, breathing practices, relaxation, and meditation, always with your doctor’s approval.
Am I too old for Yoga therapy?
You’re never too old for anything. At Baobab Yoga Therapy, we understand that maintaining independence is a common concern as we age, and we’re here to support you in sustaining it for as long as possible. Our tailored approach meets you where you are, helping you feel empowered, mobile, and capable, regardless of age.
Scope and Limitations
Can yoga therapists diagnose? Are yoga therapists doctors?
While yoga therapists undergo thorough training to understand the conditions they work with, they are not doctors and cannot diagnose or offer medical advice. Yoga therapists facilitate healing as a complementary modality alongside the medical field. Therefore, clients must always adhere to their physicians’ advice.
Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects
Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. Though some use it as a spiritual practice, it is essentially grounded on principles that help us to be better, live more ethically and morally correct with ourselves and others.
