Yoga BLOG

Yoga as therapy Whether mental or physical, serious illnesses initially pull the rug from under our feet. Those who aren't born with a disability and are familiar with this condition, but are instead torn from a vibrant work and private life, must completely reorient themselves. Some activities and movements may no longer be feasible; others must be restarted and relearned. An accident results in visible injuries, a difficult-to-recover stroke of fate causes inner pain – both are equally important, because suffering is always an individual matter: What one person can cope with quite well after a while can derail another for the rest of their life. Concentration against the carousel of thoughts Yoga can help in many cases. The exercises (asanas, breathwork, meditation) are performed with concentration on a simple mat or a stylish meditation cushion . The aspiring yogi is completely at peace with themselves and forgets the world around them for a while. This concentration prevents them from brooding: an important point not only for mental health problems. Every healthy person experiences this healing power when their thoughts are collected and not running around like wild horses. Above all, this running around is useless; it very rarely leads to practical solutions, but instead causes incredible stress, which, in turn, is an additional burden for the body. It is precisely this grounding, the inner letting go, and the calmness inherent in these powerful exercises (both physical and mental strength) that bring the body into harmony with itself. Mind and soul relax, and everyday problems lose their significance for a while—ideally, for a longer period. If we embrace this, we can find lasting peace, even if our living conditions are not (or no longer are) what we would like them to be. Being single can make some people just as unhappy as living in a wheelchair: We should therefore not compare or judge one situation with another, because unhappiness can mean something different for everyone. So everyone finds their own approach to yoga: One attends a class, another learns from a friend, a third already knows a bit and takes a closer look at their books or DVDs. Some practice in the morning when everyone else is still asleep, while others prefer to try it in the hour between finishing work and watching the evening news. Perhaps you split up your yoga routine and prefer to start with a candle in the morning; instead, you treat yourself to comfortable clothes and a mat in your favorite color in the evening. Therapeutic-professional yoga Incidentally, there are doctors who are also trained in yoga therapy. Such specialists combine Western wisdom with Eastern healing powers. They work holistically, a trend that is fortunately becoming increasingly popular here as well. Ayurveda and similar treatments are often found here. It's not just about quickly prescribing medication for a specific illness; that has often proven to be a short-term, but not long-term, solution. One thing is certain: the body won't heal if the mind works against it; and the mind won't be permanently at peace if the soul is ill. Yoga continues to be used by yoga therapists, similar to physical therapists. The trainers are often yoga teachers who have completed additional training. The goal is to find exercises that are individually suited to the patient, incorporating the body, mind, and soul. Last but not least, there is also a course combination of yoga and psychotherapy for committed therapists. Yoga can therefore be used as a preventative measure against the onset of illness, as a companion during the healing process, and as long-term support for both mental and physical ailments. It's definitely worth a try, because in addition to improving your constitution, practice also offers peaceful moments for yourself. And who doesn't need that? Image © yommy8008 / 123rf.com