Although yoga has become relatively mainstream here in the West throughout recent years, I still encounter individuals who are confused as to what it really is.  While many people are aware of the physical aspects of yoga, the effects of yoga and mental health still remain elusive and misunderstood.

Yoga originated in India, some estimate approximately 5 thousand years ago, as a system of spiritual, physical, and lifestyle practices.  The term ‘Yoga’ derived from the Sanskrit root yuj means ‘ to yoke’ or ‘to join;’ also translated into “union.”  Ha-tha yoga, the yoga most people are familiar with, is a physical practice, which aims to help one achieve balance.  While the traditional system of yoga offers a spiritual dimension in addition to the physical, its translation in America has become less esoteric and more integrated with Western ideas, lending its focus on the universal benefits of the practice. Being that it is seen as a philosophy rather than a religion makes it more accessible to all people, of varying spiritual beliefs and faiths. 

 Much of the yoga we are exposed to in the United States involves the disciplined system of physical movements or postures, and the integration of breath with movement.  The physical aspect translating to ‘asana’ and the breath to ‘pranayama.’ Many individuals who practice yoga begin to notice other benefits beyond the physical advantages such as increased awareness, calmer emotional state, being more ‘in the moment,’ less reactive, more accepting and less judgmental.  It has shown to be particularly promising in treating anxiety disorders and depression, especially effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. 

Benefits of Yoga: 

• Improved muscle tone, flexibility, and strength
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Increased awareness and concentration
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved circulation
• Enhanced Creativity
• Contentment  

       Yoga is being researched to fully understand its benefits in treating depression, but most people report feeling generally happier and more content after practicing yoga.

Yoga for Stress Reduction:
Anxiety and stress-related disorders are on the rise.  Almost everyone can identify with feeling stressed out at one point in his or her life, and if left unattended, it can manifest into full-fledged anxiety.  As uncomfortable as it is, anxiety can actually work in one’s favor, by letting an individual know that they are out of balance.  In most instances anxiety is the result of preoccupation with either the past or the future.  One may find themselves ruminating over negative past experiences or constantly focused on future events.  This can result in a fear of situations that may or may not happen in the future, existential dilemmas, or even the fear of having more anxiety.  Soon, one may find themselves paralyzed by the cycle, constantly living in the past or the ‘what ifs’ of the future. 

Yoga is the antithesis of living in the future.  The practice of yoga is about bringing one back to the present moment; and it is much more difficult for anxiety and stress to materialize in the present moment.  Cultivating breath awareness along with the physical postures works synergistically to bring an individual back to the body, back to the mind, and ultimately back to the moment.   This process helps regulate the nervous system, and therefore works effectively to reduce stress.

   Approximately 40 million American adults aged 18 and older will have an anxiety disorder in a given year.

Yoga Therapy Services:

I offer private yoga sessions, which incorporate breath work and the physical aspects of yoga, combined with Western counseling methods, always customized to fit the individual.  Before your first session, we will meet for an initial consultation to better assess your physical condition and emotional needs.   From here I can customize a suitable yoga/therapy combination depending on your goals and expectations

Typically, a yoga therapy session will begin with the physical yoga practice, the time varying by individual, followed by a processing and reflection of the experience. 

Yoga therapy groups:  Yoga therapy groups will incorporate the same components; yoga postures, breath, and psychotherapy, but within a group dynamic.  The group is limited to 6 people and will be held once a week for 8 weeks. 

Megan Sihle, MS received her 200 hr. yoga teacher training at the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA with Tracey Rich and Ganga White.  She also received 40 hrs. of Ashtanga yoga teacher training with David Swenson. 

 

Apply for yoga group therapy now!

Limited to 6 participants for an 8 week group.  The group will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  The group focus includes yoga for stress reduction followed by therapeutic process and reflection.  Call 407-493-8834