Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Therapy and ShivaShakti Synthesis

Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Therapy and ShivaShakti Synthesis

We describe the level 1 program of ShivaShakti Synthesis as therapeutic yoga and the level 2 as yoga therapy.  But what does that really mean? I have not had an easy time in articulating it and I suspect I am not alone.  At the national level, a group of experienced folks have been meeting together for a few years trying to develop a working definition of yoga therapy.  Definitions have ranged from “all yoga is therapy” to the concept that yoga therapy is a new and western invention that has no basis in ancient texts. Which is true?

I don’t think it is accurate to say all yoga is therapy. Originally, yoga was the practice for the seeker on spiritual path, while ayurveda offered the path to health and wellness. Yet many of the practices in ayurveda have their basis in yoga.  The common root for yoga and ayurveda is samkhya philosophy, which to me says there is an ancient basis for yoga as therapy. This is why ShivaShakti Synthesis integrates the teachings of yoga and ayurveda.

I am working on writing up a section for the manual on our philosophy on therapeutic yoga and yoga therapy, so figured this was a perfect place to share some thoughts and get your feedback.

Here are my working definitions for ShivaShakti Synthesis:

Therapeutic yoga: Teaching a therapeutic style of yoga means that there is the ability to modify the practices, whether they are asana, pranayama, relaxation and imagery, yoga nidra and meditation to be accessible to any student.

Yoga therapy: Yoga therapy implies specifically addressing the areas of disconnect that separate someone from the truth and essence of their Being.

This is a teaser to get us started. What do you think?