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Yoga as Healing Modality

It’s always been that so why now?

When I realized I wanted to study the application of Yoga as a healing modality, while still engaged in it for its fitness benefits, I had to stop worrying about the “brand” “styles” or “schools” of yoga – it’s all yoga and that’s what attracted me to Niroga Institute – I of course revere all these styles and teachers but how about a no-name, non-categorized, non-labeled yoga … it could be that but it’s not Ashtanga, again, it could be but but it’s not Iyengar, it’s not Jivamukti, not Kundalini (don’t get me wrong – I love them all but do any non-teachers really care? Everything just sort of … depends) it’s not Para or Baptise power yoga or vinyasa flow, it’s not yin or yang or fusion – it’s not about one charismatic guru here as many experts are invited to share their yoga and its teachings; wisdom that are all-encompassing – it’s not any one “style” that dominates which sometimes can get a bit divisive or exclusive, even dogmatic looking on from the outside – Rather, this is … INCLUSIVE and INVITING – it’s UN-like diversity, a multi-cuisine kitchen of omnivorous tastes. Whatever style one engages in, it can change, grow, develop over a whole life span of time. Why restrict ourselves. In fact, I notice, one may start out Ashtanga in their 20’s but gradually move onto a more Iyengar style … there are stages, as noted by Srivatsa Ramaswami in his book, Yoga for the Three Stages of Life. So yoga style is not separated into different factions but all-embracing breathing evolving practice that’s uniquely personal. Pure yoga, Raja Yoga, in its authentic but transplanted form to serve the needs of the community here, right HERE; not India, not thousands of years ago but NOW – here and now. It’s about blurring the lines of distinctions between various “styles” of yoga to find more the common weaving thread to serve all people … So … Yoga Therapy Teachers Training Month 2 … here I come.

The first weekend returning from Tokyo- suffering that jet lag of getting up 3am, then 4 am in the mornings. My circadian clock is a mess. A bit fuzzy light headed during the day. Okay, in fact, so ready to set up for restorative yoga … I had looked forward to spending quality time with family (dealing with emotions of “guilt”) but rather the weekend was spent in my teacher training intensive for the Yoga Therapy certification. Yes, I do have the 200 hours from Yoga Alliance and one would ask – isn’t that enough? Well, yes, it’s enough with all the self studies I do but still… I really wanted an evidence of my studies to be more concrete … in a form of piece of paper that I can frame:) La, la la:) It’s the goal setting and the sense of accomplishment I seek. It’s a source of Joy for me. One may scoff at such need for validation but … as a professional, I think it’s important to always improve and better oneself so really, it’s about serving better; to be more effective. & formalized education from the field experts really is invaluable. I also hope to be able to refer and be referred. That is, I want to refer to other professionals when somethings are beyond my scope and that I want to know. What is the scope, really. I will know. Then with confidence and humility, I can better serve.

Recently, it came as a surprise that Yoga Alliance came out publicly to state that the organization does not approve of Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher to use the word “therapy” to describe the class that such a teacher offers OR – what’s worst – to call herself/himself a “yoga therapist”. (It’s been more a marketing tool rather than what’s really genuine anyway, you say?) This makes sense that in a way it’s a protection so that we can keep teaching yoga without having to be more heavily regulated as once we enter the healthcare world, a more mainstream healthcare world, the liabilities are enormous. You would need a malpractice insurance, etc. to further protect yourself and that … must be avoided as yoga has always in essence is about … liberation. Freedom.

BUT what about what we value yoga for framed in another way … that, is to many – Yoga is also about HEALING. After all without the healing, there’s no freedom, is there? If you feel broken (assured, you are never broken) or hurt, There’s no sense of FREEDOM, no experience of liberation because reaching that state is only possible through empowerment to be self-reliant.
If we are somehow limited and enslaved to the lessor of ourselves by way of suffering all kinds of discomforts, pain, physical, psychic and emotional … we need the HEALING before that feeling called bliss, that sense of lightness and freedom to enter our vacabulary. So What about that aspect? The aspect of healing to be a prerequisite to ultimately benefit from what yoga promises – transformative liberation. So if one is attracted to more that aspect of yoga – a practice that unleashes that healer within to be the “restored” Self, then what? So in terms of credentialing – there’s certification to show some level of knowledge and competency in the discipline of “yoga therapy” approved under IAYT or International Association of Yoga Therapist. This is different from Yoga Alliance and thus not limiting us in the ways we offer what we feel is invaluable – yoga therapy. Within the licensing for Yoga Alliance, there’s the basic 200 hours; then onto 500 hours for the more serious track; then within the 200 hours and the 500 hours, if you have the initial “E” tacked onto “RYT”, it signifies that you are also an “educator” and that you may teach for certification level classes/courses. I am just on this natural trajectory to explore and know more … thus, call me crazy. Embarked on 800 hours Yoga Therapy training this year… Crazy or not, already it’s making a difference in the way I approach my teachings …my own practice, my life, myself vis a vis others.

Anyway … I am yoga’ed out and found this “required” reading by my mentor, Judith H. Lasater to be the gem to start this week, this Monday. I can’t wait to see her this Thursday for our invitational workshop – it fits right into my formal training in the yoga therapeutics – what ideal timing can one ask for this to come my way? It was meant to be?:

Our mind is all we have.
They are all we have ever had.
And they are all we can offer others. …
If you are perpetually angry, depressed, confused, and unloving,
or your attention is elsewhere, it won’t matter
how successful you become or who is in your life –
You won’t enjoy any of it.

– Sam Harris from “A Guide to Spirituality without Religion”.

So

there:)

My intention/resolve for this week is:

To reset my circadian rhythm to align with the natural tempo of the world I live in.
To regain that generosity and kindness towards Self and others, most especially by being forgiving and …
“Radically Present”*, enabling me to better see the light and goodness in others, otherwise missed when one is especially tired.
To engage in self-care to regenerate, recharge and boost my energy, chi, prana – whatever you want to call it – so that I may realign with my true radiant soul.

Yes, my intention is to be AWAKE under the sun; asleep and dreaming under the soft sheen of moonlight when the darkness closes in …
To find the luminous light within, guided by wisdom handed down by my fore-bearers ingrained in my DNA … in gratitude, I am here.

New Moon this week !

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Yoga

To the land of the rising sun…

IMG_0064_smallA little snapshot from a Restorative Yoga class in Vancouver – different and good, done in the morning. A bit more of a fusion – it’s all good. It was a Sunday morning worship time – a time for “restoration”.

******************back to the bay area***********************************

Teaching a yoga class, few hours before departure, when you are not really packed may not be a good idea …
Such a practice to stop the mind from “planning” and thinking ahead. And yet, that works when you are well prepared without millions of loose ends untied.
I only have 3 hours?
Good Bye USA … Going East by flying actually west over the Pacific Ocean, reminded that the earth is indeed round … Flying to the Land of the Rising Sun … Ironic did not do Sun Salutations but … evening practice is … not about aerobics, heating up one’s body … at least,
it isn’t for me. Why say “Good Morning, time to wake up!” to our senses; when it’s not. It’s rather, “Good Night, Honey – time to pat oneself on the shoulders for work well done.”
Whatever unfinished business can wait – leave it. There’s tomorrow to deal with the loose ends. And day after tomorrow – deadlines? Extend it.
One deserves a …
Chill out time:) It’s a dreamy process of emptying – a cleanup of toxic or defeating thoughts.
Yes, it’s not easy – we love movements but we can meetup with our authentic self, without any adornments when we wash out the debris.
And come to not only see but BE that pure, clear, translucent light within.
In process we find that moment you can forget all and just be with the moment
savoring that … elusive idea of an … eternity in the now.
IMG_9693_smallIMG_9692_smallPrecious Moment…is now when you are with that precious person.

Categories
Yoga

Yoga Therapy Defined by the Experts.

Yoga Alliance certification does not cover the field of “yoga therapy”. To actually serve in the field of ‘yoga therapy’, one has to be certified by “International Association of Yoga Therapists”. That is, to call oneself a ‘yoga therapist’, one needs a very in-depth training beyond the 200 hours or the 500 hours teacher training approved by Yoga Alliance.

In fact, in the recent public statement, yoga teachers certified by Yoga Alliance were, in no uncertain terms, cautioned NOT to use the term “yoga therapy” to describe their classes or their teachings. This might be a bit of a challenge for many of us who hear the term used indiscriminately – while aromatherapy, any number of touch-therapy, art-therapy, sound-therapy, nature therapy (whether it be by the waters, wilderness or “shinrin-ryoku” – literally means bathing in the woods or forest energy) are certainly valid, how about shopping therapy, chocolate therapy… really? How about Girls Night Out therapy:) ??? I mean, everything can turn into a “therapy” these days – thus, ‘yoga therapy’ too was a term used ubiquitously often times with good intentions mixed with some marketing purpose or this wanna-be notion of sounding more medical/clinical for more respect (?) and validation …

For most of us really into yoga, I think, yoga and yoga therapy is synonymous so this is rather interesting for Yoga Alliance, a professional group that oversee the quality of teachers by credentialing/licensing to make this statement to distance ourselves from the term “therapy”. I mean, if it isn’t, what is it then? Aren’t we drawn to the practice because it makes us feel better and BE better (as in being the true-self that we actually like)? Yet understandable from a business liability standpoint and besides, many of the yogis are all about finding “freedom” from all that enslaves us so … Here’s the Yoga Alliance statement released recently. Obviously, they are distancing themselves from that term for liability reasons where the general public may get confused with the actually regulated health care providers such as Physical or Occupational Therapists and other kind of professional, regulated Therapists in general.

In contrast, International Association of Yoga Therapists will continue to stand behind the training of yoga instructors who are interested in serving to provide this alternative and complementary medicine. It’s like this – you don’t feel well, you go see a doctor, you get bunch of tests so that a diagnosis can be made, the tests find that nothing is wrong with you and you still feel … out of synch – you still do not feel well – how do you cure this common condition? Is it from Lack of exercise? Lack of Rest and Relaxation? Lack of sleep? Lack of “right” nutrition? OR is it “just in your mind”? Then are you to feel like a mental case now? Or suppose you are in pain, you go see a doctor and he gives you a diagnosis and to deal with it which usually means that medication is prescribed. (America has the highest prescription drugs addictions and OD related deaths). The medication makes the pain go away but … you still feel lousy. In fact, Lousier. So… what does one do? Has anyone mentioned we have a soul? Energy? That Light, inner Light is shrouded – why is that?:

* Yoga therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health care refers to the adaptation and application of Yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges at any level manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality, and improve attitude.

-American Viniyoga Institute Gary Kraftsow

* Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.
-Integrative Yoga Therapy (U.S.A.) Joseph LePage, M.A.

* Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.
-Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.) Larry Payne, Ph.D.

* Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments. The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth, or a chronic condition.

-Yoga Biomedical Trust (England) Robin Monro, Ph.D.

* Yoga comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation. Yoga therapy tailors these to the health needs of the individual. It helps to promote all-round positive health, as well as assisting particular medical conditions. The therapy is particularly appropriate for many chronic conditions that persist despite conventional medical treatment.
-Yoga Therapy and Training Center (Ireland) Marie Quail

*(Yoga therapy is) the use of the techniques of Yoga to create, stimulate, and maintain an optimum state of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

-Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D.

***************************
Leslie Kaminoff’s article is very interesting – yes, there is that idea that therapists are basically better than regular instructors or more learned in the field in a more holistic approach – that yoga is more than an exercise of poses. Yoga instructor, teacher, educator, therapists … whatever the title, it’s too bad that we have to keep renouncing the role as the healer; it’s true, the healer is the student. But it takes a good teacher to give the guidance for the student to find that dormant wisdom within because some of us in this modern lifestyle have lost touch with nature outside and inside our body. Here he is renouncing being a therapist, opting for a the title ‘educator’ while I am pursuing the role of a therapist. ohhhh…

While I don’t quite agree with him 100% maybe because I don’t have the decades of experience that he has, I of course deeply respect his viewpoint; seems the role of a therapist vs. an educator – is virtually the same. Okay, a diff. between a high-level professor of yoga vs. yoga therapist/teacher on the front-line, out in the field, face-to-face. To me, both are serving and both are … needed. We just don’t need the litigious society nor a bureaucratic insurance approval process. Much the same way, our needs are not really met by a fitness instructor, while well-meaning, posing as a spiritual healer, even a heath care provider. That may not sit well with many – 200 hrs. of studying anatomy and yoga poses and some mantras and crash course on yoga philosophy is probably not enough to call oneself a “therapist”. (BUT they, with this incredible positive energy can inspire.) I am humbled by those senior teachers who has been teaching for years, if not for decades. There’s so much to learn and I love that. While it would be very cool to be a “healer” or a “therapist”, I would be just as happy as a travel companion and a guide (I happen to go a little further down the path and decided to come back to meetup and share:) on our journey, merely inviting the fellow students to recognize the healer and the guru within. Going from darkness to light:) That’s my hope.

… There you have it (okay, you didn’t ask for it) – ramblings of one yoga instructor embarked on Yoga Therapy Teacher Training that she underestimated – it’s work work work … yet so enriching. I can’t wait to sharpen my skills but first … self-care. There’s no learning when one is depleted so off I go to get some rest before the flight.