Avisa Recovery

Yoga

yoga-therapy

Yoga Therapy

In today’s ever-evolving and ever-busier world, mental health problems and substance abuse are on the rise. While traditional treatment approaches are often limited to medication and therapy, there’s a growing awareness of the value of holistic healing approaches. Yoga therapy has become a key component in the transformation of mental health and treatment of substance abuse.

Yoga therapy focuses on the root causes of mental health problems and substance abuse, rather than just treating symptoms.

Let Us Help You Overcome Addiction

Request a Confidential Callback Now

What Is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy is an all-encompassing approach to healing that incorporates physical yoga poses (asanas), breath techniques (pranaurya), and relaxation techniques (dhyana) to promote overall wellness.

The therapy differs from traditional yoga classes in that it is designed to meet the needs of each individual and address physical, psychological, and emotional dysfunctions. Yoga therapy is often used in addition to traditional treatments for mental health issues and substance use disorders.

It is more than just a form of yoga. It is a holistic approach to mind-body connection that incorporates movement, breath work, and mindfulness. The goal of yoga therapy is to create an environment of peace and relaxation.

Get Approved. Get Help.

Individualized Care
100%
Family Programming
100%
Adventure-Based Therapies
100%

We Work With Most Major Insurance Providers

  • Aetna
  • Amerihealth
  • Anthem
  • Beacon
  • Behavioral Health Systems
  • BCBS—Most BlueCross & BlueShield Plans
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Coventry
  • Empire BlueCross BlueShield
  • GHI
  • Highmark
  • Humana
  • Magellan
  • MagnaCare
  • Meritain Health
  • MultPlan
  • NYSHIP (New York State Insurance Plan)
  • Optum
  • Oxford
  • PHCS
  • Self-Pay
  • TRICARE
  • UHC
  • UMR
  • VA Insurance
  • 90 Degree Benefits

At this time, we do not accept Medicaid or Medicare

The Connection Between Yoga Therapy And Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment

  • There is a strong correlation between yoga and mental health / substance abuse treatment.
  • Yoga therapy focuses on the holistic state of your body, mind, and emotions, which is in line with mental health and addiction treatment objectives.
  • According to a study in the journal of clinical psychology, people who received yoga therapy in addition to traditional treatment showed dramatic improvements in their depression and anxiety symptoms compared with those who received the same treatment without yoga.
  • Yoga therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and the body. It understands that our body, mind, and emotions are connected, and that imbalance in one area affects the rest.
  • This awareness and connection can have a huge impact on your healing journey, as it helps you recognize and address the underlying causes of your issues.

Benefits Of Incorporating Yoga Therapy Into Treatment Programs

There are many benefits to incorporating yoga into mental health or substance abuse treatment programs. Here are a few key benefits:

  1. Holistic Approach 

Yoga is a form of holistic healing that focuses on the body, mind, and emotions.

  1. Stress Reduction

By engaging in physical poses and breathing exercises, you can relax and activate your body’s relaxation response, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

  1. Emotional Regulation

By developing self-awareness and understanding how to listen to your thoughts and feelings without judging them, you can create healthier coping strategies and lower your emotional reactivity.

  1. Self-Exploration and Self-Acceptance

Mindfulness and self-awareness can help you learn more about yourself and become more accepting of who you are.

  1. Coping Mechanisms

From breathwork to meditation, learn how to reduce stress, hunger, and overcome the obstacles that come with your conditions.

  1. Physical Well-being

Yoga is a form of physical therapy that involves a variety of postures that help to build strength, flexibility and balance. Doing yoga regularly can help to improve your overall physical health and improve your overall well-being.

  1. Peer Support and Community

Being around other people who have gone through the same thing can be very comforting and can help you feel less isolated in your recovery journey.

All in all, the use of yoga in treatment programs can improve the efficacy of conventional methods by focusing on the body, mind, and emotions of the patient.

Yoga Therapy For Mental Health And Substance Abuse

Yoga therapy includes a range of exercises that can be customized to fit the needs of people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Some of the most common yoga exercises include:

  1. Asanas (Physical Postures)

Yoga therapy involves physical postures, also known as asanas. Asanas help you build strength, flexibility and balance. They also help you become more mindful and aware of your body.

  1. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)

Pranayama, also known as breathing exercises, is an essential part of yoga therapy. Pranayama helps people regulate their breathing, activate the body’s relaxation response, and relieve stress and anxiety.

  1. Meditation and Mindfulness

Practicing meditation and mindfulness can help you become more aware of yourself, feel more connected to the world around you, and learn how to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

  1. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

Yoga ndra or yogic sleep is a form of guided relaxation that encourages deep relaxation and promotes restful sleep. It is a form of relaxation that involves lying in a relaxed position and guided by a certified yoga therapist.

  1. Mindful Movement

Mindful movement is the practice of moving your body with intention and awareness. It can be done in a variety of ways, such as gentle stretching, guided walking, and other mindful exercises.

Mindful movement helps you feel more connected to your body and promotes feelings of relaxation and comfort.

  1. Self-Reflection and Journaling

Yoga therapy involves self-awareness and journaling. Journaling allows you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

These are a few of the ways in which yoga therapy works. Each person will have their own treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and objectives.

How To Integrate Yoga Therapy Into Existing Treatment Programs

Adding yoga to existing mental health or substance abuse treatment plans requires thoughtful planning and coordination between yoga practitioners and health care providers. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • Step 1: Assess the Needs and Goals
  • Step 2: Collaborate with Yoga Therapists
  • Step 3: Educate and Train Healthcare Professionals
  • Step 4: Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
  • Step 5: Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Following these steps, health care providers can incorporate yoga into existing treatment plans and improve the overall health and wellness of patients in treatment.

Finding Qualified Yoga Therapists

If you’re looking for a qualified yoga therapist for mental health or substance abuse treatment, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right type of therapy that’s safe and effective. Here are a few tips to help you find the right yoga therapist for you:
  1. Research Credentials and Experience
  2. Seek Recommendations
  3. Interview Potential Yoga Therapists
  4. Check References
  5. Collaborate with Yoga Therapy Organizations
By following these guidelines, health care providers can find certified yoga therapists who can help you with your mental health and substance use treatment.