It is becoming more common for health professionals to incorporate mindfulness and body-based practices into their treatment programs. Research supports the benefits of yoga therapy programs for mental health disorders. At D’Amore Healthcare™, we can help you take control of your mental condition using a mind and body technique called yoga therapy.
Our residential mental health treatment center specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Here in Orange County, our professional clinical team provides a safe, comfortable environment with 24-hour care. They also analyze your entire medical and psychological history before developing a customized treatment plan. We are pleased to provide yoga therapy treatment for those struggling with mental health conditions.
In general, yoga aims to improve the body and mind with the potential for therapeutic effects. However, yoga therapy utilizes yoga techniques to alleviate physical and mental health conditions. Yoga therapy training incorporates practices with known benefits to help improve mental and physical ailments. Overall, the field of yoga therapy encourages individuals to improve their health and well-being.
Yoga therapy is practiced in a variety of formats and resembles physical therapy, rehabilitative therapy, and psychotherapy. For instance, physical therapists may incorporate yoga practices in their delivery of massage and other treatments.
These therapy sessions are typically done one-on-one, unlike standard yoga classes which are typically a small group setting. This therapy can be utilized along with other forms of treatment, or alone to help a specific issue. Yoga techniques range from beginners to advanced, and people of all ages can participate.
Yoga therapy training programs particularly help individuals with a mental illness in at least five ways, which include:
A yoga therapist helps the individual increase awareness of oneself and their surroundings. Becoming aware of physical elements such as a heartbeat or pulse starts increasing their scope of awareness. Individuals then begin including awareness of their surroundings and of other people.
The more tense an individual feels, the more challenging a yoga therapy session will be. Yoga teachers help teach physical and breathing practices to reduce these agitations for individuals with a mental illness.
It is common for a mental illness to reduce attention span, which can make returning to work difficult. A short attention span and being easily distracted can make it hard to complete tasks, and do so successfully. Practicing yoga can help that individual maintain focus and attention for longer periods of time.
Another challenge for individuals with mental issues is the possibility of a relapse. Even if an individual is adequately rehabilitated in their homes, unhealthy environments can lead to relapse. Part of yoga therapy includes specific thoughts of acceptance and adaptability, helping individuals transition from therapy to the outside world.
Often, an individual with a chronic (long-lasting) illness might lose contact with family members. A lack of support can lead to feelings of insecurity, reduce further improvement, and cause a relapse.
Having a role model is a great source of strength for individuals in recovery from a mental condition. During recovery, an individual reduces or no longer has symptoms of their condition through medication and therapy.
For those interested in teaching yoga therapy, the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) bridges yoga and health care together. They can help you find an accredited yoga therapy, a skill-based program that meets yoga teacher training standards.
The mind and body work together, and are unified as one. Since they are not separate, we can work on healing the mind using techniques targeted in the body, and vice versa.
If you are struggling with a mental health disorder, yoga therapy can provide many benefits. The practices and tools learned in this program can help you achieve mental and physical wellness. If you or someone you love may have a mental health issue, get help as soon as possible. At D’Amore Healthcare™, we can help you take control of your condition and achieve long-term recovery.
