What is Therapeutic Yoga?
Jack UtermoehlTherapeutic yoga is a gentle, adaptive, and intentional style of yoga designed to support healing at all levels—physical, emotional, and energetic.
This practice is particularly suited for individuals managing chronic conditions, recovering from illness or injury, or simply seeking a more mindful and supportive approach to wellness.
What makes Therapeutic yoga distinct is its individualized and integrative approach.
Often guided by a certified teacher with knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and trauma-informed principles, the practice blends restorative poses, gentle movement, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and guided relaxation.
It can serve as a complementary therapy to modern healthcare, and is often used alongside treatment plans for pain management, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other health challenges.
Origins of Therapeutic Yoga
While deeply rooted in classical yoga and Ayurveda, Therapeutic yoga has evolved through modern clinical research and input from physical therapists, yoga therapists, and healthcare professionals.
It draws from hatha yoga, restorative yoga, and other soft modalities to deliver a personalized experience tailored to each individual's needs.
The philosophy of Therapeutic yoga is centered on yoga as medicine. Rather than a fixed sequence, each session is designed with a specific therapeutic aim—whether that's reducing inflammation, regulating the nervous system, or improving joint function.
Practitioners are encouraged to move slowly, stay present with sensations, and cultivate an internal experience of safety and connection.
Yoga Essentials for Your Practice
Support your yoga journey with high-quality, sustainable props designed for comfort and stability.
Crafted from eco-friendly cork for durability and a comfortable practice.
$24
Shop Now
Includes everything you need to get started: a mat, blocks, and a yoga strap.
$120
Shop NowTherapeutic Yoga Practice
The practice typically includes breath-led movement, long-held supported postures, and mindfulness-based techniques such as body scans or visualization.
Sequences are crafted based on the student's condition, goals, and limitations. It is not about achieving a perfect posture—it's about restoring balance and trust within the body.
Common Poses: Supported Child’s Pose, Gentle Spinal Twists, Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana), Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani), Gentle Forward Folds
Therapeutic Yoga Suitability
Experience Level: Beginner-Friendly to Specialized
Physical Demand: Relaxation-Focused
Mind-Body Engagement: Balanced Mind-Body
Adaptability: Highly Adaptable and Condition-Specific
Focus Area: Physical Healing, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Well-being
Notes on Therapeutic Yoga
Therapeutic yoga supports healing by calming the nervous system, reducing muscular tension, improving mobility, and increasing emotional resilience.
It can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, PTSD, cancer, chronic fatigue, or post-surgical recovery. It offers a slower pace and encourages listening deeply to the body's needs without pressure or performance.
Similar Styles
Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Accessible Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga
Equipment
Required: Yoga Mat
Nice to Have: Yoga Blocks, Yoga Strap, Chair, Bolster
Optional: Yoga Blanket, Eye Pillow
References
Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, MD
Therapeutic Yoga Kit: Sixteen Postures for Self-Healing through Quiet Yin Awareness by Cheri Clampett and Biff Mithoefer
