I recently spoke with a client undergoing Kati Basti treatments for long-standing neck pain. I recommended she complement her treatment with a Yoga Chikitsa (therapy) session to further help with her recovery.
Her response was telling: “I’ve been to lots of yoga classes before, how is this any different from what I’ve already done?”
It’s a common question. And a fair one.
A Yoga Chikitsa (therapy) session is an ancient, original and almost forgotten approach of yoga and is the approach we take here at the clinic. Delivering and adapting a personal yoga practice for our clients, which is individualised and rehabilitates those suffering from injuries and back pain. A more common name for this is Yoga Therapy, vastly different from your regular yoga class.
Many people aren’t familiar with Yoga Therapy or don’t fully understand what it entails. Unlike general yoga classes, yoga therapy offers a clinical, tailored, and therapeutic application of the practice, which is especially valuable when managing chronic conditions such as back or neck pain.
Years ago, when yoga studios were popping up everywhere, yoga earned a bit of a bad reputation in medical circles due to a rise in injuries, often the result of overcrowded classes, inexperienced teachers, or students pushing beyond their limits. As a result, many physiotherapists began recommending Pilates instead.
But what happens when it feels as though Pilates or going to the gym is exacerbating or aggravating your symptoms?
You may feel discouraged, unsure where to turn, or even begin avoiding movement altogether. This is where Yoga Therapy (Yoga Chikitsa) offers a path forward.
Therapeutic yoga meets you where you are. It works as a methodical, intelligent precursor to more strenuous activity, especially when pain, injury, or inactivity have made movement difficult. The approach helps you relearn how to move well, improve body awareness, and rebuild strength gradually and safely.
This isn’t about dismissing other methods like Pilates, but rather preparing the body, breath, and mind, especially when there’s been prolonged pain or inactivity. The key is pacing moving forward in a way that respects your unique limitations and needs.
There is a term for this that is used in yoga, Vinyasa Krama, which means intelligently placed, orderly steps. A methodical, intelligent sequencing of steps toward a particular goal. As each of us is different, the starting point for each of us will be different, even though the goal may be the same. This process of vinyasa krama will be tailored to the person’s unique circumstance and what are the best steps to take them to where they need to go. Vinyasa Krama is one of the foundational principles that I adhere to in my approach to therapeutic yoga, refined over 20 years of study and practice.
With Yoga Therapy (Yoga Chikitsa), to be a Yoga therapist; it takes years of training and clinical practice, and I’ve seen time and again in our pain management clinic how yoga therapy helps people reclaim mobility, reduce pain, and learn how to be self-reliant in managing their back health. I’m often told how much better the person feels mentally, in their overall well-being, with improved strength and balance throughout their body. This is because Yoga Therapy (Yoga Chikitsa) is a holistic approach and not just about isolating the site of the injury; the injury is not separate from the person, and this approach is what makes it end up being more enjoyable, aiding in improved body awareness and providing the means to maintain good structural and mental health day to day.
So if you’re tired of pushing through discomfort or feeling like you’re at a loss for what exercise is best for you to aid your recovery, I would be happy to assist. Regain strength and mobility with Yoga Chikitsa.
Simply click on the Yoga Therapy link to read further or to book an appointment.
I look forward to seeing you in the clinic,
Sincerly
Kim
Client Testimonial
My mum referred me to Scott after having wonderful success with her own health following Scott’s Ayurvedic diet plan. I was excited to see my psoriasis go away, and it help with weight loss too. For the next step to heal the pain in my hips and shoulder, strengthen my ankles, and overall health I attended individualised classes with Kim. She was really great at breaking down the moves for me and setting me easy yoga exercises for home. Things I have not been able to do at other yoga classes I can now do. Deep appreciation to Scott and Kim for their heartfelt desire to help me be the best I can be.
Chloe Sunshine Coast
