Information
for
physicians
"Yoga cultivates an inner sense of calm and focus and the self-regulation of behavior," having the abilitly to restore the flexibility of the nervous system.
~Santiago Buompadre, MD
("Yoga Therapy in an Era of Chronic Illness," IAYT Yoga Therapy Today, Spring 2023: 35-37)
Why would I refer my patients for yoga therapy?
Science recognizes that more than 95% of physiological and psychological diseases are either caused by or exacerbated by stress.
Long Covid (PASC), chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
are no exception.
Yoga therapy is a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to wellness that is extremely effective at calming the nervous sytem, and therefore preventing and sometimes reversing the damaging effects of stress, and promoting healing.
Frequently asked questions for physicians:
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is the evidence informed application of postures, breathing techniques, meditation and more to specific health conditions. It addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the client.
A yoga therapist is trained to communicate effectively with health practitioners, and to read and interpret medical records and reports. Yoga therapists work alongside the client's healthcare team. A yoga therapist certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) will have at least 1000 hours of yoga training.
What is the difference between a yoga class and yoga therapy?
A yoga class is usually done in groups and focused on fitness, and the techniques of the postures and breathing. Yoga therapy is tailored to the individual's specific health concerns, and involves a formal intake, assessment, and individualized care plan.
Sometimes,
just having someone with time available
to listen to patient's struggles
can relieve an immense amount of their stress,
and be the catalyst toward their healing.
What training do yoga therapists have v.s. yoga teachers?
While yoga teachers have at least 200 hours in anatomy, physiology and yoga philosophy, yoga therapists have 1000+ hours in anatomy, physiology, psychology, biomedicine, yoga philosophy, and often ayurveda. They are also required to do a supervised practicum.
What if my patient is feeble, disabled, or inflexible?
There is a common misconception that yoga is simply about stretching.
In yoga thearpy, the postures, breathing techniques and ways to focus the mind will all be individualized according to the patient's ability. More importantly, yoga therapy includes yogic views on nutrition, sleep hygiene, lifestyle, and emotional and spiritual health. Reparing relationships and how to bring meaning to one's life are also under the yoga therapy umbrella.
What conditions does yoga therapy help?
Yoga therapy has been shown in scientific studies to be beneficial for numerous health conditions. See research in yoga therapy for a sample.
What if my patient has multiple conditions?
Simone Palmieri, C-IAYT, has been trained to safely address the following conditions, and most importantly the overall wellbeing of the client.
Adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction
Anxiety
Back pain
Bulging or herniated disc
Bipolar disorder
Cancer
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical spinal stenosis
Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME
Chronic pain
Depression
Dysautonomia
Emotional health
Fibromyalgia
Heart rate variability
Hip and knee replacements
Immune dysfunction
Lupus
Multiple schlerosis
Neck and shoulder pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Parasympathetic tone
Post COVID syndrome
Rheumatoid arthitis
SI joint dysfunction
Stress due to daily living
Please contact Simone Palmieri using the form below with any questions or concerns.
Where can I find a certified yoga therapist?
Yoga therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. To find a yoga therapist certified by IAYT (C-IAYT), go to yogatherapy.health.
Who is IAYT?
IAYT stands for the International Association of Yoga Therapists. It is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1989, which is responsible for the certification of individual yoga therapists and the accreditation of yoga therapy programs. For more information, please visit www.IAYT.org.