Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy is a relatively new field in the western yoga community. Sandra Thorne was one of the first to offer yoga therapy in Central Alberta. Sandra has over a 1000 hours of training, plus almost ten years of experience working as a yoga therapist.
Her experience includes:
depression and anxiety
grief and trauma support
health concerns such as high blood pressure, stroke and cancer
physical healing, such as back pain or injury recovery
Spiritual Support
Group classes
Therapeutic Yoga for Backs
Please watch for this class to start back up in Fall 2024
Private Yoga Therapy
A group yoga class may not be comfortable for you, for many different reasons. If this is the case, a private therapy session can offer you a much more supportive yoga experience. Yoga therapy is a personalised yoga practice designed for you & your needs. Yoga has taught me to see the body as the Five Koshas. The koshas are five layers that make up the human form.
They are as follows:
Anmamaya Kosha- Physical body
Pranamaya Kosha- Energy body
Manomaya Kosha- Emotional body
Vijananamaya Kosha- Wisdom body
Anadamaya Kosha- Bliss body
These koshas teach us to look at ourselves fully and completely.
A therapy practice might include asana (physical postures) or it might be a special meditation or breathing technique. Yoga Therapy is designed to enhances and support your current healing practices
The whole process begins with the Introduction appointment. This is an in-depth conversation. This first meeting offers you and I the opportunity to get to know one another. As a yoga therapist, my goal is to support the healing journey you are on. From this conversation, a yoga practice is made just for you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Sandra at heartfeltblackfalds@gmail.com
Cost: $50 for the introduction appointment
$110 for one yoga therapy appointment
$300 for three yoga therapy appointments
To book a Yoga Therapy appointment, please email Sandra at heartfeltblackfalds@gmail.com
Throughout my adult life I have accumulated multiple injuries while at play or work that have caused severe back pain at times. This was managed through Massage and Chiropractic care for years. A few months ago, I met with Sandra for a yoga therapy session. I have used the techniques and exercises to almost eliminate the need for massage or Chiropractic care. Gone are the days where I could tell my back was going out of alignment and hoping I could hang on till my next cracking! With the tailored stretches and therapy tools I can manage my back stress before it becomes pain when I push myself too hard with projects or heavy labour. The sequence of poses Sandra has designed for me also help build muscles to support and strengthen my trouble areas to reduce and in some cases eliminate discomfort and issues. -L.T.
To learn more about Yoga Therapy, please enjoy our HeartFelt Musing on the topic