Yoga means “union” or “joining”. An activity for the mind, body, and spirit, yoga has been helpful to humans since it originated at least two thousand years ago. Regular yoga practice brings self-awareness, a sense of peace and well-being, and greater energy, strength, flexibility, and balance. It promotes balance between opposites like the mind and the body and movement and stillness and can help with stress management.

Yoga practice in the Western World typically includes performing physical postures (asanas) and observing or working with the breath (pranayama). Some practices provide a cardiovascular workout while others are more restful and restorative.

Yoga is not a religion, but many practitioners find that through greater self-awareness, which comes naturally with regular practice, yoga improves and strengthens their personal relationship with their chosen religion or life philosophy.

Anyone, young or old, fit or inactive, stiff or flexible, novice or inexperienced, can do yoga and benefit. If you are new to yoga, come try it out! You will want to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that give freedom to move. Upon arrival to a studio or other place of practice, it is customary to remove shoes and socks. You can bring your own mat or borrow one from the studio.

About Yoga Therapy

Integrative Yoga Therapy applies all aspects of yoga to the integrated healing of the whole person. It is grounded in both Western science of the mind and body and in Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India. Sessions may include pranayama (breath work), mudras (energy work using yoga hand poses), chakra balancing, meditation, yoga nidra (guided imagery and deep relaxation), as well as asana (yoga poses). The physical practice can be adapted to any degree as needed, making yoga accessible to clients coping with injury, chronic illness, or other challenges. Each session is developed around the needs of the client.

Yoga Therapy can be a complement to physical therapy or psychotherapy; it is not a substitute for either. It may also assist with stress after or during some medical therapies. Yoga Therapy can be beneficial for personal growth and spiritual awareness. It is unique in that it involves the physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of the client, without separation.

Shenandoah Yoga offers both regular and prenatal ongoing yoga classes as well as private yoga classes and private yoga therapy sessions.