Yoga Therapy
HEALTH
Can Help!
It’s a gentle way to improve one’s health and sense of well-being. ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Yoga therapist Veronica Zador provides an on-site session.
T
he original intent of yoga, derived from ancient spiritual practices in India, was training the body and mind to self-observe through a series of physical poses and breathing exercises. By this means, the body would be rejuvenated. Yoga therapy, however, expands the concept, bringing “the tools of yoga into the healthcare setting to give people accessible methods to improve their health and well-being,” said certified yoga therapist Veronica Zador of West Bloomfield, a worldwide leader in her profession.
As opposed to “regular” yoga held in a studio, the yoga therapist generally meets in a clinical setting with individuals, referred to as patients, on a oneto-one or small group/symptom-specific basis. Hospitals, clinics and schools are among the clients that bring yoga therapists to “help offset moral injury or compassion fatigue” among their staff. Both terms denote the experience of essential worker “burnout.” “People can learn effective ways to reverse pain and discomfort, and self-activate their own sense of comfort, restfulness, strength and composure
“PEOPLE CAN LEARN EFFECTIVE WAYS TO REVERSE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT.” — YOGA THERAPIST VERONICA ZADOR
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through breathing, meditation and, if appropriate, adaptive movement,” Zador said. Zador, who earned her bachelor of science degree at Cleveland State University, founded the International Institute of Yoga Therapy (IIYT), one of the first accredited yoga therapy programs in Michigan. IIYT was also among the first yoga therapy certification programs in the U.S. held under the auspices of a hospital (it was formerly based at Beaumont Healthcare System in Royal Oak). With the COVID pandemic keeping people apart,
IIYT opened its “virtual” doors on Jan. 17, and nearly 100 people joined in a Zoom celebration. Zador’s interest in yoga therapy began 30 years ago, teaching at her own studio, Namaste Yoga, in Royal Oak. Realizing a deeper aspect to the field of yoga, Zador made sure each person received the maximum benefit with techniques tailored to his or her needs, even within a group class. Zador’s credentials include two terms as president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a group she helped revive by organizing
LEARN YOGA THERAPY International Institute of Yoga Therapy, a 2½-year program, currently has 56 upper-level students enrolled. Registration is underway for all levels of yoga therapist training starting in September. Previous yoga teacher training is a prerequisite. IIYT is also offering four free 60-minute one-onone yoga therapy sessions on Zoom, supervised and monitored by IIYT clinical extern coordinators. For information, contact iiyogatherapy.com, info@iiyogatherapy or (248) 672-9191.
