Yoga therapy applies yoga practices therapeutically to support physical and mental health conditions. Learn what it is, how it differs from yoga classes, and the evidence.
Yoga therapy is the professional application of yoga — postures, breathwork, meditation and philosophical principles — to support individuals with specific health conditions or to prevent dysfunction and promote wellbeing. It differs from general yoga instruction in its clinical orientation: yoga therapy assessments are individualised, interventions are adapted to the person's specific condition, and outcomes are monitored over time.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) defines yoga therapy as "the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and wellbeing through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga." IAYT accredits training programmes internationally and has established standards for the field since 2008.
How Yoga Therapy Differs from a Yoga Class
In a general yoga class, the teacher offers a standardised sequence modified broadly for the group. In yoga therapy, the therapist conducts an individualised assessment — typically 60–90 minutes — covering medical history, current conditions, lifestyle, mental health, movement patterns and therapeutic goals. The resulting practice is designed specifically for that individual, often including practices that would not appear in a group class at all.
Yoga therapists are trained to understand contraindications — poses or practices inappropriate for specific conditions — and to modify or replace them. A person with spinal stenosis, bipolar disorder or post-surgical recovery needs fundamentally different practices from someone attending a general class, and yoga therapy provides this level of individualisation.
Evidence-Based Applications of Yoga Therapy
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Yoga therapy has the strongest evidence base in chronic lower back pain management. A 2017 Cochrane Review found yoga produces short-term improvements in pain and function comparable to exercise therapy. The International Journal of Yoga Therapy has published multiple RCTs demonstrating sustained pain reduction and improved quality of life with 12-week yoga therapy programmes. NICE guidelines and the American College of Physicians both include yoga as a recommended non-pharmacological approach for chronic back pain.
Anxiety and Depression
A 2020 meta-analysis of 19 studies found yoga interventions produced significant reductions in anxiety and depression, with effect sizes in the medium range. Mechanisms include increased GABA (the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, often depleted in anxiety and depression), reduced cortisol, improved heart rate variability and enhanced self-regulatory capacity. Yoga therapy is increasingly integrated into psychiatric and psychological treatment settings.
Cancer Care
Yoga therapy is now offered in many major cancer centres as a standard complementary care component. Research consistently shows improvements in cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, pain and quality of life. The YOCAS Clinical Trial found yoga significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue in women undergoing breast cancer treatment — a finding robust enough to inform ASCO clinical practice guidelines.
Trauma and PTSD
Trauma-sensitive yoga therapy has emerged as a significant adjunctive treatment for PTSD. Research by Bessel van der Kolk and Sat Bir Singh Khalsa found that yoga produced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms in women with treatment-resistant PTSD, with effects comparable to pharmaceutical interventions. The body-based approach addresses the somatic dimension of trauma that talk therapies often cannot reach.
What to Expect from a Yoga Therapy Session
An initial yoga therapy session typically involves a comprehensive intake assessment (medical history, medications, movement assessment, mental health screening), collaborative goal-setting, and an initial tailored practice. Subsequent sessions modify the practice based on response and progress. Most conditions benefit from a series of 6–12 sessions, after which the individual continues a self-practice independently.
A qualified yoga therapist will hold a C-IAYT (Certified-IAYT) credential or national equivalent, will have completed at minimum 800 hours of training beyond yoga teacher certification, and will have the anatomical and physiological knowledge to assess contraindications and work safely within them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yoga therapy covered by health insurance?
Coverage varies significantly by location and insurer. In the UK, NHS-funded yoga therapy is available through some pain clinics and psychiatric settings but not universally. Some private insurers cover yoga therapy with appropriate medical referral and a qualified therapist. The IAYT website provides guidance on insurance coding for US practitioners.
How do I find a qualified yoga therapist?
The IAYT directory (www.iayt.org) provides a searchable database of C-IAYT certified practitioners internationally. In the UK, the British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) maintains an equivalent register.
Can yoga therapy replace medical treatment?
No. Yoga therapy is an integrative and complementary modality designed to work alongside conventional medical care, not to replace it. A qualified yoga therapist will always work in communication with the individual's medical team and will recognise conditions requiring medical intervention before or alongside yoga therapy.
Explore The Holistic Care's online Yoga courses and wellness programmes, or browse our full range of Mindfulness and Meditation courses to discuss how our therapeutic approach can support your specific health goals.
