Invited Article: Exploring Yoga as Therapy

Most practitioners of Yoga would agree that Yoga is a holistic system that encourages healing and empowers the student or patient. This is simple to say, but to practice such an approach to Yoga within a rational and authentic framework requires much study, reflection, questioning, and attention to detail. This article provides an outline of the framework of Yoga therapy. Two simple rules govern our approach: logic and authenticity. We will examine the definition, approach, and tools of Yoga as a therapy, starting from the ancient texts on Yoga and then looking at Yoga today. Finally, we describe in some detail the example of a Yoga therapy approach for asthma.