HEALTHY AND ACTIVE | Yoga can give the attention your body needs

Yoga is more popular now than ever, and Seattle is leading the craze. There are more than 10 yoga studios within two miles of Madison Park and Madison Valley. The benefits of yoga extend beyond spiritual growth as fitness and medical centers continue to evolve the ancient practice.

It’s no surprise yoga has caught on. The physical practice — yoga asana — combines strength, flexibility and balance. A well-rounded class includes spinal motions in all directions, standing and seated poses, inversions and time for rest.

When practiced appropriately, yoga asana prevents back pain and improves posture, breathing, balance and hip stability. It promotes joint and bone health and improves circulation, making it a great compliment to activities like cycling, running and Crossfit.

The only trouble with so many class options is knowing which one is right for you. There is great variety in yoga classes — from hot, flowing “vinyasa,” to gentle, restorative “hatha” and everything in between.

There is also great range in the knowledge and training of instructors. With classes of 20 or more students, it’s a challenge for even a well-trained instructor to care for every individual.

Those who are new to yoga, aging adults and students with special conditions are especially susceptible to injury. This is where therapeutic yoga is different.

Therapeutic yoga instructors have special training in injury prevention, musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. They take the time to learn your body’s unique needs, communicating and collaborating with the rest of your health team, including occupational therapists, chiropractors and physicians. A customized yoga practice means your body gets exactly what it needs, with the goal being longevity and stability, rather than handstands and splits. Whether you are currently in treatment or getting back to regular activity, therapeutic yoga can help you get where you want to be.

Access to therapeutic yoga is growing as more health-care professionals recognize its benefits. Look for an instructor well-trained in anatomy and physiology, with experience in other forms of movement or bodywork. Ask your doctor to recommend a skilled instructor, or talk to an occupational or physical therapist.

Therapeutic yoga is an affordable supplement to traditional therapy and, in many cases, covered by insurance. You don’t need previous experience to try therapeutic yoga — just be willing to give your body the individual attention it needs.

Visit www.yogainternational.com/topic/yoga-therapy for more information on therapeutic yoga.

REBECCA SALSMAN is a therapeutic yoga instructor and future occupational therapist at at MoveMend (www.MoveMend.info) in Madison Valley.