Yoga is now practiced all over the world as a discipline that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
In recent years, however, more and more people have turned to a more specific approach: yoga therapy.
Although they share common roots, traditional yoga and yoga therapy are two distinct approaches with different goals, methods, and teaching modalities.
Let’s look at what connects them — and what sets them apart.
Yoga is an ancient discipline born in India several millennia ago. It unites movement, breath, awareness, and meditation.
Its modern forms (Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc.) aim to create a balance between body and mind.
Main goals of yoga:
Who is it for?
Everyone. Yoga can be adapted and practiced at any age, with adjustments according to individual needs.
Yoga therapy is a more targeted, clinically oriented approach.
It involves applying the principles and techniques of yoga for therapeutic purposes, to support people with specific physical, mental, or emotional conditions.
Examples of conditions addressed:
How does it work?
Yoga therapy is personalized. The therapist takes into account the person's health status, medical history, and lifestyle, and builds a tailored support plan, which may include:
Who is it guided by?
Only by professionals trained in yoga therapy, who have completed a recognized training program — often in collaboration with healthcare practitioners (doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists...).
Which one should you choose?
Yoga and yoga therapy are not opposed — they are complementary.
They both stem from the same philosophy, but differ in their intention, method, and application.
Choosing one or the other depends on where you are on your path, your needs, and your personal goals.
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