I took this sunset picture in Mount Dora, where my husband and I spent last weekend in our camper van. We watched from the edge of a lake, sitting on a swing provided by the campground. It’s not really related to this week’s topic, but I wanted to share it anyway.

What has been on my mind lately is an emerging theme I observed while talking to people throughout the month: can / should I do yoga with _____ condition? The answer is (wait for it): it depends.

People are understandably hesitant to move when they’re in pain or not feeling the best. It’s true that rest may be the best thing. However, I’ve learned that, in most cases, at least gentle movement can benefit most conditions. As a matter of fact, it is when we’re recovering from illness/injury/surgery, or managing a chronic condition, that yoga can be therapeutic.

To be clear, I’m not a yoga therapist (that takes another 300 - 800 hours of specialized training), but I have studied extensively and offer a more therapeutic approach, especially when working one-on-one with clients.

Examples of conditions where yoga may help: chronic back and other body pain, ongoing low-grade anxiety / depression, and post-surgery or injury recovery (usually after prescribed physical therapy is complete). You can also practice yoga when your mobility is severely limited, or if you have a degenerative disease.

When NOT to practice: when you have acute pain (especially while inflamed), illnesses that require bed rest, and of course avoid group or private classes if you’re contagious.

Whatever condition you are dealing with, make sure you have the OK from your doctor, work with someone knowledgeable about your situation, and proceed with mindfulness.

I hope that you can practice yoga with me and realize the benefits of a restorative approach.

Be Well,

Eva