The following statement might come as a shock to many of you: yoga has contraindications.
In Yoga Therapy, you learn how to identify contraindications and apply the necessary adaptations when working with students who experience a wide range of physical and mental health issues.
The process works like this:
-
You begin with a complete intake, including physical and breathing assessments. This helps you understand your client’s health circumstances and the factors that will inform your work with them.
-
One of the first steps is to establish which practices are contraindicated—that is, the physical, breathing, and meditative practices your student should avoid in order to prevent harm or worsening of symptoms.
-
Once these contraindications are clear, you can design a safe and supportive practice around them.
However, not all contraindications carry the same level of risk!
For example:
A client with tension headaches should avoid inversions, practices that create strain in the neck and shoulders, and heating practices, as these may trigger the onset of a headache.
The same practices are also contraindicated for someone with high blood pressure, obesity, or high blood glucose levels—conditions that may increase the risk of stroke.
The difference is clear:
In the first case (tension headaches), you can sometimes be more flexible. For instance, if your student is going through a headache-free period, you may cautiously reintroduce certain practices. Ignoring the contraindications might only result in the return of a headache.
In the second case (stroke risk), the consequences could be far more severe. Inversions or added pressure on the head could potentially trigger a stroke. In these situations, contraindications must be followed at all times.
What can you do?
If you are not trained as a yoga therapist, you can still work more safely by following these guidelines:
-
Ask for the medical diagnosis provided by their doctor.
-
Encourage your student to describe their symptoms in detail.
-
Check what instructions or recommendations their doctor, physiotherapist, or healthcare provider has given.
-
Be aware of possible side effects of medication.
-
Identify exercises, movements, or situations that trigger symptoms—these are important clues for what to avoid.
-
Educate yourself. Read scientific studies and manuals, and use official medical websites (e.g. Cancer Research UK, Parkinson’s Foundation, Crohn’s Foundation).
-
Seek professional guidance from a certified supervisor, yoga therapist, or medical professional. (Avoid relying on social media forums or general yoga teacher groups for advice.)
-
When in doubt, refer. Tell your client that their safety is your priority and direct them to a yoga therapist, physiotherapist, or doctor for further support.
⚡ Remember: in Yoga Therapy, knowing what “not to do” is just as important as knowing what to do.
