“Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes, personalised assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.”
– International Association of Yoga Therapists
Yoga Therapy is emerging as a vital pillar of support for both physical and mental health in our modern world. But where does it come from, and why should we consider it a meaningful form of therapeutic care?
Like yoga itself, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact moment when Yoga Therapy began. Its roots trace back to ancient texts, particularly the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali (2nd century CE), where yoga is described not as a path to physical fitness, but as a method for relieving human suffering. While Patañjali did reference disease as one of the obstacles to spiritual progress, traditional yogis also relied on Ayurveda, India’s holistic medical system, as part of their healing practices.
The first known reference to yoga as a therapeutic approach appears in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (1350 CE), which outlines specific postures and breathing techniques (prāṇāyāma) for their health benefits:
“In all diseases, a yogic patient should take treatment from a physician and also use yoga treatments.” – Chapter 5
From the 19th century onward, influential teachers such as Sri Kuvalayananda, Sri Yogendra, and T. Krishnamacharya—along with their students B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, A.G. Mohan, and Indra Mohan—laid the groundwork for what we now recognise as the foundation of Yoga Therapy. Yet it is the work of today’s science-informed yoga therapists and forward-thinking pioneers that is transforming Yoga Therapy into an essential therapeutic approach for meeting the complex needs of human beings in our current world.
Today, Yoga Therapy is far more than a historical legacy. It is a dynamic integration of ancient wisdom, modern science, medical research, psychology, and compassionate care.
Unlike general yoga classes, which often follow a one-size-fits-all model, Yoga Therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This is essential, because many popular group yoga practices are not appropriate—or even safe—for people with specific health conditions such as:
Understanding when and how to adapt yoga practices requires deep knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, psychology, disease, treatments, side effects of treatments, and trauma-informed care.
For instance, classical yogis promoted inversions as beneficial for the brain and meditation. However, modern medical research has shown that these poses can pose serious risks—like increased stroke potential—for people over 40, especially those with elevated blood pressure, heart conditions, or diabetes. This insight has led to the development of contraindications, modifications, and safer alternatives, tailored for real-world health conditions.
Yoga Therapy today is trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive, thanks in part to the groundbreaking work of experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and programs such as the Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) initiative from the Center for Trauma and Embodiment.
Additionally, the evolution of modern Yoga Therapy owes much to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)—the leading professional body advancing yoga as a recognized healthcare modality. The IAYT sets rigorous educational and ethical standards, publishes the International Journal of Yoga Therapy (IJYT), and hosts academic events such as:
These platforms bring together yoga professionals, researchers, and clinicians to continue building an evidence-informed foundation for the practice.
Yoga Therapy thrives at the intersection of past and present, combining the experiential depth of traditional yoga with the precision and validation of contemporary science. Relying solely on ancient teachings can lead to outdated or even harmful applications, while modern science without historical context risks losing the richness of a time-tested tradition.
At its core, Yoga Therapy adapts yogic tools—asana, breath, meditation, and lifestyle guidance—to meet individuals where they are, taking into account their unique bodies, minds, histories, and environments. It is always evolving as an adaptable, respectful, and inclusive modality grounded in both compassion and critical thinking.
In a world marked by uncertainty and increasing levels of stress, burnout, and disconnection, Yoga Therapy offers a space for healing, introspection, connection, and resilience.
It is not about gurus or rigid doctrines. It is about sensitive, informed guidance delivered by qualified, certified professionals who make yoga accessible, meaningful, and safe for everyone.
Yoga Therapy is more than a method. It’s a movement—towards a more thoughtful, inclusive, and effective way to care for ourselves and others.
For more information on Yoga Therapy and how Yoga Therapy can help:
National Institutes of Health ↗️
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