This post was written by Kierstin von Frangenberg certified yoga therapist and RYT500hr

What is yoga therapy and how can it be supportive for eating disorder recovery? If you listen to the compassion circle podcast, you already know the answer- it’s nuanced, and with how complex eating disorders are, it should be!

According to The International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT), “Yoga Therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga”. Self Empowerment is exactly what someone in recovery needs. Recovery can be an extremely challenging time where every move, thought, and action an individual takes is questioned not only by themselves, but friends, family, and treatment teams. A supportive option like yoga therapy could make a difference in the individual’s relationship with self. It’s through these practices those in recovery are taught to trust themselves and become prepared for a nonlinear journey of recovery.

When working with a yoga therapist your lifestyle, daily routines, spirituality, likes, dislikes, motivation, and input from your treatment team is all taken into account to create a unique individualized plan, just for you. That being said, there are certain frameworks in yoga therapy to help yoga therapists decide where to start.

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The Doshas:

Through Ayurvedic wisdom we have discovered the elements (air, earth, ether, water, and fire) are not only found throughout our environment, but also within each one of us. We all have our Prakriti  (dominant Dosha), and we can also experience imbalances which is something your yoga therapist is on the lookout for during your intake. The Doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, oftentimes the imbalance can clue your yoga therapist in on behaviors. 

Once your yoga therapist understands where there may be an imbalance, they can use the Koshas to create an individualized wellness plan.

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The Koshas:

Through Eastern philosophy we are connected to the idea that there are “five sheaths of our body”. These layers of self are:

Annamaya Kosha: Physical Body

Pranamaya Kosha: Energetic Body

Manomaya Kosha: Emotion and Thinking Mind

Vijnanamya Kosha: Wise/Intuitive Mind

Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss body/ Connection

Recovery is work, but that work doesn’t have to be alone. Interested in adding a Yoga Therapist to your treatment team: https://angelaprior.com/yoga

Looking for a support group? Join the Support circle in February: https://angelaprior.com/class-series