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Yoga is both philosophy and science. As a philosophy it deals with the astral body, as a science it deals with the physical body to keep it in perfect health. Although yoga practice in general is preventive, it can also be used to correct common disorders of the physical body. It is a living science in the sense that within its general fame work it is possible to adopt the practice to be therapeutic. The therapy is inherently slow and requires faith and persistence. On the other hand it costs nothing and can be done in the privacy of one’s own home without any side effects generally associated with modern medicines.

What does The Yoga Therapy cover?

The description says yoga is both a philosophy and a science. As a philosophy it deals with what it calls the astral body, and as a science it deals with the physical body.

What does the description say about yoga as therapy?

The description says yoga practice is generally preventive but can also be used to correct common disorders of the physical body. It also says the therapy is slow, needs faith and persistence, costs nothing and can be done at home “without any side effects generally associated with modern medicines”. These are the description’s own claims and are not confirmed here; anyone with a medical condition should ask a doctor before relying on them.

This summary of the book description is not medical advice.

What does the word “therapy” mean in yoga?

“Yoga therapy” is used in different ways. It may mean a gentle class designed around a condition, a one-to-one session with a trained practitioner or simply a book’s way of describing exercises. It is not the same as medical treatment, and qualifications vary. Ask about training and experience, as the NCCIH guidance on yoga advises for any instructor.

The same page summarises research suggesting yoga may help with stress, mood, sleep and balance, may relieve neck pain and headaches in some people, and may help people with chronic conditions manage symptoms. Those are possible benefits with caveats, and the results depend on the style and the person.

A book that says yoga is both philosophy and science is describing a view. Medicine does not work like that: always have a new or ongoing symptom checked by a doctor, and tell them about any exercise programme you use.

Related on this blog: Yoga and Type 2 Diabetes: What the Research Shows and How to Practice Safely and Yoga for Stress: How It Works and Why So Many People Try It

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