How Viniyoga Supports Health and Healing

In this qualitative study, the impact of therapeutic Viniyoga on health and healing was explored from the perspective of 14 Viniyoga therapists who were interviewed on their perceptions of how yoga therapy contributes to the health and healing of their clients. A philosophical definition of Therapeutic Viniyoga was developed. Three themes related to health and healing from the perspective of Viniyoga therapists were identified using NVivo and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis procedures: The definition of health is unique to each person. Healing is broadly defined as change in a positive direction. Healing occurs in stages. Four case studies illustrate how yoga therapy appeared to impact the course of health and healing among the clients of the yoga therapists who were interviewed. The study suggests that Viniyoga appears to benefit the overall health of clients and contribute to the healing of a variety of physical and psychological conditions. Implications for yoga therapy as an integrative and complementary health and wellness approach using multidisciplinary collaboration are discussed.