YOGA

Figure 17: Incorrect execution of seated forward bend

Wheel of Yoga is a large and well-established training and regulatory institution. Another example is the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK), and there are others besides these. The Register of Exercise Profession- als regulates the health and fit- ness industry and may include

some Yoga teachers, for example in gyms. In assessing the suitabili- ty of a teacher or class for a client, the authors believe that firsthand experience and evaluation is the best approach, where possible. This facilitates referrals or recommendations within interdisciplinary pro- fessional relationships. It is advisable to attend some classes, or at least invite local teachers to present in-service training sessions.

TYPES OF HATHA YOGA Table 2 briefly outlines some features of the many styles of Hatha Yoga that are available today (1). The practice of asana, pranaya- ma, dhyana and kriyas is common to all styles, however the method of teaching and emphasis differs. Each style is essentially a school started by or based upon the teachings of a particular guru.

CONCLUSION This article has aimed to shed some light on Yoga for neuromuscu- loskeletal clinicians. An overview is presented, to show that Yoga encompasses much more than stretching exercises. Yoga is a holis- tic system of healthcare and self-development. It includes a sophis- ticated form of bodywork in asana, and parallels can be drawn between therapeutic aims in various neuromusculoskeletal disci- plines and the benefits of Yoga. Thus, Yoga can be an effective and efficient resource for clinicians and patients alike. It may be accessed at any level, depending on individual need and aptitude. Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy.

THE AUTHORS Sudhir Daya MCSP, is a South African trained chartered physiothera- pist. He worked at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa prior to coming over to the UK. He completed his Sivananda teacher train- ing in Kerala, India. He works in the private sector incorporating Yoga into the management of clients. He is currently studying Ayurveda.

STYLE Iyengar Sivananda Ashtanga

(‘power’ yoga) Bikram

(‘hot’ yoga) Integral

Kripalu Kundalini 22

TEACHER/FOUNDER BKS Iyengar

(student of Shri Krishnamarcharya) Swami Vishnu-devananda

(student of Swami Sivananda) Pattabhi Jois

(student of Shri Krishnamarcharya) Bikram Choudhury

Swami Satchidananda

(student of Swami Sivananda) Yogi Amrit Desai

(student of Swami Kripalvananda) Yogi Bhajan (sikh master)

Table 2: Styles of Hatha Yoga www.sportex.net

Louise Dawson started practising Yoga as a physiotherapy student in Cape Town. She had the opportunity to take classes at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India and completed her teacher training through the Iyengar Institute in South Africa. She finds Yoga an important resource personally and professionally. Louise works as a physiother- apist in a private out-patient clinic, and practises craniosacral thera- py from a complementary health centre.

The authors would welcome feedback and discussion on this article. Please email editorial@sportex.net with your comments.

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IDENTIFIABLE FEATURE

Precision. Use of props like belts, blocks and cushions where needed. www.bksiyengar.com

Pranayama, Sun Salutations, 12 asanas and variations, relaxation and dhyana. www.sivananda.org

Vinyasa. www.ayri.org

26 asanas and 2 breathing techniques performed in sequence in a heated room. www.bikramyoga.com

www.yogaville.org

www.amrityoga.org www.kripalu.org

Pranayama, chanting and meditation. www.3ho.org