30 | APRIL 8 • 2021 

T

he original intent of 
yoga, derived from 
ancient spiritual prac-
tices in India, was training the 
body and mind to self-observe 
through a series of physical 
poses and breathing exercises. 
By this means, the body would 
be rejuvenated.
Yoga therapy, however, 
expands the concept, bring-
ing “the tools of yoga into the 
healthcare setting to give people 
accessible methods to improve 
their health and well-being,
” 
said certified yoga thera-
pist Veronica Zador of West 
Bloomfield, a worldwide leader 
in her profession.

As opposed to “regular” 
yoga held in a studio, the yoga 
therapist generally meets in a 
clinical setting with individuals, 
referred to as patients, on a one-
to-one or small group/symp-
tom-specific basis.
Hospitals, clinics and schools 
are among the clients that bring 
yoga therapists to “help offset 
moral injury or compassion 
fatigue” among their staff. Both 
terms denote the experience of 
essential worker “burnout.
”
“People can learn effective 
ways to reverse pain and dis-
comfort, and self-activate their 
own sense of comfort, restful-
ness, strength and composure 

through breathing, meditation 
and, if appropriate, adaptive 
movement,
” Zador said.
Zador, who earned her 
bachelor of science degree at 
Cleveland State University, 
founded the International 
Institute of Yoga Therapy 
(IIYT), one of the first accred-
ited yoga therapy programs in 
Michigan. 
IIYT was also among the 
first yoga therapy certification 
programs in the U.S. held under 
the auspices of a hospital (it was 
formerly based at Beaumont 
Healthcare System in Royal 
Oak). With the COVID pan-
demic keeping people apart, 

IIYT opened its “virtual” doors 
on Jan. 17, and nearly 100 
people joined in a Zoom cele-
bration.
Zador’s interest in yoga thera-
py began 30 years ago, teaching 
at her own studio, Namaste 
Yoga, in Royal Oak. Realizing 
a deeper aspect to the field of 
yoga, Zador made sure each 
person received the maximum 
benefit with techniques tailored 
to his or her needs, even within 
a group class.
Zador’s credentials include 
two terms as president of the 
International Association of 
Yoga Therapists, a group she 
helped revive by organizing 

HEALTH

It’s a gentle way to improve 
one’s health and sense
of well-being.

Yoga
Therapy
Can Help!

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

LEARN YOGA THERAPY

International Institute of Yoga Therapy, a 
2½-year program, currently has 56 upper-level 
students enrolled. Registration is underway 
for all levels of yoga therapist training starting 
in September. Previous yoga teacher training is 
a prerequisite. IIYT is also offering four free 60-minute one-on-
one yoga therapy sessions on Zoom, supervised and monitored 
by IIYT clinical extern coordinators. For information, contact 
iiyogatherapy.com, info@iiyogatherapy or (248) 672-9191.

Yoga therapist Veronica Zador 
provides an on-site session.

“PEOPLE CAN LEARN 
EFFECTIVE WAYS
TO REVERSE PAIN 
AND DISCOMFORT.”

— YOGA THERAPIST VERONICA ZADOR

