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