TF01: Blending Yoga Therapy and Aquatic Therapy: Intervention Strategies for Individuals with Chronic Widespread Pain

Speaker bio: Sandi Tindal, C-IAYT

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) causes long-lasting pain in multiple parts of the body. CWP is often associated with other physical symptoms, such as fatigue, concentration problems, and psychological distress, with fibromyalgia at the extreme end of the spectrum. Central sensitization, a process that occurs in musculoskeletal pain disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause CWP.

In this session, we will examine how yoga therapy combined with aquatic therapy (warm-water immersion) can be an effective, powerful intervention strategy for individuals with CWP. The approaches we will cover involve

• muscular activation through asana matched with anatomical breathing to increase circulation of praṇa and blood;
• breath regulation to balance the autonomic nervous system and build prana shakti, or life-force energy;
• relaxation practices to reduce muscular tension and renew the spirit within; and
• chanting, which not only increases circulation of praṇa and blood in a salutary manner, but when harmonized with deep feeling (bhavana) and faith (shraddha) can produce positive shifts in mindset and attitude.

We will also delve into the benefits of aquatic therapy, which can include

• increased movement of the vayus (winds of movement),
• reprieve from pain intensity, and
• increased proprioception.

In this conference-room session, learn how partnering yoga therapy strategies with aquatic therapy can create a “charging station” where individuals with CWP can gain significant boosts in mental clarity, prana shakti, as well as confidence to resume living life on land.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand key features of chronic widespread pain and common challenges to implementing therapeutic interventions in populations of people who have this type of pain.
2. Select therapeutic yoga tools, particularly those drawn from the Viniyoga tradition, that can be employed with clients with chronic widespread pain.
3. Explain the value of warm-water immersion as an adjunct to yoga therapy for individuals with chronic widespread pain.