New York City taught by Mukunda Stiles. The most basic and
initially important aspect of this training was to learn anatomy
and kinesiology in depth. This was done by practicing the jointfreeing
series, a series of twenty-one movements that systematically
work the joints from the feet to the head. In this series, we explored
action and sensation, observing whether muscles were contracting
or stretching. We also practiced Mukunda’s twenty-four poses,
as outlined in his book Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the
Individual (Weiser Books, 2001). In this way, the material becomes
known in one’s own body, rather than memorized from a book or
a sketch.
The training addressed
conditions that may benefit from a therapeutic yoga program
such as scoliosis, sciatica,
arthritis, knee and shoulder
injuries, and other conditions
found in the general population
that can cause discomfort. The
therapeutic approach of the
training deals with the condition
itself from a musculoskeletal
perspective, but also takes into
account the subtle nature of
Ayurvedic principles.
We were guided in how to
make an initial connection with
the client and how to thoroughly
assess the client’s condition.
The intial client-therapist
meeting was highly emphasized, and intake procedures were
reviewed in depth. Mukunda gave us a list of questions to present
to the client so that we could not only understand their situation,
but also answer some important questions for ourselves: Can you
make a connection to your client on the first meeting through being
present to them? Does the client seem to trust you? Is there a sense
of stress unwinding in the client from simply describing his or her
discomfort? If the answer to these questions is not “Yes,” it would
be wise to refer the client to another person.
Physical assessment procedures were taught using a
goniometer, to measure the range of motion of the joints, and
muscle-testing procedures. From this information we would
choose asanas to address the client’s weakness and tightness. The
training also emphasized how to tailor the prescribed asana and
lifestyle regimen based on follow-up assessments. We practiced
these assessments among ourselves in class and were required to
meet in small groups to continue that work outside of the training
hours. For those of us who were already seeing students privately,
we could weave that into our existing procedure.
We were trained to take the whole client into view, looking for
the stressors in the client’s life, the degree of spiritual connection
or interest, the basic lifestyle of the client, and the Ayurvedic
dosha of the client. Therapeutic prescriptions were shared for the
different koshas, and we learned how to determine which kosha
would be most effective for a client to focus on, understanding that
this may shift over time and with dedication to practice. The best
prescription for the client will be something he or she will follow.
For example, a person who tends toward kapha may not want to
do as many rigorous poses as someone who is more pitta. Perhaps
the kapha person will have a practice that holds poses longer, and
maybe simple devotional practices, all geared toward the client’s
specific issue. A pitta person may get a more rigorous practice at
first because he or she will be more motivated to do it.
We had the wonderful opportunity to observe Mukunda
working with several different clients and see the different
approach he took with the different temperaments. In some cases
we would see the same physical issue dealt with completely
differently. In one case, a person came in presenting tight hips
and roving pain, and the advice Mukunda gave was to get a dog!
This person was very kapha and didn’t like to exercise, but did like
to walk in the woods. Through this apprenticeship with Mukunda,
we learned how to take the whole person and personality in view,
and structure a program that will keep that person interested.
To complete the course, we were required to choose a condition
and write a paper based on our work with clients who suffered
from that condition. We applied our understanding of Structural
Yoga Therapy to one or more people who were suffering from that
condition, and noted the changes in the client or clients over a
three-month period. We were required to research the condition
and design maintenance programs from both a musculoskeletal
standpoint and an Ayurvedic view.
Probably the most obvious benefit to taking this training,
initially, was learning the anatomy and kinesiology of asana.
I taught for so long not understanding how the body moves and
what may be preventing it from moving fully. So just the idea
that I could now keep my students safe and actually offer them
ways to heal themselves was amazing. The training continued to
become a life-changing experience. Mukunda offered information
and experience on so many different levels that it became difficult
for me to keep the physical component separate from the subtle
component. The optional online tantric practices that he offers (to
anyone interested) were instrumental in my being able to work on
the different koshas with my clients, as well as myself. It became
very clear to me that Structural Yoga Therapy is multi-dimensional
work, and a strong sadhana is needed to maintain the approach.
I would recommend this training to anyone who enjoys
problem-solving and working with people to heal them, and
wants a deeper understanding of Yoga and how to apply it to life.
Mukunda’s approach is not linear; he speaks on many different
levels about many different things at one time. Note-taking can
sometimes be chaotic! But it is well worth the effort to go and
clean them up later. He also responds very closely to the energies
that his students bring with them. So if you are not comfortable
“being seen” completely by your teacher, stay home!
Contributed by Bonnie Pariser, RYT-500, the founder, director
and senior instructor at Yoga Loka in Frenchtown, NJ.