Integrative Yoga Therapeutics™ (IYT), created by Bo Forbes, combines both Eastern and Western healing systems. Its central focus is the mind-body matrix, the intricate network which includes the nervous system, immune system, emotional body, and pain modulation pathways. Integrative Yoga Therapeutics aims to help clients and students understand and access this matrix as a powerful vehicle to growth and healing. Encompassing the innovative and effective tools that yoga has to offer (including active, alignment-based, mindful asana practice, therapeutic “bodywork asana,” breathwork, meditation, and Restorative Yoga), Integrative Yoga Therapeutics helps us learn about, guide, and ultimately fine-tune the interplay between mind and body, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic manifestations of illness, imbalance, and disease.
One of IYT’s guiding principles is that habitual patterns (in practice and in life) reinforce alignment anomalies, patterns of movement, and ways of relating to others that lead to restriction, injury, or emotional issues. In addition, memories, emotions, and experiences are held deep in the tissues of the body and written onto the nervous system.
Through the creative use of props, Integrative Yoga Therapeutics delves into some of the body’s primary “holding areas” with compassion and playfulness. It accesses contracted or tight spaces in the body, promoting lymphatic flow and facilitating mental and emotional release. Areas of focus include the hamstrings, shoulders, adductors, quadriceps, pectoral muscles, lymphatic system, and iliotibial band.