YOGA THERAPY

Chinook Yoga's Yoga Therapy Program is led by owner Jaylene Paivarinta. Jaylene has come to yoga with a 14 year background as a Kinesiologist , a 500 hour level yoga teacher, through both the South Okanagan Yoga Academy and Moksha Teacher Training Program and extensive training with Susi Hately of Functional Synergy.  Jaylene was drawn to yoga because of the balance it brought into her life, and the profound ability of Yoga Therapy to help people live with less pain and more ease.

Yoga therapy is defined as the process of empowering individuals to progress towards improved health and well-being through the application, the philosophy, and practice of yoga (International Association of Yoga Therapists).

Yoga therapy does not require that you have done yoga in the past. A typical one yoga class uses the concepts of age old yoga techniques such as breath work and present-moment awareness combined with body awareness exercises.  This unique approach blended with principles of ease and pain-free range of motion helps to move an individual towards better body balance.  An extensive and confidential evaluation form is used to design a tailored program for each participant.

Yoga therapy is quickly becoming a recognized alternative or complement to traditional medical care. In today's fast-paced environment, the healing art of yoga therapy may offer a solution to moving out of pain and into better function to allow you to do the things you love to do.

Chinook Yoga's customized approach allows us to work with all types of individuals with different needs.  We can work with, but are not limited to, people with musculoskeletal injuries, chronic illnesses, stress, migraines, athletes looking to improve function or people that just want to reconnect with their body. One yoga's clients have the following characteristics in common:

• they want to function better and find more balance in their lives
• they have pain, injury or illness which limit the things they love to do
• they are dedicated and willing to invest in themselves
• they are open-minded and ready to embrace new ideas about how the body and mind interact

Yoga Therapy FAQ

Q: Do I need to have any prior yoga experience before trying a class?
A: Not at all!  Yoga therapy classes involve low impact exercises/poses combined with breathing techniques that you learn in the classes. All you need is an open mind!

Q: How long are the classes? Should I bring water?
A: The classes range from 1 1/4 hr to 1 1/2 hr and we recommend that you bring water.

Q: Is there any special clothing or equipment I need before attending a class?
A: You do not need yoga-specific clothing, but comfortable, workout clothing works well. We recommend that you dress in layers, so you can adjust your temperature, and bring warm, comfy socks (for final relaxation). You do not need your own yoga equipment. Except for the multi-level class at Enchainment, all yoga equipment and props are provided for you; however, if you do own your own mat or yoga props, you are more than welcome to bring them.

Q: You talk about individualized attention, even in a group setting. How do you tailor the class to meet each person's needs?
A: Prior to the beginning of a one yoga class, each participant fills out an extensive student history form. This gives Jaylene the information she needs to customize the yoga therapy program specifically for you.

Q: A whole 8-week session might be too much yoga for me. Is there something I could try to see if I like it before I commit to a whole session?
A: Absolutely! You can book a one-on-one session to get started, or there are monthly workshops that you can attend which target specific areas of the body and/or movement and function. These last only a few hours at a time, and can give you a great idea of how the programs are structured.

Q: Do I need a doctor's referral or recommendation to attend a class?
A: One yoga's yoga therapy classes help individuals work in a pain free range of motion and is a very low impact form of exercise, therefore a Dr.'s referral or note is not required to participate.  However, if after discussing your specific needs with one yoga it may be recommended to speak to your doctor first before starting a class.

Q: Is a one yoga therapy class covered under my extended medical insurance from work?
A: Jaylene Paivarinta is a Practicing Kinesiologist so check with your extended health insurance carrier to see if they cover work with a Practicing Kinesiologist and keep your receipt!

YOGA THERAPY CLASSES AT CHINOOK YOGA

Mondays ~ 5:30-6:45pm and 7-8:15 pm

Wednesdays ~ 9:15-10:30 am

Sundays ~ 6:30-7:45 pm

Private One on One sessions also available.

If you have further questions or need more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it directly.