Therapeutic Yoga
...because it is...
ancient wisdom for modern living
with
Linda Lang
I am a highly experienced teacher certified in the medical,
therapeutic arena of Cardiac Yoga, with extensive training in classical Hatha Yoga as taught by BKS Iyengar, the ashtanga of Patanjali, Anusara teachings and meditation.
When we work together, you and I create an optimal healing environment ~ a safe and sacred space. A space where stillness, quiet and calm are the background for a series of experiences intended to be deep and meaningful, gentle yet strong and fluid, satisfying and up-lifting.
It is my hope that all people who define themselves as a "patient" will also identify themselves as a "student." To identify with the greatness of their life, not simply the diagnosis. Therapeutics in yoga shines a light into this space, the heart of practice. We learn and grow together.
My intention is to communicate yoga practice and philosophy to people of all ages and abilities, and to attract professionals
who share an interest in the field of yoga as a healing art, perceiving yoga as a highly effective modality for integrative medicine.
To learn more about Therapeutic Yoga and my teaching schedule, follow the links provided on the navigation menu to the left.
Medical Yoga Curriculum:
A Journey Toward Wellness
for Students and the Community
As a teacher, one rarely knows how the practice affects a person, but here are two notes from a medical student preparing for medical boards in June 2012:
"Hi Linda, I
just wanted to let you know that I used the relaxation and
self-awareness techniques you taught me yesterday at our one-on-one
session, and I am happy to report that not only did my first morning
score improve by 10%, but in my second exam, it increased significantly
by another 12%. More importantly (at least for me), I felt so much more
relaxed and calm while taking the practice tests, even when I had
several answers that I was unsure of. I will continue to use the
techniques before and during each practice exam to see if I can more
readily find my center and bring my comfort level up even more.
Thanks again!!"
and after the exam:
"I wanted to let you know I took my
exam on Tuesday...thank
you so much for this opportunity to be a part of this "class." I would
rather call it an experience - one that I hope to enhance and add to in
the future. I learned a lot about myself through the exercises, which
really helped me understand some of the frustrations and barriers that
were getting in the way of my success.
I used some of the relaxation
techniques during the exam, and I really believe they helped me to feel
calm and to quiet my thoughts enough to focus on what I needed to
accomplish.
I'm not sure how I did overall, but I'm glad it's over, and I
know I did my best."
Background Information on Therapeutic Yoga in Medical Schools:
Academic Electives, Research and Clinical Applications
The George Washington University-Medical School offers
Therapeutic YOGA as an ELECTIVE
Spring 2013 offers more therapeutic yoga electives ~
all participants receive 1:1 tutorials
As of September 2011, Introduction to Therapeutic Yoga has elective status; 55 students officially registered for our first semester offering. Yoga for the Boards was offered for the spring semester. In of fall 2012,52 medical students and 20 MPH candidates pre-registered for the therapeutic yoga course.
Brain-child of Drs Regan Gage and Rohini Batu, the Medical Student Community Wellness Program offered therapeutic yoga as an extra-curricular activity throughout 2010-2011. Originally designed to take yoga into clinics in under-served communities, it has blossomed into a formal course that weaves functional anatomy and physiology with self-care, stress management and professional growth.
With IRB approval of our research proposal, we are gathering information to prove the efficacy of integrating yoga into lifestyles to improve quality of life for students.
The curriculum development and design reflect my deep appreciation of the enormous challenges faced by medical students, in particular, and all young professionals stepping into the precarious world of health care today.
Yoga for Medical Residency Programs
In the Fall of 2011, Yoga for Well-Being and Stress Reduction was presented at the 1st Year Residency Fall Retreat at GWU-School of Medicine and Health Sciences, providing meditative time for mindful inquiry and playful pursuit of personal comfort and interpersonal connection through Thai Yoga Massage.
For the past two years, Linda has been a presenter at the GWU-SMHS Chief Resident's Orientation as part of their Graduate Medical Education Program, on the subjects of self-care, mindful inquiry and intentional behaviors, as well as yoga as it applies to personal and professional development and leadership in a hospital setting.
Here are comments from the Assistant Director of Graduate Education:
"I am looking forward to seeing you again on Tuesday....what you did last year was perfect..."
Mary M. re: May 14, 2013
"I took some time this morning to go over the comments
and I can tell you, your session was extremely well received. Some of
the comments included:
Lovely
Wish this was the last activity of the day, very relaxing
Bring her back
Great idea
Helpful
Energizing
I am positive we will use your services again in the future.
Mary M"
