FAQs for Integrated Yoga Therapy
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga, an ancient practice that includes a combination of physical postures, mindfulness, meditation, mudras and breath work to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups (IAYT.org).
How is Lokahi’s Integrated Yoga Therapy different from other standard yoga therapy practices and offerings from other providers?
At Lokahi, I use an integrated approach to yoga therapy—infused with neuroscience, sensory stimulation, and creative modalities—presenting a robust and innovative model that extends the IAYT Scope of Practice in a professional, ethical, and multidimensional manner. To read more about the IAYT scope of practice specific for yoga therapists follow the link HERE. Please note, all yoga therapists come from a wide range of trainings and experiences, if your needs and goals do not align with Lokahi for any reason, we will support you in identifying yoga therapist who may be a better fit.
According to the IAYT’s Scope of Practice, Lokahi’s inclusion of the following modalities aligns with the IAYT’s mission as they remain within my areas of training and competence:
Aerial Yoga Integration: My use of the aerial sling as a supportive prop for therapeutic benefit (e.g., spinal decompression, lymphatic drainage) is a natural extension of yoga therapy, provided it’s applied with personalized assessment and within client safety considerations.
Chromotherapy: Using color to support emotional regulation and wellbeing aligns with the yoga therapy framework, especially since it's implemented through informed understanding of its neuropsychological effects.
Aromatherapy: Given AIA certification, using essential oils and absolutes as a complementary tool is well within ethical scope when practiced in support of the client’s yoga therapy plan.
Sound and Music Therapy: The application of vocal tone and instrumental resonance to support parasympathetic activation mirrors the IAYT-sanctioned use of mantra, bhavana (imagery), and sound-based practices, especially when framed within the client’s yoga therapy goals.
Multisensory Healing Design: The synthesis of the five senses to create therapeutic environments aligns with the kosha model and holistic principles of yoga therapy, where integration of body, breath, mind, personality, and spirit are central.
How is Integrated Yoga Therapy different from Physical Therapy?
While both physical therapy and yoga therapy can support physical rehabilitation and pain management, yoga therapy takes a holistic, whole-person approach. As a yoga therapist, I work within a therapeutic relationship to address the physical body as one layer of a broader biopsychosocial and energetic system. I incorporate breathwork, mindfulness, emotional regulation techniques, and nervous system-informed practices—including the use of aerial slings, color therapy, aromatherapy, and sound—for integrated healing. Unlike physical therapists, who diagnose and treat physical impairments, yoga therapists do not diagnose medical conditions but instead empower clients through customized, non-invasive wellness practices that support overall function, resilience, and wellbeing.
How is Integrated Yoga Therapy different from Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapists are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using talk-based interventions. Yoga therapy, on the other hand, supports emotional and psychological wellbeing through body-centered practices that regulate the nervous system and foster self-awareness. While I do not provide psychotherapy or mental health diagnosis, my work complements mental health care by integrating somatic tools such as meditation, breath regulation, postures, vocal sound, and sensory inputs. These practices are especially helpful for clients navigating stress, trauma, or mood imbalance. My graduate-level training in yoga therapy and neuroscience enhances this work with evidence-informed techniques rooted in the mind-body connection.
Does a Yoga Therapist (CIAYT) need a Master’s degree to practice?
No, a Master’s degree is not required to become a certified yoga therapist. However, I have pursued an MS in yoga therapy and a BA in psychology and research neuroscience to deepen my clinical knowledge and bring an evidence-informed lens to my integrative practice. My scope also includes complementary skills and certifications in aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and sound therapy—offering a multisensory, personalized, and holistic experience tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
FAQs For Aromatherapy
What happens during an aromatherapy consultation?
During your session, we’ll complete a comprehensive intake to assess your wellbeing goals, review your personal and medical history (PMH), and identify any allergies or sensitivities. This ensures that your custom blend is both safe and therapeutically effective.
What is included in the aromatherapy service?
After your intake, you’ll receive two handcrafted 2oz products of your choosing:
Lip Balm
Aromatic Mist (air/body/linen)
Oil Roller Ball
Salve
Body Butter
Body Wash
Personal Inhaler
Each is tailored with essential oils and botanicals to support your specific wellness goals.
Are essential oils safe for everyone?
Essential oils and absolutes are potent, volatile, natural substances and must be used with care. My process includes a detailed screening for any contraindications based on your medications, allergies, health conditions, and sensitivities to ensure safety.
How are the blends customized for me?
Each formula is created based on your intake and needs—be it stress relief, respiratory support, sleep, focus, or skin care. I also adjust the dilution ratio appropriate to your age, health status, and application area.
Can I choose my own essential oils?
You may share your preferences, and we can incorporate them if they’re safe and suitable. I’ll offer professional guidance to ensure the blend is both enjoyable and effective.
How long does it take to receive my products?
After your intake, your custom products are blended and ready within 3–5 business days. Pickup, local delivery, or shipping options are available and arrival time will vary based on your location.
Are your products organic or sustainably sourced?
Yes, I use high-quality, ethically sourced essential oils and carrier bases. Where possible, ingredients sourced from local apothecaries and distillers from Oregon, are organic, and tested for purity and sustainability.
Can I re-order my custom blend?
Absolutely. Once we’ve created your custom formula, it can be re-ordered as-is, or adjusted based on your evolving goals.
Are these products safe for children or during pregnancy?
Special populations—such as children, pregnant individuals, or those with complex health needs—require specific protocols. I use essential oil safety guidelines from trusted sources and may recommend alternatives or refer out when appropriate.
FAQs For Aerial Yoga & Sling Care
Can I secure my aerial sling in my home?
The short answer is “yes” but there is a LOT of safety and education involved in proper rigging. So we strongly suggest reaching out to a structural engineer or professional rigger to ensure that your home is suitable for installation. Alternatively, a great solution for rigging is making use of an aerial A-frame. These A-frames are also portable and can easily be taken down and put back up so it is a great way to travel with your sling (see our gallery for how we and many of our clients have used A-frame rigs!)
Disclaimer: Lokahi Aerial Silks and its partners are not responsible for improper rigging installation or what you do in your own home. You are taking on all responsibility, risk and liability by rigging in your home.
What should I do if I notice damage to my silk?
Generally speaking, wear and tear over time will happen. If the hole is very small it can be left alone. Larger vertical holes that are big enough to stick a finger through need to be stitched shut. Though some people do repair horizontal holes, this is much trickier to do and have it hold so we suggest retiring any silks that have horizontal running holes or holes that are significantly larger than the size a finger could fit through. The best practice is to always inspect your silks before and after every use and to retire silks with any kind of damage or holes.
How do I care for my silk?
We wash all of our silks with a gentle detergent such as Woolite on a gentle wash cycle with cold water and hang dry. We strongly encourage that you also carefully examine your aerial silk before and after each washing to ensure it is free of any new rips or tears.
What if I get nauseated easily?
Try spraying some of our centering silk spray into the air, on your silk or in your hands and inhale deeply and take a break from using your sling. Our bodies are not used to moving on 360 degrees so often, beginners get very easily nauseated and can develop headaches. If this happens, don’t worry! Over time your body will begin to adapt but if you feel unwell, take a break from using your silk, and try using some pepper mint oil either putting the concentrated drops directly into your palms or by using a dilution spray of oil and water. Ginger and ginger candy and peppermint tea are also excellent remedies and can help with settling upset stomachs and headaches.
I don’t have a lot of strength, is aerial yoga still for me?
Absolutely! Aerial is for everyone and we believe that your silk should be viewed as a supportive prop which will actually provide more access into challenging mat yoga poses. Not only that but if you are seeking to gain strength through an aerial yoga practice, the more you use your silk the more you will start to see strength begin to develop in the muscles you are calling upon!
Where can I learn how to use my aerial silk?
If you are new to the practice of aerial yoga and interested in taking in person group aerial yoga classes, send us an email or DM on social media and we will happily connect you with a reputable aerial yoga studio in your area!