Yoga, meditation, and imagery: clinical applications

Hatha yoga and meditation as adjunctive therapies for promoting and maintaining wellness offer an excellent example of the mind-body connection at work. Hatha yoga creates balance, physically and emotionally, by using postures, or asanas, combined with breathing techniques, or pranayama. Meditation and guided imagery not only support the physical and emotional work being done by the postures and breathing, they open the door to self-actualization to create the perfect union of the mind, body, and spirit. This report discusses the definitions of hatha yoga, meditation, and imagery and their clinical applications. Three case studies from private practice are presented.