Chronic pain is a common reason people seek care with IAYT-certified yoga therapists. Affecting nearly 21% of U.S. adults, this kind of long-term pain is not just debilitating—it can also lead to depression and other mental health conditions, Alzheimer’s and related dementias, increased suicide risk, and substance use and misuse.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Addressing chronic pain and improving the lives of persons living with pain is a public health imperative.” And low-cost, self-directed options that come with few negative side-effects should be a primary option.

This Pain Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how yoga therapy can help to break through the pain cycle with a post from Asya Haikin, MA, C-IAYT. Also from our archives, learn more about yoga’s multidimensional approach to the experience of chronic pain. with Tina Paul, MS, C-IAYT.

You can find an IAYT-certified therapist for yourself right here!