HYDERABAD: A strong believer in the Krishnamacharya tradition, city-based Kamala Chirravuri uses yoga as a tool to heal not just one’s body but the mind too.
Though Kamala started her yoga journey as a typical instructor 20 years ago, she took up yoga therapy seven years later. "Every individual is different and so are the needs of each of them," says Kamala whose attempt is all about catering, in specific, to the personal requirements of her students.
She doesn't believe group sessions are bringing out the best in yoga practitioners. She, instead, looks at her students from the point of view of who they really are, individually.
"Most people themselves don't know what their problem could be. Talking to them and asking them questions helps a great deal. This brings out their inner emotions and disturbed thoughts," she says.
For Kamala, listening forms a fundamental part of her yoga therapy. "There is hardly any doctor who listens to their patients' entire problems or life history. This is how sometimes simple things get missed. A process of listening and more listening helps reach down to the core of it all.”
“It all depends on how people express their feelings, their tones, and on their way of communicating with themselves and with another being. All these are analysed, thought out and discussed during the one-on-one sessions.”
“Very often, people don't see what's disturbing them. It’s only when we address these do things eventually come to the fore," she explains.
According to her, yoga therapy has great potential and is beyond the typical aasanas and pranayamas.
She has worked with a wide spectrum of age groups. Her youngest student is 12 years old and her oldest is an 80-year-old male. "Each of them has a unique story, need, problem and healing.”
“There has been a massive shift in the number of people and the kind of problems people bring with them, post-Covid," she notes.
Kamala has extensively worked with people who developed gynaecological problems, especially in pre and post-natal care, where she ensures that women enjoy their pregnancy rather than looking at this phase as being a burden.
Kamala worked with people having neurological problems including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and simple ailments like lower back pain or leg ache. "However, most people who turn up, initially walk in to lose their weight and the like. It’s only later that they see the issues beyond that," says she.
Each session with Kamala lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. Students walk in once or twice a week depending on their needs. "I love each session, person and day. Each day of my job is different from the one before. The process of moving from chikitsa (therapy) to rakshana (stability) is a rewarding experience," Kamala shares.
