Natya yoga therapy: Using movement and music to create meditative relief in schizophrenia (based on ashta anga yoga)

Abstract

Natya yoga therapy is an integrative approach that combines yoga with movement, music, and conventional psychotherapy. The word natya refers to movement and music while yoga refers to practice of the eight guiding principles of yoga (ashta anga yoga) that lead to meditation. Individual psychotherapy includes cognitive restructuring of self-concept strengthened by behavioral discipline that builds self-competence. Concurrent group therapy offers meditative relief and intuitive reiteration of a strong self. This study is dedicated to developing a group meditation model that includes natya and yoga practices, specifically for patients with schizophrenia. Action research methodology is used to include the voices of administrators, staff, therapists, researcher, and patients as co-creators of an effective meditation model that feels comfortable and safe. Data analysis and knowledge creation reflect a reiterative cycle of practical, experiential, and presentational epistemology. Study validated that for this population, practices of natya and yoga did create inner meditative calm, free from agitation and anxiety.