Critical Alignment Therapy Yoga (C.A.T.)

Critical Alignment Therapy is a unique yoga therapy recommended for anyone wishing to facilitate freer movement of the spine and can be extremely effective in reducing chronic pain caused by injury, stress or repetitive strain.

Developed by Gert van Leeuwen, founder of the Critical Alignment Yoga Institute (formerly Bharata Yoga Institute) in Amsterdam, C.A.T. focuses on awareness of the differences between the use of movement muscles at the surface of the body and the postural muscles located closer to the spine and joints.  Over time, muscles and joints tend to become stiff and are often painful when stability is created through habitual use of these surface movement muscles.

Through regular practice of therapeutic poses using specifically designed yoga equipment and breathing techniques, it is possible to stabilize the structure of the body through use of the postural muscles, alleviating stress and tension in the movement muscles. 

Stabilization of the body through the postural muscles promotes greater mobilization of the spine and joints which is subsequently integrated into improved posture, daily movement and development of strength and coordination of the core muscles.