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Essence of Yoga,, wellness and personal growth.
Posted: Sunday May 20, 2023
Modality
What does Modality mean within
the meaning of receiving or
practicing yoga thearapy
A modality refers to a particular method,
approach, or technique used to address a
specific issue or achieve a desired outcome. In
the context of yoga therapy or holistic healing,
a modality can refer to a specific practice or
tool employed to facilitate physical, mental,
emotional, or spiritual well-being. It
encompasses various techniques, such as
specific yoga poses, breathing exercises,
meditation practices, mindfulness techniques,
hands-on adjustments, or other therapeutic
methods utilized by professionals to support
individuals in their healing and wellness
journeys.
Posted: Wednesday 12th March 2014
5 Kosha’s , 5 Elements and 3 Body sheeths
The Science of the five Koshas in
Yoga Therapy.
What are Koshas? The Five Koshas, also known
as Sheaths, are integral components of the
three bodies. In Sanskrit, "kosha" translates to
"sheath" or "covering," and these five layers
encapsulate the Pure Consciousness (Purusha)
or the Self (atman).
The Koshas are
Annamaya Kosha (the food sheath),
Pranamaya Kosha (the sheath of prana or life),
Manomaya Kosha (the mind sheath),
Vijnanamaya Kosha (the knowledge or wisdom
sheath), and
Anandamaya Kosha (the bliss sheath).
According to yogic philosophy, human beings
have 3 bodies: the physical body, the astral
body, and the spiritual body, commonly known
as the soul. They are all interconnected via the
vital life force energy: prana. To truly
understand the 3 bodies and the role they play,
we need to dive a little deeper to understand
its meaning.
What is the concept of the 5 shift
of body or Koshas’s ?
1. Physical (Gross) Body
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what
do you see? You might say two eyes, a nose,
hands, and so on. These are the tangible
aspects of the human body that make up the
physical body. Also called the gross body, this
body includes our muscles, bones, organs, and
all the other parts that make up your physical
form. Essentially, everything you can see with
your eyes or touch with your hands is your
physical body.
Beyond the surface, the gross body is made up
of five primary elements: earth (prithvi), water
(jal), fire (agani), air (vaayu), and ether (akasha).
That is why we need a daily intake of these five
elements to maintain our physical body.
The ancient science of Ayurveda is based on
the principle that these five elements must be
regularly refreshed to keep the body healthy
and free from disease. In yoga, we often
practice asanas (yoga postures) and meditation
to balance the elements and maintain the
health and vitality of our physical body.
The physical body is the tool body. We need it
for doing anything in this physical world. For
example, we need a pen to write on the board,
but it is not the pen that writes; we write with
the use of the pen.
2. Astral (Subtle) Body
The astral or energetic body is the subtle body
that underlies the physical body. Also known as
Sukshma Sarira, the subtle body is the bridge
between the physical and spiritual bodies. This
layer is not visible to the human eye, but is the
source of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The subtle energy channels known as nadis
and the chakras lie in this body. The subtle
body is made up of 19 elements in total:
5 Organs of action (Karma indriyas):
Vak (organ of speech)
Pani (hands)
Pada (feet)
Upashtam (genitals)
Payu (anus, the organ of excretion)
5 Senses of knowledge (Gyan indriyas):
Tvak (to feel)
Jivha (to taste)
Grahna (to smell)
Shotra (to hear)
Chakshu (to see)
4 Elements of Antahkarana (inner instruments):
Mind
Intellect
Subconscious
Ego
5 Pranas (Panch vayu):
Udana
Prana
Samana
Apana
Vyana
.
Posted: Monday 20th January 2014
Science
The Science Behind Yoga Therapy
“Exploring the Mind-Body
Connection”
Title: Unveiling the Profound Connection
between the Mind and Body in Yoga Therapy
Introduction:
Yoga therapy is a holistic practice that goes
beyond physical postures. It delves into the
intricate relationship between the mind and
body, harnessing their interplay to promote
healing and well-being. Understanding the
science behind the mind-body connection in
yoga therapy can deepen your appreciation for
its transformative potential. Let's explore the
fascinating science that underpins this holistic
approach.
Neurophysiology and Stress Reduction:
Yoga therapy has been shown to activate the
body's relaxation response, counteracting the
effects of chronic stress. Through specific yoga
postures (asanas), controlled breathing
techniques (pranayama), and meditation, yoga
therapy positively impacts the autonomic
nervous system. It reduces sympathetic
nervous system activity (fight-or-flight
response) while promoting parasympathetic
nervous system activation (rest-and-digest
response). This leads to decreased heart rate,
lowered blood pressure, reduced muscle
tension, and an overall sense of calm and
relaxation.
Psychoneuroimmunology and Emotional Well-
being:
Psychoneuro immunology explores the
intricate connection between our thoughts,
emotions, and immune system. Yoga therapy
influences this connection by reducing
psychological distress and modulating the
body's stress response. Regular practice has
been associated with decreased levels of stress
hormones, such as cortisol, and increased
production of mood-enhancing
neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and
dopamine. This can result in improved
emotional well-being, reduced symptoms of
anxiety and depression, and enhanced immune
system functioning.
Embodied Mindfulness and Cognitive
Functioning:
Yoga therapy incorporates mindfulness
practices that cultivate present-moment
awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of
experiences. Research suggests that practicing
mindfulness through yoga enhances cognitive
functioning and executive control. It improves
attention, concentration, working memory, and
cognitive flexibility. By training the mind to
focus on the present moment and observe
thoughts without attachment, yoga therapy
enhances cognitive resilience and mental
clarity.
Conclusion:
The science behind yoga therapy unveils the
profound mind-body connection that underlies
its effectiveness. By engaging in yoga postures,
breathwork, and mindfulness practices, we can
tap into our body's innate healing abilities and
foster overall well-being. Understanding the
scientific mechanisms at play empowers us to
embrace yoga therapy as a holistic approach
for optimizing our physical, mental, and
emotional health.