"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured." - B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga is fast becoming a universal practice and a means for maintaining health and wellbeing. In the recent times, it has found acceptance as a complementary approach to the conventional treatments to improve wellbeing and quality of life. Yoga is a Sanskrit word and has its roots in the “Yuj” which means to connect or balance. It is defined in many ways: as a practice that aligns the body, mind and inner self; a way to optimize individual’s fullest potential; a tool to expand the individual consciousness into the Universal Consciousness, etc.
Yoga is practiced for different purposes, to improve physical health, to enhance mental wellbeing, and also for spiritual fulfilment. Traditionally, yoga is classified into 3 types: Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge), Karma Yoga (Path of Action) and Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion), each supporting and complementing the other. Together, they assist the practitioner achieve the true or higher purpose of human life, that transcends physical and mental realms. Sage Patanjali was one of the first to codify the entire knowledge of Yoga into a system comprising of eight steps, known as Ashtanga (eight fold) Yoga: 1. Yama (removing unwanted habits); 2. Niyama (acquiring noble qualities); 3. Asana (refining physical body); 4. Prana (regulating breath and life energy); 5. Pratyahara (drawing the attention inward); 6. Dharana (Concentration); 7. Dhyana (Meditation); 8. Samadhi (Deep absorption). Specific steps and practices were prescribed to a seeker at different stages of the journey towards self-realization.
However mostly today, the Yoga is restricted to strengthening the physical body without necessarily harnessing the larger benefits that it can offer. Often the yoga postures (asanas) are practiced in a generic way without giving due importance to the subtleties and specifics of practice. Different postures have different effects on the body and the mind. For example, some postures can reduce blood pressure while some may aggravate it and hence require guidance and a keen sense of self-observation. Yoga done systematically under guidance and supervision, in alignment with one’s body-mind constitution can have long lasting benefits at many levels. Therapeutic yoga targeted as a treatment to specific disease conditions is an emerging science today.
At ANIRASA Integrative Health and Wellbeing Clinic, therapeutic yoga is a critical part of the four pronged approach. We first undertake thorough assessments of clients and ascertain their constitution, their lifestyles, health and wellbeing status. Our team of yoga instructors teach yoga exercises customized to the needs of the individuals. One to one teaching and mentorship is complemented by follow up support to facilitate adoption of yoga as a way of life for our clients.
Services:
Yoga customized to individual’s constitution and health condition
Yoga for treating conditions (therapy) along side conventional treatment as well as for general wellbeing
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