Yoga is an ancient Indian science meant to bring in balance between all the planes namely Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya & Anandamaya koshas through its unique & time-tested practices making it a holistic healing science.

Yoga's therapeutic tools have been proven beyond doubt through several research studies that it brings about a state of homeostasis in different organ systems like cardio-vascular, digestive, respiratory, nervous system, and immune systems through the practices of yoga asanas, pranayamas, meditation, yogic kriyas and yogic diet.

Yoga therapy is a systematic application of yogic tools namely Asanas (postures), Pranayamas (specialized breathing techniques), Kriyas (cleansing procedures), Bandhas (locks or seals), Pratyahara (senses withdrawal), Dharana (concentration) & Dhyana (meditation) to bring about a state of harmony of the anatomical, physiological & psychological aspects of the human being. This would bring about healing in many psycho-somatic ailments.

At Anandamaya Wellness Center, one would get a personalized and one-to-one application of yoga & its tools to bring about the desired results.

ASHTANGA YOGA

Ashtanga yoga is nothing but eight limbed yoga, originally proposed by Patanjali maharishi.

The eight steps mentioned are:

  • Yama (moral codes)
  • Niyama (self-code of conduct)
  • Asana (posture)
  • Pranayama (breath control)
  • Pratyahara (sense control)
  • Dharana (concentration)
  • Dhyana (meditation)
  • Samadhi (contemplation)

Yama, Niyama, Asana & Pranayama are considered to be the external practices which help to bring about a state of perfect synchrony of all the organs, organ systems & functions of the body and also cleanse or purify the physical system of its toxins. These four limbs are also considered to be part of bahiranga yoga and address Annamaya, Pranamaya & partially Manomaya koshas.

Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi are considered as part of antharanga yoga which are internal yoga practices helping us to attain a state of harmony of our higher functions at Manomaya Vijnanamaya koshas leading to our true nature which is Anandamaya.

VINYASA YOGA

Vinyasa yoga is a style of yogic practice wherein, there is a perfect synchronization between asanas, pranayamas & Bandhas (locks).

During every asana practice it is very important to focus our awareness on the breath for beginners & on breath and bandhas in advanced practitioners in order to fetch the perfect effect of each yogic practice.

This synchronization fetches us the effects of detoxification and there by rejuvenation of our Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya & Vijnanamaya koshas.

HATHA YOGA

Hatha yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Ha’ means ‘prana’‘tha’ represents ‘mind’. Hatha yoga aims to bring about a state of harmony between the pranic & mental forces through its practices. Hatha yoga is a style of yogic practice wherein the emphasis is on the practice of asanas (postures), pranayamas (specialized breathing techniques), Shatkarmas (cleansing techniques), Mudras (symbols) & Bandhas (seals or locks).

The aim of this approach is to bring about a state of detoxification and rejuvenation of annamaya & pranamaya koshas which would help us to get into higher practices of dhyana (meditation) & samadhi (contemplation).

The higher practices in turn would help us to get to the other planes namely Manomaya & Vijnanamaya koshas promoting harmony and leading to Anandamaya state of being.

Hatha yoga practice does not lay emphasis on yama & nimayas, which would be practiced once the hatha yogic practices are perfected.

The salient features of Yoga / Yoga therapy at Anandamaya are

  • The yogic style adopted at Anandamaya is a careful and personalized blend of Ashtanga, Vinyasa & Hatha yoga.
  • All Yoga sessions are on one-on-one basis only.
  • Yoga / Yoga therapy sessions are personalized to each individual for an in depth experience and benefits.
  • The contents of the basic yoga course for Wellness would be to gain perfection in the practice of asanas, breathing exercises, pranayamas, relaxation techniques, yogic chants and meditation.
  • All sessions are with prior appointments only.
  • It is mandatory to undergo Wellness consultation before the start of the yoga session which allows us to personalize each session.
  • Each yoga session lasts for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • The timings of the session are flexible between 9 am to 6 pm depending on the availability of the appointment.
  • The basic course if for 14 sessions, which can be varied based on the need.
  • All sessions are personally handled by the doctor himself/herself.
  • Group yoga classes are entertained based on request and for a common purpose.
(Please ask for exclusive yoga therapy packages for Diabetes, Hypertension, Bronchial Asthma, Myopia, Irritable bowel Syndrome, Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis and others.)

Effects of Yoga Asana

Yogic postures teach us to control our skeletal muscles that operate our extremities & also help to contain the muscles which form the support for the internal organ systems.

All Yogic postures help to improve the strength of our muscular system, as most of them are isometric in nature.

Hatha yogic postures improve the co-ordination between nervous & musculo-skeletal system.

Yoga asanas also help to concentrically shorten & eccentrically lengthen the whole of our muscular system under gravitational force, helping to maintain the health of our muscles.

  • As all hatha yogic postures are slow in nature, it helps us to increase flexibility and lengthen the muscles by reducing the effect of myotatic stretch reflex.
  • Yoga postures also help us to activate the clasp knife reflex through the technique of holding the hatha yoga postures for 30 seconds or more, which in turn helps us to relax the particular muscle and also increase its flexibility.

In short, yoga asanas act as an important tool to keep our Annamaya kosha in a state of synchronization with all the organ systems.

Effects of Pranayamas

  • Pranayamas have a profound effect on harmonizing our breathing. Calm breathing influences the autonomic nervous system which can slow our heartbeat, reduce blood pressure, and bring in calmness and a state of stability.
  • Pranayamas bring in a state of relaxation subjectively, by the practice of 2:1 ratio breathing, which has a reflex effect on our autonomic nervous system and circulatory system.
  • Pranayamas also help to bring in a state of balance between sympathetic & Para-sympathetic nervous system.
  • It also helps increase the level of oxygen concentration in the blood.
  • It improves the efficiency of digestive organs due to the action of abdominal muscles during pranayamas.
  • Has a profound & proven effect in managing anxiety neurosis, stress, depression and other emotional problems.
  • Promotes emotional wellness.

In totality, pranayamas are an important tool to bring in a state of balance of both Annamaya & Pranamaya koshas.

Effect of Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques like Quick relaxation techniques, Deep relaxation techniques, Yoga Nidra, Mind Sound Relaxation techniques are specially designed yogic tools to induce a state of rest to the body and a state of calmness to the mind.

  • It provides physical rest.
  • It brings about a calm state of mind.
  • Breath is well regulated.
  • Physical and psychological relaxation reduces the physiological load and provides an opportunity for the body to enhance repair mechanisms.
  • Helps in management of insomnia, anxiety disorders, gastritis, fibromyalgia, hypertension, bronchial asthma and many more stress related and lifestyle disorders.

Effect of Meditation

Meditation helps to bring about calmness in our mind, with regular & consistent practice.

Scientific studies have proved that meditation has helped to reduce substance abuse, to reduce anxiety disorders, stress disorders, hypertension and also psycho-somatic disorders.

Meditation is a vital tool to balance Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya & Vijnanamaya koshas.