Yoga Philosophy and Methods - A Complete Guide

What is yoga?

Yoga is a spiritual discipline; a group of spiritual, mental, and physical practices that aim to still the mind and bring harmony between your body and mind. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yog’, meaning union or ‘to yoke’ or ‘unite’. Yogic practice unites individual consciousness with universal consciousness, bringing about harmony between man and nature and your body and mind.

Brief History

The earliest textual references to yogic practices, yoga asanas, and techniques for controlling breathing can be found in the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda dated between 1000 to 500 BCE. The Bhagavad Gita also contains extensive teachings about yoga. Knowledge of yoga was spread in the West in the 1800s by Indian monks. Teachings of yoga gained widespread popularity in Western countries in the 1970s.

Philosophy of yoga & its branches

Yogic philosophy is about bringing harmony between your body, spirit, and mind. Teachings of yoga also revolve around self-awareness, spiritual knowledge, detachment, and enlightenment of the mind.

The branches of yoga are:

● Bhakti yoga - involves learning about devotion, tolerance, acceptance, and a positive method of channelling your emotions.

● Karma yoga - It is about learning to serve selflessly, and avoiding negativity.

● Gyana yoga - This is all about knowledge and wisdom, and enhancing your intellect through study.

● Raja yoga - This branch encompasses meditation and strictly follows the disciplinary steps called the ‘eight limbs of yoga’.

● Hatha yoga - This branch involves the physical and mental practices that prime your mind and body.

● Tantra yoga - This involves pathways to ceremonies, rituals, and consummation of relationships.

Philosophy of Chakras

Chakra means ‘wheel’. Yogic philosophy proposes that chakras are the centre-points in our bodies that affect our feelings, thoughts, energy, and our physical abilities.

When our energy gets blocked in a chakra, it causes imbalances that can lead to digestive problems, anxiety, fatigue, or lethargy.

There are seven chakras:

● Muladhara - Root chakra, located at the base of the spine; controls the parasympathetic nervous system and the sciatic nerves.

● Sahasrara - Located at the crown of the head and symbolises your connection to spirituality.

● Vishuddha - Located in the throat and is responsible for verbal communication and immunity response.

● Anahata - Heart chakra responsible for organ control, oxygen, tissues, and hormones. It also influences relationships.

● Ajna - The third-eye chakra located between the eyebrows and responsible for intuitive feelings.

● Svadhishthana - Sacral chakra located below the navel and is responsible for well-being, pleasure, and vitality.

● Manipura - The solar-plexus chakra responsible for wisdom, self-discipline, and self-confidence.

Types & Styles of yoga

Modern yoga helps improve your physical strength, agility, and breathing. Pick a branch based on your fitness level and health goals. Here are the various types:

● Iyengar Yoga - Finding alignment in yoga asanas with props like chairs, blocks, etc.

● Bikram Yoga - Founded by Bikram Choudhury, it is a sequence of 26 poses and 2 breathing routines performed in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius with 40% humidity.

● Kundalini Yoga - This is for releasing kundalini energy trapped in the lower spinal column. The classes involve chanting and meditation.

● Ashtanga yoga - called the eight-limb path, it is a series of poses that link breathing to movement.

● Hatha Yoga - concentrates on the physical postures or yoga asanas and is good for beginners.

● Viniyoga - Also called vinyasa, it teaches movements that flow from one posture to the next. The yoga asanas are coordinated with your breathing.

● Yin yoga - This is based on holding poses for long periods. It targets ligaments, joints, bones, and deep tissues.

● Sivananda yoga - This is based on a five-point philosophy that exercise, relaxation, diet, breathing, and positive thoughts work in unison for a healthy lifestyle.

● Prenatal yoga - This is for pregnant women and helps them remain healthy during pregnancy and also get back in shape post- childbirth.

● Restorative yoga - This is aimed at relaxing the body and mind. It consists of easy yoga asanas that do not involve much effort, done with props like bolsters.

Conclusion

Including yoga as a part of your daily life along with a balanced diet and regular exercise will ensure the well-being of both your mind and body.

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Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 28, 2022