Slow Down with Yin Yoga Pg 10 Slow Down with Yin Yoga Pg 10

Transcription

Slow Down with Yin Yoga Pg 10 Slow Down with Yin Yoga Pg 10
July/August 2010
www.yogalivingmagazine.com
Volume XI, Issue VII
The T
ransformation Issue
Transformation
Slow Down with Yin Yoga
Pg 10
Integra ting Cha nge:
A Guide for Modern
S p i r i t u a l Wa r r i o r s P a g e 2 0
M i d l i f e : S a y i n g “ Ye s ”
t o a N e w Yo u P a g e 2 4
S l o w Fa s t s a n d
D e t o x R e t o x Pa g e 2 8
Healthy Meals
Cre at e H ea lt hy K id s
Pa g e 4 6
S
err ving Sout
h Jers ey,
Se
S outh
No rthern
r thern Delaware,
Phila delphi a & Suburbs
2
YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
Find Your Path to Higher Self
YogaLife Institute
Yoga Teacher Training
With Bob Butera, Phd and Staff
Deepen Your Personal Practice and Learn Teaching Skills
You: A dedicated student who is ready to learn more about Yoga. It doesn’t
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Experiencing Yoga in Daily Life
How to Create a Yoga Lifestyle
Yoga Pose Structure and Anatomy
Mental and Physical Alignment
Breathwork, Chakras and the Energy Body
Healthy Relationships at Home and Work
Yogic Psychology & Spirituality
Modern Views of Ancient Yogic Scriptures Yogic Approaches to Diet and Nutrition
The Art of Teaching Yoga
NEXT T
WHO O
FOODLSE
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610-688-7030 | [email protected] | www.yogalifeinstitute.com
Local Resources for Healthy Living!
July/August 2010
7 | Contributors
8| Editorial
By Dr. Bob Butera
YOGA =
SELF-TRANSFORMATION
24 | Midlife: Saying “Yes” to a
New You
Yoga
Theory
By Jon Satin
26| What Transforms --
The Person, or the Family?
10,12,14| Slow Down with
Yin Yoga
By Kristen Butera
16,18 |
Psychology
& Health
Yoga Therapy as a Path of
Holistic Wellness
By Michael Reddy, PhD
28| Slow Fasts and Detox Retox
By Michael Cheikin, MD
32 | Stop Going to “Work”
By Anthony Michael Rubbo
By Bob Butera, PhD
20 | Integrating Change: A Guide
for Modern Spiritual Warriors
34 | Depression:
Causes & Solutions
By Lisa Beth Freedman MD
By Lynda Lyng
22| Book Reviews
Healthy
Family
36,39
Delaware and
S. Jersey
50| Delaware Section
52| South Jersey Section
Directories
40-42| Holistic Resource Directory
43| Green Business Directory
Look up businesses that support
the environment
44| Holistic Shop Directory
52-55| Yoga Directory:
Local places by county for study/classes
56| Advertisers Directory
| Healthy
Meals Create
Healthy Kids
By Marilyn Waxman
46| Surprisingly Unhealthy
Foods: What to Choose
Instead!
By Susan Burke March
ADVERTISERS I S S U E D E A D L I N E :
Fall 2010
AUGUST 11 2010
Our listings help you find holistic
practitioners for all your needs.
Events
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Join holistic events, retreats and
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YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
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YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
I n s i d e Yo g a Li v in g |
Contributors
D o e r s | P l a y e r | Te a c h e r | R e p r e s e n t a t i v e | A Vo i c e | I m p e t u s | R e f l e c t i o n | L e a r n i n g | I m a g i n e
<<
Lynda Lyng
lives, writes, and teaches in
Kimberton, and may be reached
at [email protected].
Integrating Change: A Guide for
Modern Spiritual Warriors
page 20
Lisa Beth >>
Freedman | MD
is a family physician
practicing in Villanova and
Huntingdown Valley, PA.
She is trained in most
areas of medicine and
offers preventive services
to screen for problems,
along with counseling to
improve health and quality
of life. To learn more visit
www.lbfmd.com.
Depression: Causes & Solutions
page 34
<<
Kristen
Butera |
Susan >>
Burke March
Jon >>
Satin | MBA
is a Master Life Coach, Business Consultant, Workshop
Facilitator, Author & Entrepreneur. He and his business partner Chris Pattay created Possibility Coaches in 2002, where
they help individuals and business owners live a life of meaning, passion and purpose. To
learn more, visit
www.PossibilityCoaches.com or
www.TheTeam4Success.com.
|
MS, CDE
is a registered and licensed
dietitian, and the author of
"Making Weight Control
Second Nature: Living Thin
Naturally.” She serves as the
Resident Nutrition Expert for
www.HealthyWage.com and
can be found online at
www.SusanBurkeMarch.com.
page 46
Midlife: Saying “Yes” to a New You
page 24
<<
Marilyn
Moser-Waxman
<<
Angela
Nevius
| RYT
serves as Yoga Living’s
Advertising Coordinator,
frequent contributor and
overall “Gal Friday” (according
to her!). She teaches Yoga,
gardens, raises two sons and
two dogs. Reach her at
[email protected].
integrates practices
and techniques from a variety
of holistic health and healing
systems from around the world.
Her classes and coaching offer a
well-rounded education that is
applicable to a wide spectrum
of dietary needs and health
issues. Learn more at
www.thenourishingwell.com.
Slow Down with Yin Yoga
page 10
is a consultant to
education and industry,
and the author of books on
personal leadership and meditation. He is currently writing
a novel and collaborating on a
production that promotes the
spiritual lifestyle. If you have
questions or comments, you
can contact him at [email protected].
Stop Going to “Work”
page 32
Healthy Meals Create Healthy Kids
page 36
Michael >>
Reddy | PH.D
E-RYT 500, CYT
is the Editor of Yoga Living
Magazine and writer of
educational articles on Yoga.
She is also the Manager of the
YogaLife Institute, where she
teaches weekly classes & trains
yoga teachers. She comes from
an Advertising & Marketing
background with 10+ years
of Agency experience. She
can be reached at
www.yogalifeinstitute.com or
[email protected].
Anthony >>
Michael
Rubbo | MHS
Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods:
What to Choose Instead!
Michael >>
Cheikin | MD
is a holistic physician,
Board Certified in
Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (Physiatry),
Pain Management, Spinal
Cord Medicine and
Electro-diagnostic Medicine.
Contact him at
[email protected].
Slow Fasts and Detox Retox
page 28
CPC, ELI-MP
is a certified Core Energy
Coach who also employs
Systemic Constellation
Work to help individuals
and businesses achieve
optimal levels of health and
fulfillment. He has consulted,
been a CTO, and taught
shamanic spirituality for
many years. He specializes in
helping wellness professionals
and service entrepreneurs
find their true alignment, the
right clients, and new tools
for helping. Learn more at
www.reddyworks.com.
What Transforms--The Person,
or the Family?
page 26
YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
7
Letter From the Publisher
Lessons From the Butterfly
Yoga Living
Your Healthy Lifestyle Guide
ON
TRANSFORMATION
July/August 2010
Volume XI, Issue VII
W
e live in a constant state of change - changes of physical growth, emotional development and the
acquisition/application of knowledge unfold in cycles of change – from the time we are infants, we are
all subjected to the evolutionary forces that change us. Some changes we can predict and some come
on in ways that we could never anticipate. These transformational experiences leave us forever changed.
Butterflies represent one of nature’s most beautiful metaphors for transformation and offer us a template from
which we can examine the nature of transformation. Let’s look at the life cycle of the butterfly and build on
that metaphor.
The butterfly starts as a larva emerging from a cluster of eggs – slimy, unformed and driven by hunger, armed with
only the instinct to survive.
Lesson 1: The most divine transformations can emerge from the darkest and most repugnant aspects of the self.
Larva don’t have to go far looking for sustenance – the same plant that hosted the eggs offers them an immediate
food source - the juicy green leaves they find themselves hatching on.
Lesson 2: We often go looking in far away places to find ourselves, but the most powerful transformations often
happen close to home, within the context of daily life. When we are ready to transform, the tools that we need
become available to us in unexpected ways.
After a short time spent feasting, the larva grows into a caterpillar and attaches itself to a twig, forming a hard shell
for protection as it begins the process of metamorphosis. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar changes into a butterfly.
Lesson 3: Personal transformation may appear to occur suddenly, however, the cocoon stage is often necessary
prior to manifesting an idea into an outward change.
From the Chrysalis a fully-grown butterfly emerges, moist and mangled and unable to spread it’s wings. It takes
several hours to unfold its wings and patiently wait for the sun to dry them.
Lesson 4: Patience is a necessary ingredient in the transformational process. Allow the process to happen in its
own time without trying to force it before it is ready.
After the sun plays its part the butterfly becomes one of the most spectacular of all the winged insects. It is free
to gracefully follow the wind in flight.
Lesson 5: Freedom from expectations and self-judgment brings with it a certain level of detachment. The last stage
of releasing painful patterns from the psyche occurs when we are able to let go of who we are in order to become
who we can be. In order to do this, we need let go of preconceived notions and recognize that all our experiences
(positive & negative) are valuable and help us to transform.
Once butterfly is airborne, its life cycle starts to come to an end. The average life cycle of a butterfly is one
month – in that time they will feed, fly, mate and reproduce, all the while dazzling the world with its grace
and beauty.
Lesson 6: When the mind no longer identifies with fear and suffering, we are free to fly.
The lifespan of the butterfly offers some powerful insights into the transformational process. Just as the sickly larva
eventually evolves into one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles any dark area of your life that at the moment
appears to be stuck or unformed can suddenly turn into something miraculously beautiful.
Yoga’s wisdom finds its essence in the wisdom that is reflected in nature. Profoundly complex theories of life seem
to contradict the simple truths that the Yogis convey to us. They invite us to examine nature, and within that the
happenings of our every day lives.
May you experience the transformational journey from suffering into the freedom of bliss.
Your Publisher,
Bob Butera, PhD, Yoga Living Publisher, Director of the YogaLife Institute in Devon, PA, writer,
and national trainer of Yoga Teachers
8
YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
Publisher
ROBERT BUTERA, PhD
Editor
KRISTEN BUTERA
Art Director
AMIE HANNAH
Partners Press, Oaks, PA
Graphic Artist
MARIE KOZLOWSKI
Partners Press, Oaks, PA
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Yog a T h e o r y | by Kristen Butera
SLOW DOWN
with Yin Yoga
I
N THESE MODERN TIMES, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO FIND
WAYS TO SLOW THINGS DOWN. A never-ending stream
of communication and activity leaves us running from
place to place, and sometimes even trying to make room
for a Yoga practice leaves one feeling frazzled. We all struggle
from time to time with creating a slower pace of life and as
we approach stillness, it can be helpful to find a starting
point. This is where Yin yoga can be tremendously helpful.
You may have heard of the Yin style of yoga but in order
to really understand its value, there is no substitute for
the experience. In its essence, Yin offers a forum for
experimenting with a slow, quiet and deliberate practice.
While it is true that most styles of Yoga offer the opportunity
to become more aware and relaxed, Yin Yoga offers a
unique two-pronged approach that makes it slightly
different – one is that the muscles are intended to be
relaxed in the poses (i.e. folding forward without flexing
the feet) and second is that the poses are meant to be held
for longer periods of time (approximately 3 – 5 minutes).
When combined in practice, these two elements encourage
a sense of surrender and release in the body and mind that
can be very powerful.
Yin Yoga is the perfect complement to more dynamic styles
of yoga that emphasize creating heat in the body along
with strengthening and relaxing different muscle groups.
Yin Yoga differs from these styles as it emphasizes working
with the connective tissues instead of the muscles. Much of
a Yin practice is spent focusing on the hips, pelvis and
lower spine, with almost all of the postures being done on the
floor in order to encourage a sense of support and release
through a deep connection to the earth’s gravitational
pull. Initially, this kind of approach can seem boring,
passive or soft, but in reality a Yin practice can be quite
challenging from a mental and physical perspective. Some
people fall in love at first asana, while others struggle to
remain present in the holding of the poses. Yin offers a type
of unique intensity in the extended holding of the poses
that can become a foundational support to work through
mental distraction and bodily discomfort, ultimately
resulting in an ability to calm the mind and, in some
cases, induce deep states of meditation.
Why practice Yin Yoga?
A Yin practice helps to detoxify the deeper tissues of the
body, working past the superficial layers of skin and muscle
and getting deep into the fascia, freeing up toxins and other
potentially harmful materials that have become trapped
within the body. Once this material is freed up, the energetic
pathways of the body become clearer and healing information
can flow unimpeded. This can help to feed deficient areas
and drain excessive areas of energy and result in a better
ability to heal the body through increased vitality and
harmony of energetic activities.
From a physical perspective, Yin Yoga engenders increased
pliancy in the joints. It fights contracture and fixation as
well as the degeneration of the bones that comes from
immobilization. It also assists in re-hydrating the synovial
fluids and moistening the ligaments by stimulating the
production of hyaluronic acid, a protective substance that
regulates cell growth and renewal in the body. Some tangible
benefits of this aspect of practice include more fluidity in
movement and a sense of grace and ease in daily life.
From an emotional perspective, Yin Yoga helps the practitioner
to harmonize disturbing emotions by offering a safe space
to engage with them in a non-judgmental way, neither
holding on to them or acting out from them. Being present in
the body/mind during a Yin practice can allow for underlying
unmet needs to surface and deeper feelings to make them
selves known. In essence, a Yin practice offers a forum to
understand different aspects of the individual self in a
profoundly healing way.
Opening to Discomfort
There are a few very simple and effective concepts that can
aid a Yin practice. The first is to come into the pose at an
appropriate depth. Once you find your edge (the place
where you can really feel the stretch, but aren’t forcing it),
stay there and try to let any deeper release into the pose
come from organic movement. Pay attention to the early
edges and open up to deeper ones. Try to remain relaxed
and connected to your breath - less is more with Yin.
Once you are in the pose, resolve to hold the pose for the
intended period of time. This does not mean that you have
to stay in once place – if the body wants to go deeper let it.
If the body needs a break, come out of the pose briefly and
approach it again when you are ready. Do your best not to
fidget, instead pay attention to honing micro movements
within the pose to encourage small releases. As with all
yoga practices, if you go into pain, stop doing the pose or
find a way to modify it that doesn’t create pain. Remember
there is a difference between discomfort and pain – see if
you can open to discomfort rather than needing comfort to
open. Examine the discomfort and then expand around it
with your breath and awareness.
Yin Practice
With the exception of the opening segment, the poses in the
following series are to be held for 3 - 5 minutes. If you need
some time to get used to the longer holds, start with a minute
and work your way up over time. You can relax or counter
stretch the body in any way that is comfortable for thirty to
sixty seconds in between each pose. Sometimes this style of
practice produces a temporary feeling of creakiness or
instability in the body as you change from pose to pose. This
is normal. To avoid injury, come out of the postures with the
same amount of awareness as you come into them – take it
nice and slow and use a deep, even breath to anchor the
mind and relax the body while you are holding the posture.
continued on page 12
10
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Yo g a T h e o r y | by Kristen Butera
Getting Started
While many Yin teachers go right into longer holds, I have found
that starting a practice with shorter 1 minute sequential holds can
be a nice way to prepare the body/mind for the prolonged holdings
that come later in the practice. These four preparatory poses are
intended to be a sequence, holding each pose for approximately 1
minute, for a total of 4 minutes on each side.
Knee to Chest
From a reclining
position, relax your
left leg and hip
into the floor. If
you find that you
are unable to keep the left leg relaxed, bend the left knee
and keep the left foot on the earth for support. From either
position, bring your right knee towards the torso, holding
onto the shin or back of the thigh. Gently draw the knee
towards the torso with your exhalations. Hold for one
minute.
Reclining Head
to Knee
hold of the left thigh. As you continue to draw the left
thigh towards you with your exhalations, allow the right knee
to come energetically forward and create more intensity in
the stretch. Hold for one minute.
Butterfly
From a seated position,
bring the soles of the
feet together and open
the knees out to the
side. Let the feet be a
little further away
from the body in order
to bring the stretch more into the low back and hips and
less into the groin. With an inhalation lengthen up through
the crown of the head and with an exhalation fold forward.
When you find a natural stopping point, bring the hands
or fingertips down to the floor in front of you and begin to
round the upper back. Allow the back of the neck to relax
and grow long as you bring the forehead towards the earth.
Hold for 3 – 5 minutes.
Dragonfly Series
From knee to chest,
extend the right leg
towards the sky and
gently hold the back
of the thigh with the
hands, drawing the leg
towards the torso, until you feel a stretch in the back of the
leg. Use your exhalations to relax into the stretch. Hang out
in the reclined position if the stretch is intense, or to create
more intensity, reach up a little higher on the leg and
gently lift the torso, bringing the knee and forehead
towards each other. Hold for one minute. To release the
stretch, bring the torso back down to the earth.
Half Happy Baby
From the reclined
position, with the right
leg extended, gently
bend the right knee
and bring it down and
then out towards the right armpit. Flex the foot and keep
the shin over the ankle (as if you were going to lunge on the
ceiling). Hold on to the back of the thigh with both hands
or bring the right hand to the ankle or instep of the right
foot to help hold the leg in place. Hold for one minute.
Figure 4
From half happy baby,
release the right leg, bend
the left knee and bring the
left foot to the earth. Gently
cross the right ankle above
the left knee, to create the
number 4 with the bottom half of the body. With an
inhalation, bring the left thigh towards the torso. Reach
through the hole of the legs with the right hand and around
with the left hand and find a comfortable place to grab
From butterfly,
come lengthwise
onto your mat and
open up the legs
into a V shape
and relax the feet. With an inhalation, turn the torso
towards the right leg and lengthen up through the crown of
the head. With an exhalation begin to fold forward over
the leg, keeping nice and grounded in the left hip. If you
notice the left hip popping off the ground, back out of the
pose a bit until the hip touches down again. If the stretch is
too intense in the inner leg or back, bend the left knee and
bring the left foot into the right groin. Hold for 3 – 5 minutes
and then repeat on the left side. Finish up the series by
bringing the torso back to center and fold forward at
center for another 3 – 5 minutes.
Note: This is a good amount of forward folding. Taking short breaks
for intuitive counter stretches between each hold can be very helpful.
Sphinx/Seal
In this backbend you have two options for intensity. Choose the one
that works best for your back on any given day. You can choose one
option for the duration of the hold or move from Sphinx to Seal if
you feel the low back responds well to the compression and holding.
Option 1: Bring the elbows
underneath the shoulders and
the forearms to the mat, allowing
the weight of the upper body to
be supported by the arm bones.
Option 2: Bring the arms
long in front of the shoulders
and press into the palms to
help lift the arms off the
ground (fingertips turned
forward or slightly out). Relax
the abdomen and buttocks.
continued on page 14
12
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July 16 -18, 2010
• Discover personal insights via self reflection & understanding
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Yo g a T h e o r y | by Kristen Butera
Hold 3 – 5 minutes. When you are ready to release, slowly
bring the torso down to the mat, cross the hands in front
of you and let one cheek rest. Pause for a few breaths to
notice your body’s response to the backbend or take
Childs Pose as a counter stretch.
Dragon Lunge
In this lunge, there are three options for intensity. Choose one
position to hold for 3 minutes or spend one minute in each
version of the pose.
Option 1: From a hands and
knees position, bring the right
foot forward in between the
hands and allow the left knee
and shin to rest on the mat.
Sink the pelvis forward and
bring the hands underneath the
shoulders, framing the foot. If
there is too much pressure in the
wrists, make gentle fists with the
hands and rest on the knuckles. If the arms are too short
to reach the floor, let the hands rest on the thigh.
Option 2: From position 1,
walk the right foot over to
the right a couple of inches
and bring the arms to the
inside of the knee. In this
position the arms can stay
long or the elbows can come
to mat.
Option 3: The third
and final option is a
lunge twist, turning
the torso towards the
right thigh and gently
rolling to the outer
edge of the right foot.
In this position, you
can bring the right hand to the inner right thigh and
gently encourage it to open out.
To come out of any of these poses bring the torso to
center and gently shift the hips back. Take Downward
Dog or Childs Pose as a counter stretch before repeating
the pose on the left side.
Frog
Coming lengthwise
onto the mat, open
the knees wider
than the hips, line
up
the
shins
behind the knees
and flex the feet
out to the side. With an exhalation take the buttocks back
and come to rest on the forearms. If this version of the
pose is too intense for you, bring the big toes to touch
behind the buttocks to modify. Hold for 3 – 5 minutes.
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YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
Twisted Roots
From a reclining
position, bend
the knees and
bring both feet to the floor. Cross the right leg over the
left and bring the right foot around to the left calf. If this
isn’t possible, let the right foot dangle. Extend the right
arm long by the right ear and bring the back of the right
hand to rest on the earth above the head. Open the left
arm into half of a T shape. With an exhalation lower the
legs over to the left side, and find a resting place for the
feet. Relax the right shoulder and turn the neck to look
slightly right. Hold for 1 – 5 minutes, unwind and bring
left leg on top of the right before coming over to the
right side.
Plough
From twisted roots,
bring the legs back
to center and unwind.
Bring the knees
toward the chest and
the hands onto the
low back. With an inhalation, move the torso and legs
towards the sky and lower the feet behind the head,
bringing the toes to touch down on the earth. If you
are comfortable in this position, lower the arms to the
earth. Keep the neck steady by gazing directly upwards
with the eyes. If you cannot bring the toes to touch
behind the head, position yourself near a wall and let the
feet rest on the wall instead. Hold for 3 – 5 minutes.
To come out, bring the hands to the low back and draw
into the core to help control the release of the spine to
the earth.
Reclining Butterfly
From a reclining
position, bend the
knees and place the
soles of the feet on
the earth. Open the knees out to the side while bringing
the soles of the feet together. Gently tilt the pelvis
forward to create a small arch in the lumbar spine. Hands
can rest on the hips or the arms can reach long by the ears
and rest on the earth. Hold for 3 – 5 minutes.
Finishing Up
You can finish your Yin practice with a relaxation in Corpse Pose,
in seated meditation or any combination of the two for however
long feels appropriate for you and your current capacity to relax
and/or meditate. After practice, remember to drink lots of water!
As you have pulled water into the joints/connective tissue during
practice, it is important to replenish it so that other parts of the
body don’t become deficient. Water can also help the body flush
out any toxins that might have been released during practice. ▲
P ra sa d Y o g a –
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YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010
15
Yoga Therapy as a Path of
Holistic Wellness
Yo g a T h e o r y | by Bob Butera, PhD
A
“Yoga Citta Vritta Nirodha”
Yoga means stilling waves of the mind-body complex
- The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, Verse 2
s a Yoga teacher and therapist promoting the
benefits of a holistic Yoga Lifestyle for over
20 years, I have found that of the many
definitions of yoga this simple verse is one of
the clearest summaries of how Yoga works as a
comprehensive path of enlightenment. This concept
has remained a foundational support in my own
practice, as well as the practice of the students in
my teacher training programs and one-on-one yoga
therapy work.
The Comprehensive Yoga Lifestyle as Yoga Therapy
I experienced the healing power of this approach first
hand as a long-term student at the Yoga Institute in 1989,
when I was taught in the traditional one-on-one method.
This approach allowed for my mentor Dr. Yogendra to
apply the aspects of Yoga that were relevant to my
personal growth. Weak areas of my personality were
explored in order to help maximize the potential for
personal transformation. The individual attention allowed
the sessions to revolve around my questions, needs
and interests. Six months of daily Yoga psychotherapy
along with asana, meditation and spiritual company
made for a truly life-altering experience.
This traditional approach offers the insight that mind-body
health is a by-product of a comprehensive Yoga program
aimed at stilling the mind and/or healing the mind-body
complex. The challenge that modern Yoga Therapy
faces is the potential to reduce Yoga to a set of physical
practices in an attempt to replace pills or surgery. If
Yoga Therapists diagnose a problem via the Western
model of physical only or psychological only parameters,
automatically Yoga is reduced to a set of “behavioral
pills” designed to treat a specific condition.
We all know that breathing, relaxation and meditation
can make a positive impact in one’s life, but it is much
less effective when done without recognition of the
important psychological aspects that are necessary for
a student’s growth. For maximum efficacy and lasting
change to occur all aspects of the human being need
to be examined, looking past the allopathic model in
order to create room for deeper levels of healing.
How the Yogic Diagnostic Model Works: The 5 Koshas
In order to do this, Yoga Therapists might consider
using a diagnostic model based on a yogic map of
consciousness such as the Koshas (The Sheaths or
Layers of Reality). The Koshas view a human being from
five distinct perspectives, namely, Matter/Physical
(anna-maya-kosha), Life force/Breath (prana-maya-kosha),
Mind/Emotions (mano-maya-kosha), Intellect/Wisdom
(vijnana-maya-kosha), and Bliss/Spirit (ananda-maya-kosha).
The model serves as a holistic analysis of the individual
and allows Yoga Therapists to discover related weaknesses
in the body/mind complex and implement a
comprehensive approach for healing.
Case Study: Diagnosing a Common Complaint
To better understand how this approach works, let’s
consider a common ailment that most Yoga Therapists
continued on page 18
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YOGA LIVING
July/August 2010