by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 2, 2023 | Yoga
What Are The Differences Between Yoga School, Yoga Ashram and Gurukul system?
Yoga is a widespread physical and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It focuses on the union between the body, mind, and spirit. Over the years, yoga has evolved, and different schools of yoga have emerged. One can choose to attend a yoga school, Yoga Ashram, or a Gurukul system to learn yoga.
Are you wondering if you should enrol yourself in the experience of learning Yoga? Then, read on to find out which type of teaching method is best for you!
Yoga School
A yoga school is an institution that offers yoga education to individuals who want to deepen their knowledge and practice of yoga. Yoga schools can be found worldwide and provide various yoga courses, from beginner to advanced levels. Most yoga schools offer traditional Hatha yoga classes and more contemporary styles like Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Iyengar yoga.
Curriculum in a Yoga School
The curriculum of a yoga school usually includes yoga asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, and teaching methodology. Students can choose to enrol in a short-term course, usually lasting a few weeks or a longer duration that lasts several months or even a year. Some yoga schools offer teacher training programs that prepare students to become certified yoga instructors.
Attending a yoga school can be a transformative experience for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of yoga and its benefits. The structured curriculum and experienced teachers provide students with a solid foundation in yoga practice, philosophy, and teaching techniques. However, it is essential to research and chooses a reputable yoga school that aligns with one’s values and interests.
Joining a yoga school can benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider joining a yoga school:
- Learn proper yoga techniques: A yoga school can teach you the correct methods for performing yoga poses and breathing exercises, ensuring you get the most out of your practice and avoid injury.
- Improve flexibility and strength: Yoga involves a variety of poses that can help improve your flexibility and stability over time, leading to increased mobility and reduced risk of injury.
- Reduce stress and anxiety: Yoga effectively reduces stress and anxiety, helping you relax and feel more calm and centred.
- Build a sense of community: Joining a yoga school can provide you with an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interest in yoga, helping you to build a sense of community and support.
- Deepen your practice: By joining a yoga school, you can deepen your practice and learn new techniques and poses you may not have discovered.
Overall, joining a yoga school can greatly improve your physical, mental, and emotional health while providing you with community and support.
Yoga Ashram
A yoga ashram is a spiritual community where individuals can immerse themselves in yoga practice and philosophy. Ashrams are usually located in remote areas, away from the distractions of modern life. They offer a space for individuals to connect with themselves, others, and the natural environment. The primary purpose of an ashram is to facilitate spiritual growth and transformation.
Curriculum in Yoga Ashram
In a Yoga Ashram, individuals follow a structured daily routine that includes yoga asanas, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and seva (selfless service). Ashrams also offer classes on yoga philosophy, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), and Sanskrit. Students usually live on-site, in shared accommodation, and follow a strict code of conduct, including abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity.
The experience of living in a Yoga Ashram can be life-changing for individuals who seek a deeper understanding of yoga and spirituality. The daily routine, group activities, and supportive community create a conducive environment for self-reflection and growth. However, living in a Yoga Ashram requires a significant commitment of time, money, and energy. Researching and choosing an ashram that aligns with one’s values and intentions is essential.
Joining a Yoga Ashram can offer many benefits, including:
- Immersion in Yoga Practice: Yoga Ashram allows individuals to immerse themselves in yoga practice fully. This can help individuals deepen their understanding of the practice and develop a stronger mind-body connection.
- Sense of Community: Yoga Ashram provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals committed to spiritual growth and personal development. This sense of community can be very beneficial for individuals who are looking to connect with others who share similar goals and values.
- Discipline and Structure: Yoga Ashram typically has a structured daily schedule that includes time for yoga practice, meditation, and other spiritual practices. This can be helpful for individuals who are looking to establish a daily routine and develop greater discipline in their lives.
- Personal Growth: Living in a Yoga Ashram can be a transformative experience that helps individuals develop greater self-awareness and personal growth. Through daily practice and reflection, individuals can develop greater clarity about their goals and values and learn to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
- Spiritual Guidance: Many Yoga Ashram are led by experienced teachers who can guide and support individuals on their spiritual journey. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are seeking more profound insights and understanding about their lives and their place in the world.
Gurukul System
The Gurukul system is an ancient Indian educational system focusing on spiritual and moral education. The word Gurukul means “teacher’s family,” The system is based on the principle of living and learning with a guru (teacher) in their household. In the Gurukul system, students stay with their guru and study the scriptures, philosophy, and spiritual practices.
In the traditional Gurukul system, students study the Vedas, Upanishads, and other sacred texts and learn various spiritual practices like yoga, meditation, and puja (worship). They also learn essential life skills like cooking, gardening, and carpentry. The curriculum is personalised to each student’s needs and abilities, and the teaching is done through storytelling, discussions, and experiential learning. The Gurukul system is based on the principle of guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student legacy).
Thus, this was all about Yoga Schools, Yoga Ashrams and Gurukul systems – now you can choose the right place for yourself.
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by Tirtha Acharya | May 28, 2023 | Yoga
Which gives the best effect of yoga morning, day and night?
In this article, we will be looking at the effect of doing yoga during different times – early morning, daytime, and night. This will enable you to choose the right time for practising yoga as per your individual requirements.
What is yoga?
Yoga originated in ancient India as a physical, mental, and spiritual practice. Practising yoga early in the morning can positively affect the body and mind. The physical aspect of yoga involves practicing various postures or poses, known as asanas, which are designed to stretch and strengthen the body, improve flexibility and balance, and promote overall physical health. Let us look at the positive effect of doing yoga.
In addition to the physical practice, yoga includes breath control, known as pranayama, and meditation, intended to calm the mind, reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle and restorative to more vigorous and challenging, and each style emphasises different aspects of the practice. Some popular styles of yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Kundalini – and all of them have demonstrated a positive effect of doing yoga.
Effect of doing yoga in the morning?
Practising yoga early in the morning can positively affect physical and mental health, promoting overall well-being and vitality. Here are a few of the effects of doing yoga.
- Increased energy: Yoga involves stretching and breathing exercises that can help increase blood flow, oxygenation, and circulation in the body, leading to a boost in energy levels.
- Improved focus and concentration: Yoga requires attention and mindfulness, which can help clear the mind and improve focus and concentration.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and relaxing the body. This is the effect of doing yoga in the morning.
- Improved flexibility and mobility: Yoga involves a series of poses and stretches that can help improve flexibility, mobility, and balance.
- Boosted immune system: Yoga can help boost the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
- Better digestion: Practicing yoga early in the morning can help stimulate digestion and promote regular bowel movements.
Effect of doing yoga in the day?
Doing yoga during the day can have several positive effects on your physical and mental well-being. Let us look at the effect of doing yoga during the day.
- Increased energy levels: Yoga can help boost your energy levels by improving blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, which can help you feel more alert and awake.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Yoga is known to help reduce stress and anxiety levels by promoting relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Improved concentration and focus: Practicing yoga during the day can help improve your concentration and focus by calming your mind and increasing mental clarity. This is the effect of doing yoga in the day.
- Better digestion: Yoga can help stimulate digestion and improve overall gastrointestinal health, reducing digestive issues and discomfort.
- Improved flexibility and strength: Regular yoga practice can help improve your flexibility and strength, leading to better posture and a reduced risk of injury.
Overall, incorporating yoga into your daily routine can have many positive effects on your physical and mental health. Doing it during the day can help you feel more energised and focused throughout the rest of your day. This is the effect of doing yoga during the day.
Effect of doing yoga at night
Yoga can have various effects on the body and mind, regardless of the time of day it is practised. However, practising yoga at night may have some specific benefits and considerations. Let us look at the effect of doing yoga at night:
- Relaxation: Yoga is known to be an excellent tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Practising yoga at night can help calm the mind and prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep.
- Improved sleep quality: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, practising yoga at night may enhance the quality of your sleep.
- Better digestion: Some yoga poses and sequences are specifically designed to aid in digestion. Practising these poses at night may help improve digestion and promote better gut health. This becomes even more important as you age and your digestive system slows down.
This is the effect of doing yoga during the night that you can start incorporating into your routine. Especially if you have a busy schedule or a disrupted sleep cycle – this is ideally suited for you.
Considerations for doing yoga at night to get the right effect of doing yoga:
- Energy levels: Some people may find that practising yoga at night energises them too much and makes it difficult to fall asleep. If this is the case, it may be better to practice yoga earlier in the day.
- Timing: It’s essential to give yourself enough time between the end of your yoga practice and bedtime to allow your body to relax and wind down fully. This may mean practising yoga at least an hour or two before bedtime.
- Type of yoga: Some types of yoga, such as vigorous or heated yoga, may be too stimulating for practising at night. Gentle or restorative yoga may be more appropriate for nighttime practice.
Overall, practising yoga at night can be a great way to unwind and prepare for sleep. Still, it’s essential to consider your own individual needs and preferences when deciding when and how to practice.
Thus, this was all about yoga and its benefits during different times. While the core benefits of yoga for your mental/physical/emotional health remain relatively stable – the time you choose to do yoga has a unique impact on you. As we saw the differing effect of doing yoga at different times – you can now select the ideal time for doing yoga as per your requirements. This will ensure that you maximise the benefits of yogic practices tailored to your individual needs.
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by Tirtha Acharya | May 19, 2023 | Yoga
Chiropractic therapy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractic therapy uses manual techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to restore joint mobility and alleviate pain.
What is chiropractic therapy?
Chiropractic therapy is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that interference with the nervous system can impair this ability. Chiropractors believe that misalignments of the spine (also known as subluxations) can cause nervous system interference, leading to various health problems.
By correcting subluxations through spinal manipulation, chiropractors aim to restore nervous system function and promote healing. Chiropractic therapy is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It also treats other conditions, such as digestive disorders, asthma, and menstrual cramps.
Chiropractic therapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor, although, like any medical treatment, it carries some risks.
Origins of chiropractic therapy
The origins of chiropractic therapy can be traced back to the late 19th century when a Canadian man named Daniel David Palmer began experimenting with spinal manipulation. Palmer believed that subluxations of the spine caused nervous system interference, leading to various health problems.
In 1895, Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment on a man who had been deaf for 17 years. According to Palmer, the man’s hearing was restored after the adjustment. Palmer established the first chiropractic school in 1897, and chiropractic therapy began to gain popularity in the United States and other parts of the world.
Today, chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Chiropractic therapy is based on a holistic approach to healthcare, meaning chiropractors consider the entire person rather than just the symptoms they are experiencing. Chiropractors take into account factors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels when developing treatment plans for their patients.
What happens in chiropractic therapy?
During a typical chiropractic therapy appointment, the chiropractor will begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. They will then use manual techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to restore joint mobility and alleviate pain. Chiropractic therapy may also use other methods, such as massage, stretching, and exercise, to help their patients achieve optimal health.
Methods used in the chiropractic therapy
One of the primary techniques used in chiropractic therapy is spinal manipulation. This involves applying a controlled force to a joint in the spine that is not moving properly in order to restore its range of motion. The manipulation can be performed in various ways, including with the hands or specialised tools. Spinal manipulation aims to reduce pain and improve function in the affected area.
There are several different types of spinal manipulation used in chiropractic therapy. One of the most common is the high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust, which involves a quick, precise movement of the joint. Other types of spinal manipulation include the flexion-distraction technique, which involves using a particular table to stretch the spine gently, and the instrument-assisted technique, which involves using specialised instruments to perform the manipulation.
Chiropractors may also use other manual techniques, such as massage, to help their patients achieve optimal health. Massage can help to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Chiropractic therapy may also use stretching and exercise to help patients improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
Who should opt for chiropractic therapy?
Chiropractic therapy may be appropriate for various musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. Here are some situations when you may consider seeking chiropractic therapy:
- Chronic or acute pain: If you are experiencing chronic or acute pain in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, or other joints, chiropractic therapy may help alleviate your discomfort.
- Limited range of motion: If you have limited mobility or difficulty moving, chiropractic therapy can help restore your range of motion by realigning your spine and joints.
- Injury or trauma: If you have been in an accident, suffered a sports injury, or experienced trauma to your musculoskeletal system, chiropractic therapy may be a valuable part of your recovery plan.
- Chronic headaches: If you suffer from chronic headaches, chiropractic therapy may help alleviate your symptoms by adjusting your neck and spine.
- Prevention: Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, chiropractic therapy can help prevent future problems by improving your overall musculoskeletal health and alignment.
How should you begin your chiropractic therapy?
- Do your research: Look for licensed chiropractors in your area. You can use online directories or ask for referrals from friends, family, or primary care physicians.
- Book an appointment: Once you have identified the right chiropractic therapy, call or book an appointment online. Most chiropractors have websites with their contact information and online booking systems.
- Consultation: During your first visit, the chiropractor will perform an initial evaluation to assess your condition and develop a chiropractic therapy plan tailored to your needs. You may also be asked to provide your medical history and undergo diagnostic tests.
- Treatment: Chiropractic therapy usually involves manual adjustments or manipulations of the spine or joints to relieve pain, improve function, and promote healing. Your chiropractor may also use other techniques such as massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
- Follow-up: Your chiropractor will likely recommend a series of follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
It’s important to note that chiropractic therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and some medical conditions may require a different treatment. It’s always a good idea to consult your primary care physician before seeking chiropractic care.
Thus, chiropractic therapy is a healthcare practice that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractic therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to health and wellness that has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. This was all about chiropractic therapy, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your routine.
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by Tirtha Acharya | May 14, 2023 | Yoga
The sattvic yoga diet is a type of diet that is based on the principles of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India. The sattvic yoga diet aims to promote balance and harmony in the body and mind.
What are Gunas?
Gunas is one of the three “propensities” of the mind, body, and soul or awareness present in all living things. Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas are the three gunas. To be Sattvic is to be pure, healthy, harmonious, and well-balanced. Stress, wrath, activity, and restlessness are all characteristics of a rajasic personality. Lethargy, apathy, and a lack of motivation are all characteristics of a tamasic person.
What exactly are Rajasic, Tamasic, and Sattvic yoga diet?
Onion and garlic, deep-fried dishes, coffee, tea, refined food items, sweet foods and chocolates are all everyday foods in a Rajasic diet. These meals provide temporary boosts in energy, but they also set us up for energy crashes and stress. The delicate balance of the mind and body is upset by a diet high in Rajasic qualities. The intellect is being starved in favour of the body. Characteristics of a rajasic kind of person include poor digestion, a rapid metabolism, and a love of fatty meals.
Reheated, chemically processed goods like eggs, meat, alcohol, cigarettes, and so on make up the bulk of a Tamasic diet. A tamasic person is one who lacks creativity, motivation, concern, awareness, and a lack of zeal for life. Diabetes, obesity, and liver disease are just some of the problems they’ll face.
Fresh, whole and natural foods are prioritised in the sattvic yoga diet. Produce, grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes are all examples of this category of food. Sattvic yoga diet are mild in taste, smell, and effect on the body, and they are easy to digest. A sattvic person is one who is balanced in all aspects of their being: they are tranquil, peaceful, quiet, friendly, full of life force, vitality, health, hope, ambitions, creativity, and other positive traits.
The weight reduction and maintenance benefits of the sattvic yoga diet are additional bonuses. Overprocessing, storing for an extended period, or frying can turn a sattvic dish into a tamasic one.
Contrarily, those who follow a sattvic yoga diet avoid consuming rajasic (exciting) or tamasic (depressing) foods. They are things like meat, seafood, eggs, garlic, onions, spicy meals, alcohol, and caffeine. The sattvic yoga diet is believed to have many health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and mental clarity. It is also thought to promote spiritual growth and a deeper connection to nature.
Sattvic yoga diet – what is it?
A sattvic yoga diet is a vegetarian diet that is believed to promote mental clarity, calmness, and physical health. It is based on foods that are considered pure, wholesome, and natural, and it emphasises whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy products such as milk and ghee.
The sattvic yoga diet is based on the principles of sattva, one of the three gunas (qualities) in Hindu philosophy. Sattva is associated with purity, balance, and harmony, and the sattvic yoga diet aims to promote these qualities in the body and mind. Here are some of the benefits of the sattvic yoga diet:
- Improved Digestion: The sattvic yoga diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, which are easy to digest and promote healthy gut function.
- Increased Energy: The sattvic yoga diet is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that provide sustained energy throughout the day.
- Detoxification: The sattvic yoga diet emphasises whole foods and avoids processed and refined foods, which can lead to toxins and inflammation in the body. By reducing the intake of toxins, the sattvic yoga diet promotes detoxification and cleansing of the body.
- Mental Clarity: The sattvic yoga diet is said to promote mental clarity, calmness, and emotional stability. This is because it avoids foods that are heavy, greasy, and difficult to digest, which can lead to mental fog and emotional imbalances.
- Spiritual Growth: The sattvic yoga diet is considered a part of the spiritual practice of yoga and is believed to promote spiritual growth and awareness.
Some examples of sattvic foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, herbal teas, and pure water. The sattvic yoga diet avoids foods that are considered rajasic (stimulating) or tamasic (dulling), such as meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.
What consists of sattvic food?
Sattvic food is a type of food that is considered pure, light, and nutritious according to Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine. Here are some examples of sattvic foods:
- Fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, berries, and melons
- Vegetables, such as leafy greens, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots
- Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats
- Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and mung beans
- Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds
- Herbs and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander
- Plant-based oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil
- Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea
- Freshly made vegetable and fruit juices
- Dairy products include milk, ghee, and paneer
The specific foods considered sattvic can vary based on individual beliefs and interpretations of Ayurveda. Some evidence suggests that a sattvic yoga diet may have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. However, the effectiveness of any dietary approach can depend on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
If you are interested in trying a sattvic yoga diet, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs and to address any potential nutrient deficiencies that may arise.
Thus, these are the benefits of sattvic yoga diet that you can gain from following the guidelines mentioned in this article. Other lifestyle factors, such as exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, are also crucial for overall health and well-being.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Apr 22, 2023 | Yoga
Kati Snan or Hip Bath consists of submerging your lower body in a tub of water – this is a kind of hydrotherapy. It has various other names as well, such as steam baths, hip baths, spinal baths, cold body packs, and local compresses are all examples of how water is utilized in hydrotherapy. The goal is to increase blood flow to the tissues so that hazardous compounds may be dissolved and eliminated more easily.
Of the many kinds of hydrotherapy, kati snan, is among the most beneficial. For this, one needs a certain kind of bathtub. As the patient is seated in the tub, the water level is raised to cover their hips and reach just over their belly button.
Why should you take a Hip Bath?
Hip Bath has several health advantages. This method focuses just on the lower abdomen and hips, as the name says. Taking a soak in a bath like this is great for your body and mind. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disorders, including cellulitis, sciatica, and ovaritis, may be alleviated with this sort of hydrotherapy, so you can rest after a long day without worrying about your health. If you want to give yourself a proper kati snan, you need to make sure the water in the tub is high enough to cover your hips and belly button.
How to prepare for Hip Bath?
For Kati snan or Hip Bath, whether you want your water cold, warm, or hot is all up to you. For this, one needs a very specific kind of bathtub. When the patient is seated in the tub, the water level is adjusted such that it covers their hips and comes up to their navel. Typically, you’ll need between four and six gallons of water. Standard bathtubs may be substituted if the specialized tub is unavailable. Two or three inches of height may be added by placing a support beneath one side.
There are a variety of hip bath temperatures available, including cold, hot, neutral, and alternating. Hip baths are sometimes called sitz baths as well. It treats bladder, prostate, and vaginal infections, as well as lower-body pain and discomfort. Methods of action include maintaining a clean environment and improving blood flow to the injured region.
If you had to describe the Hip Bath, what would you say it looks like?
The oval form of the tub is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The sufferer may lean his back against the raised end of the tub.
What are the Health Benefits of a Kati snan ?
– help new mothers recover faster
– Reduces swelling and disinfects the area to help prevent the spread of potentially hazardous infections.
– Possible use in eliminating toxins
– It has the potential to alleviate the discomfort of menstruation.
– As a bonus, it relieves haemorrhoids and bowel problems.
– Uterine cancer prevention and enhanced blood flow
– Improves the skin’s appearance.
– Perhaps useful in treating infertility
Pain associated with menstruation, difficult urination, a sore rectum or bladder, or painful piles may all be alleviated with a warm kati snan. It’s helpful for those with sciatica, ovarian and bladder neuralgia, and painful bladder contractions or spasms.
A cold Hip Bath may assist with issues like constipation, indigestion, and obesity by stimulating the elimination systems. Uterine issues such as menstrual irregularity, chronic uterine infection, pelvic inflammation, piles, hepatic congestion, chronic prostate gland congestion, seminal weakness, impotence, sterility, uterine and ovarian displacements, dilation of the stomach and colon, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhage of the bladder, and so on can all benefit from its use.
All acute and sub-acute inflammatory disorders, including acute catarrh of the bladder and urethra and sub-acute inflammations in the uterus, ovaries, and tubes, may benefit from a neutral hip bath. To boot, it’s a calming remedy for ‘erotomanis’ in both genders. Salpingitis, ovaritis, cellulitis, and other genito-urinary neuralgias, as well as sciatica and lumbago, are among ailments that may benefit from regular Hip Baths.
Do’s and Dont’s
-It is recommended that you set the water temperature to your preferred level of comfort.
-Avoid staying in the hip bath for any longer than is necessary. Avoid doing this, since it will reduce the therapeutic benefits of the bath.
-If you have hypertension, you shouldn’t soak in a hot hip bath.
-After soaking your hips in warm water, it’s important to refresh with a cold shower or bath.
Post kati snan, Hip Bath Poses:
When you’ve finished your kati snan, take some time to sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing. To help you unwind during Savasana, the corpse posture is a great option after your hip bath.
Precautionary measures before taking a Hip Bath
To get the most out of these bathing treatments, it’s essential to follow some basic safety guidelines. Full-body washes should be avoided for at least three hours after eating and for at least an hour before. But, local baths like the Hip Bath and foot bath may be used after a meal if you wait at least two hours. One should always use fresh, clean water for bathing and never recycle bath water.
It’s important to take baths at the right temperature and for the right amount of time to feel their benefits. It is usually recommended to use a thermometer when taking a person’s temperature.
During menstruation, women shouldn’t use any of the baths. Until the third month of pregnancy is through, they can only take hip baths.
Thus, this was a detailed guide and insights into what kati snan is. As a therapy that has stood the test of time, you can be assured that this is exactly what you need in this modern time. The advantages of this therapy for your body and mind, as well as how to indulge in this experience seamlessly. Once you try this form of water therapy, you will begin to see the benefits for yourself.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.
by Tirtha Acharya | Apr 15, 2023 | Yoga
During most mindfulness or yoga sessions, participants may have a deeper sense of the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga for Subtle body awareness may be achieved by simple observation. While these links are not entirely visible, we do not lack comprehension. Yoga for Subtle Body includes the belief in energy fields, intuition, or a higher force.
In this article, we will be discussing Yoga for Subtle Body for its benefits on your health and well-being. As we will read, the origins of this concept date back to ancient times and are rooted in our cultural history. Learning more about this will enable you to understand more about your philosophical alignment as well as practice the form of yoga that is right for you.
Philosophy of Yoga for Subtle Body
According to several esoteric, occult, and mystical beliefs, a human’s subtle body is a quasi-material part of its body that resides somewhere between the physical and spiritual planes. Traditionally, Western philosophy has been dominated by a dualism between the intellect and the body. The Skmaarra is the name given to the subtle body in the tantric and yogic traditions of the Dharmic faiths, including Chinese Taoism and Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Brief Origins of Yoga for Subtle Body
While non-dualistic views of the human mind and body are most often linked with Asian civilisations, they may be found all across the globe. The Bhagavad Gita explains that the mind, intellect, and ego all work together to form the subtle body and that this body exerts influence on the physical. The yogi feels both pleasure and anguish in the subtle body. This is the core behind Yoga for Subtle Body.
The Taittiriya Upanishad from the sixth century BC is the earliest place we find reference to this system of Yoga for Subtle Body. Yet, the model is not mentioned until the seventeenth century, which may indicate that it represented a more contemporary interpretation of the yogic body. Just one line from the Yuktabhavadeva (1623 CE) is dedicated to the topic. The Trisikhibrahmanopanisad and the Tejobindupanisad also make brief references, but they lack context.
Knowledge of Yoga for Subtle Body
Iyengar’s eight-volume Astadala Yogamala (2000) and his seminal book Light on Life provide a more comprehensive overview of the framework (2005). It’s unclear if Satyananda Saraswati genuinely developed Yoga Nidra and therefore reinforced this model or whether these ideas came from his predecessors. Still, he also uses this framework while dealing with Yoga Nidra (his Yoga Nidra book was released in 2002).
Further study is required on Yoga for Subtle Body. Still, it’s probable that this model’s wide dissemination and solid footing in modern yoga ideas might be attributed to the collaboration between Iyengar and Saraswati in the West. The field of Yoga Therapy, which is still in its infancy, has embraced the paradigm as a way to evaluate a patient’s condition and plan treatment accordingly.
What exactly is Yoga for Subtle Body?
Each person has a causal body, subtle body, and astral body, according to Hindu and yogic thought (gross physical body). The subtle body is the human being’s energy makeup beyond the physical. It includes three (out of a total of five) of the sheaths (koshas) of human existence:
– The Pranamaya Kosha is the enveloping layer of life energy.
– Sheath of mental or emotional armour
– sheath of knowledge and intelligence
In the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, two ancient Indian writings, the subtle body is depicted as a manifestation of the causal body that exerts influence over the physical body. In order to thrive, all three bodies must be in equilibrium with one another. When a person dies, their subtle body is said to go to a new life and serve as a conduit for future reincarnations.
Subtle Body Yoga for Teaching
It can be difficult for yoga teachers, even experienced teachers of Yoga for Subtle Body in modern times to convey the idea that yogic anatomy is far more concerned with the subtle energetic body than with the physical body because modern people tend to be intensely and often exclusively focused on physical reality, including their own physical bodies. Hence, Yoga for Subtle Body may be more complex to teach.
The fact is that physical anatomy, particularly muscular anatomy, plays a secondary role in yoga. This is important while understanding Yoga for Subtle Body. While certain parts of Western physical anatomy are integrated and of interest to yogis, the muscles are not a focus in yogic anatomy. Having stated that, I feel obligated to add that contemporary yoga in the Western world has gone a different path and is now promoted as yet another kind of exercise. This is why the study of muscular anatomy is so popular nowadays.
Poses for Subtle Body Yoga
As the endocrine and neurological systems are directly connected to the subtle pranic system, here is where their focus on the physical effects of the postures would have to be. There are a plethora of resources available now on the active and inactive muscles used in common body positions while performing Yoga for Subtle Body. Even if it has some merit, this approach diverts attention away from yoga’s foundational principles. It takes focus away from real yogic anatomy.
Dhanurasana, often known as the bow position, is one of several yoga postures that require certain muscle groups to perform well. It may come as a surprise to many contemporary yogis that human physical anatomy was not given much thought in the practice or teaching of yoga until very recently. Instead, yogis focused on how asanas affected their pranic bodies, including their chakras, nadis, and vayus.
Those who practised Yoga for Subtle Body believed that their bodies were instruments that, with proper tuning, might reveal latent psychic and spiritual skills. The yoga asanas were a complex and cryptic method for bringing Divine Consciousness into physical manifestation. Several poses are easy enough for beginners to fix, especially those who have taken a few yoga lessons.
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