Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It also refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Raja Yoga, compiled in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and known simply as yoga in the context of Hindu philosophy, is part of the Samkhya tradition. Many other Hindu texts discuss aspects of yoga, including Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita and various Tantras. The Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj", meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite." Patanjali's writing also became the basis for a system referred to as "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga").

YOGA THERAPY is the science of applying the various techniques of yoga in a variety of illnesses and conditions, to facilitate optimal health, healing and awakening. Hence, it could be called a system of health care that helps treat human indispositions as naturally as possible, to alleviate pain and suffering through set of exercises, both physical and mental. Ideally, yoga therapy is preventive in nature, as is Yoga itself, while being curative in many instances, soothing in others, and restorative in most.

So, where traditional Yoga was primarily concerned with spiritual transcendence, yoga therapy aims at holistic treatment of a variety of psychological or psychosomatic disorders ranging from sinusitis and asthma to emotional distress.

Course Objectives

• Yoga Philosophy, classical and interpretation for today’s practitioner
• The evolution of Yoga from its ancient incarnation to is present day practice
• Yoga in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism
• An overview of Indian culture, history and religions
• Principles of movement and alignment
• Yoga Postures and sequences – asana and vinyasa
• Breathing Techniques – pranayama
• The different lineages of the Hatha Yoga tradition
• Yoga’s role in alternative medicine – holistic approach to health care
• Yoga for fitness
• Yoga for inner peace and harmony
• Yoga as a therapy
• Meditation and relaxation techniques