Yoga & Yoga Therapy

According to Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of the Integral Yoga Institute and the Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville, and one of the most revered yoga masters of our time, Yoga is the science of the mind—a system for understanding and mastering the mind. 

(Satchidananda, 1978, p. xi)

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the foundational texts of Yoga, state:

"Yogas citta vrtti nirodah" (Yoga Sutra 1.2), which translates as:

Yoga is the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff.

(Satchidananda, 1978, p. 3)

The word "Yoga" traditionally refers to Raja Yoga, the science of the mind (Satchidananda, 1978, p. xi). The most significant text expounding on this is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which consists of 195 or 196 short, condensed verses (sutras) compiled by the sage Patanjali. For the first time, Patanjali systematized the science of Yoga into a written text. The Yoga Sutras are divided into four chapters or Padas:

• Samadhi Pada (on contemplation)
• Sadhana Pada (on practice)
• Vibhuti Pada (on accomplishments)
• Kaivalya Pada (on absoluteness).

The Sutras outline the path to Samadhi—the ultimate meditative concentration and transcendent state of consciousness—through the eightfold path or Ashtanga. These eight elements of practice lead to a higher state of awareness and understanding:

1. Yama (ethical standards)
2. Niyama (code of discipline & observances)
3. Asana (yoga poses)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (bliss).

The ultimate goal of yoga is Kaivalya, which is the experience of absoluteness or unlimitedness. It involves the discernment of Purusha (the witness consciousness or spiritual essence) as distinct from Prakriti (the physical world), and the disentanglement of Purusha from Prakriti’s defilements (Wikipedia, par. 2).

The Origins of Yoga

Yoga originated in South Asia and was traditionally transmitted orally, with teachers chanting the Sutras in Sanskrit and offering commentary to students. The precise origins of the Yoga Sutras remain uncertain, with estimates ranging from 5000 BCE to 300 CE. It is unclear whether the work was created by one individual or a group of collaborators under the name of Patanjali (Satchidananda, 1978, p. xii). The Sutras describe the entire science of Yoga, its goals, practices, obstacles, and how to overcome them. They also highlight the results of consistent, honest practice (Satchidananda, 1978, p. 1).

Yoga: More Than Asana

Contrary to popular belief, Yoga is not just physical postures (Asana).

It is a comprehensive technology and psychology.

• Psychology refers to the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context (OxfordLanguages).
• Technology involves the application of knowledge to transform natural materials or achieve desired outcomes (OxfordReference.com).

Yoga, like Mindfulness, was designed to create effective practices that could be repeated with consistency and success over time. While modern scientific methods of experimentation and hypothesis testing were not available when Yoga first emerged, there are archaeological findings from as early as 3000 BCE that suggest representations of people in poses resembling yoga postures (Mason, 2023, p. 8). The Upanishads, written between 600 and 500 BCE, also reference yogic practices, with the Katha Upanishad describing Yoga as arising from the stilling of the mind through withdrawal of sensory input (Mason, 2023, p. 9).

The Evolution of Yoga

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a later text, provided detailed information on the practices of Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra, and Bandhas 

(Mason, 2023, p. 10).

Yoga began its journey to the West in the late 19th century through prominent teachers, including Swami Satchidananda, who translated and commented on the Yoga Sutras. However, the evolution of Yoga in the West has been complex. Western Yoga, particularly since the 20th century, often focuses primarily on physical postures and has been influenced by commercial interests and a more hedonistic, ego-driven approach. This has led to a dilution of the deeper philosophical and spiritual aspects of Yoga, with an emphasis on acrobatic and fitness-based practices rather than its original purpose of spiritual liberation.

A Modern Definition of Yoga

One of my favorite definitions of Yoga comes from 

Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., who states:

"Yoga is one of India’s oldest and most comprehensive soteriological traditions, which has developed a vast arsenal of physical and mental techniques geared to gain control over the nervous system in order to achieve, at will, conscious and supraconscious states of transcendence... Traditional Yoga is primarily concerned with personal transcendence on the part of a 'normal' or healthy individual. The human being is regarded as an integrated body-mind system, which can function optimally only when there is a state of dynamic balance."

(Feuerstein, 1998, IAYT.org)

Yoga's Original Purpose

Historically, Yoga was not primarily about physical health. Instead, it was a spiritual path—a methodology for achieving transcendence from the limitations of the ego and freeing oneself from suffering (Khalsa et al., 2016, p. 31). It was traditionally taught in a guru-disciple relationship, with practices tailored to the individual.

The modern group Yoga classes found in the West, where a uniform set of practices is taught to all participants, are a relatively recent development, emerging in the 20th century. These classes tend to focus on reducing stress and enhancing physical attributes such as flexibility, strength, and mental clarity (Khalsa et al., 2016, p. 38).

Yoga Therapy is a holistic and multidimensional healing approach, grounded in both ancient yogic practices and modern scientific research. By integrating the wisdom of traditional yoga with Western medical and psychological knowledge, Yoga Therapy provides a comprehensive framework for healing on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual planes. Its core principle is that human beings are intricate, multi-layered beings that require a Salutogenic approach to life—one focused on promoting health and well-being, rather than merely treating illness. 

This is achieved by fostering a lifestyle inspired by Eudaimonic principles—living with purpose, meaning, and flourishing, as opposed to hedonistic or short-term pleasure-driven lifestyles.

One of my favourite definitions of Yoga Therapy comes from Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.:

"Yoga Therapy represents a first effort to integrate traditional yogic concepts and techniques with Western medical and psychological knowledge. It aims at the holistic treatment of psychological or somatic dysfunctions, ranging from physical issues like back problems to emotional distress. Yoga therapy sees the human being as an integrated body-mind system, which can function optimally only when there is a dynamic balance." (Feuerstein, 1998)

In its ancient form, Yoga Therapy was referred to as Yoga Chikitsa. It combined yoga, Ayurveda (the sister science of yoga), and Vedic astrology (Jyotish), creating a therapeutic system that addressed all aspects of the individual—body, mind, and spirit. This approach was highly individualized, with practices tailored to reduce suffering (duhkha) on all levels of the self, according to the Kosha model (physical, energetic, mental, 

intellectual, and spiritual bodies).

While the ancient practice was deeply rooted in Vedic sciences, modern Yoga Therapy integrates Western medical knowledge, psychotherapeutic techniques, physical therapy, massage therapy, and yoga technologies (Kraftsow, 2002). At its core, Yoga Therapy uses mindful movement, asana, pranayama (breathwork), and somatic practices, among other techniques, to address both the body's physiological needs and the mind's psychological challenges.

Historically, the first medical research into yoga practices was led by The Yoga Institute in Santa Cruz, Bombay, founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra, and later by his son Jayadeva Yogendra, Ph.D. Another early pioneer, Swami Kuvalayananda, founded the Kaivalyadhama Institute in the 1920s, where yoga practices were tested and studied through medical equipment to measure effectiveness in treating physical conditions.

The modern evolution of Yoga Therapy is gaining widespread recognition worldwide, offering an integrative approach to healing that emphasizes personalized care. Unlike conventional medicine, Yoga Therapy does not pathologize, but instead focuses on the whole person, aiming to restore balance and well-being through a personalized, holistic approach.

Yoga Therapy's Core Principles

Yoga Therapy recognizes that the human being is a multi-layered, 

holistic entity. It works with the entire body-mind system, 

addressing the Koshas (the five layers of the self):

• Annamaya Kosha: The physical body
• Pranamaya Kosha: The energetic body
• Manomaya Kosha: The mental and emotional body
• Vijnanamaya Kosha: The intellectual body
• Anandamaya Kosha: The spiritual or bliss body

By balancing these layers, Yoga Therapy seeks to address imbalances that manifest as illness or distress. The ultimate goal is to restore Sattva (balance and harmony), counteracting Rajas (overactive energy) or Tamas (inertia and stagnation) within the individual. Central to this process is the connection to one's true nature and higher consciousness through yogic practices, leading to healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Yoga Therapy in Practice

Yoga Therapy is most effective in one-on-one sessions, where the therapist can assess the client's history and needs, tailoring practices accordingly. It’s not a "one-size-fits-all" approach but rather a dynamic partnership between therapist and client, grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and empathy. The client must actively engage in their healing process, fostering self-care, self-love, and agency.

Yoga Therapy also incorporates mindfulness, somatic work, and evidence-based psychological practices to enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mindfulness. It can be especially beneficial for those dealing with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), 

which are often the result of lifestyle choices. 

However, it is not used for infectious or emergency conditions.

The combination of top-down neuro-cognitive approaches (talk therapy, self-reflection, mindfulness) and bottom-up neuro-physiological practices (movement, breath, exercise) fosters optimal homeostasis, neuroception (sensing safety), and the activation of the body's healing mechanisms. Ultimately, Yoga Therapy empowers individuals to discover their true potential, cultivate inner peace, and find meaning and purpose in their lives.