When many people think of yoga, they imagine the body in all sorts of positions, twisted up like a pretzel. However, Integrative Yoga Therapy is much more in depth than that. According to the Yoga Journal, Integrative Yoga Therapy is a holistic mind-body approach to health. While its principles come from the ancient wisdom behind yoga, it also integrates the latest advancements in body-mind medicine. Several training programs are available to help guide people in living this lifestyle.
Principles
The Yoga Journal says Integrative Yoga Therapy is based on the psychology and philosophy of yoga that embraces all aspects of yoga, including breathing and meditation. It is an in-depth understanding of a health condition as well as the specific needs of an individual. Training is extremely student-centered with teachers acting as facilitators who guide students toward awakening and finding their true selves and sources of wellness. Training helps each individual to develop harmoniously in body, mind and spirit.
Branches
According to the Integral Yoga Institute New York City, there are several branches of Integral Yoga. Raja Yoga is based on ethical perfection and control of the mind that leads to a state of super consciousness. Japa Yoga gets the soul in touch with the Divine Vibration through the use of mantram, or sound repetition. Hatha Yoga uses posture, breathing techniques, and relaxation to purify the mind and strengthen the body. Karma Yoga focuses on service to others and forgetting about the self.
Steps
While these branches vary slightly, most Integrative Yoga Therapy Training programs teach the same steps. President Swami Ramananda of the Integral Yoga Institute of New York describes the eight stages of Integral Yoga. First are Yama and Niyama, which bring awareness to your actions. Ahimsa, a principle that advocates non-violence, is a large part of these stages. This principle helps you realize that your actions, speech and even thoughts can have harmful effects on others. The awareness that Yama and Niyama bring helps you refrain from these behaviors and listen to your heart. Asana, the third step, helps you let go of the preoccupation with wanting to impress others. It is natural and normal for people to have this preoccupation, but Asana helps to quiet the mind. Pranayama is all about control over our energy. In this stage of training, breathing techniques are taught to calm and steady the mind. Your nervous system is often agitated and Pranayama allows us to restore peace. Pratyahara is a withdrawal of the senses. It gives you the ability to direct your mind to something else like breathing or mantra. This is an essential part of meditation. Dharana is the beginning stage of meditation and is mainly concentration and focus. Dhyana is meditation. In this stage, you experience real clarity and stillness in the mind. Lastly, Samadhi is attained. This stage is filled with great spiritual consciousness and a sense of oneness with creation. During Samadhi, you find your inner light and true self.
Goals
According to founder of Integral Yoga, Sri Swami Satchidananda, the goal of Integrative Yoga Therapy Training Programs is to "realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversity in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family." This goal is achieved by several things, including keeping your body in optimum health, having total control of your senses, and keeping a clear and well-disciplined mind. In addition, those training should keep their intellect sharp, will strong, and ego clear. Lastly, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion will lead to attaining this goal. Following the steps will lead to a life filled with supreme peace and joy.
History & Programs
H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda, Sri Gurudev, founded Integral Yoga in 1966 and is regarded as an apostle of peace. His motto was: "Truth is One, Paths are Many." He was dedicated to fostering universal harmony among all people. Programs are available in many different forms such as classes, weekend workshops or retreats. A list of training programs are available at http://www.integralyogaprograms.org/.
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