Yoga Programs
Yoga and Ayurveda
Ayurveda and yoga originate from the same source of knowledge: the science of life. This teaches people how happy, healthy, and peaceful their existence can be by incorporating the requirements of nature’s laws.
Ayurveda leads people to self-healing, yoga on the path of self-knowledge and to a strong and flexible body. Physical and spiritual healing, the complete realization of our true nature, combines yoga and Ayurveda in an inseparable unity.
Ancient Vedic wisdom states that “the foundation of Yoga should be Ayurveda and the fruit of Ayurveda should be yoga.” Yoga therefore supports the Ayurvedic method and vice versa. They complement each other on the path to becoming a complete individual.
The word yoga derives from Sanskrit and means union or connection. It refers to the connection of body, mind, and soul. Asana, Pranayama, and meditation serve as different tools to achieve this unity. These allow one to connect with their Atma, their ego, their true self or inner identity, and to create awareness.
The content of the activities may be adapted by the Technical Director or Supervisor based on the physiological response of each individual, always in accordance with personal needs.
Asana
Asanas are body postures through which the practitioner amplifies mental characteristics and attitudes. Each posture channels more Prana toward specific parts of the body, radiating the related Nadis and Chakras involved. The postures, therefore, are not merely complex gymnastic exercises, but rather tools for channeling energy into different parts of the body.
For the practice of Asana to be performed correctly, the practitioner must have the right attitude in accordance with the eight limbs described by Patañjali in the Yoga Sūtra.
Yoga Asana
The purpose of Asanas is to stabilize the state of Yoga. YOGA means union—the experience of silence and stillness of the mind.
In the absolute state of balance, Yoga, the purpose of Asanas is achieved. The administrator of the body, the mind, must be in accord with the cosmic administrator, so that any fluctuation of the mind is never misaligned with the cosmic mind.
The purpose of Asanas is to stabilize any position of the mind with the position of the infinite. This means creating a habit, through Asanas, whereby whatever the position of the body, it is never out of tune with the physiology of the cosmos.
- Asanas are defined as:
- Sthir – Sukham – Asanam
- Sthir stable
- Sukham pleasant, complete self-sufficiency
- Asanam seated, motionless position.
Yoga union
According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, two conditions are necessary for correct execution of Asanas: Relaxation of activity—Unlimitedness
Both of these conditions must be simultaneous; the purpose of Asanas is therefore to stabilize the physiology at the level of cosmic physiology, at the level of the cosmic mind, established in self-sufficiency, in immortality, with mind and body in good condition and in stability.
“One who has mastery in Asanas has mastery in the world.” The purpose is coordination between mind and body. The practice of Asanas also elevates the state of consciousness.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a set of breathing techniques that allows the accumulation and utilization of prana. Through breath control, the practitioner is able to purify body and mind.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques constitute an important part of Hatha Yoga. Relaxation according to this type of yoga consists of a regenerative pause between one activity and another and is quite different from laziness and idleness, which are instead based on the refusal of work. Relaxation exercises act on both physical and mental levels; they generally follow the work performed with postures and breathing exercises and constitute a premise for meditation techniques.
Yoga must serve the individual
“Yoga must serve the individual and not vice versa.”
This central idea of the great Indian yoga teacher T.K.V. Desikachar is also the commitment of our yoga teachers. In particular, this means that exercises must be adapted to the needs of the individual. Yoga takes into account their individual physical needs and this is taken into consideration in practice. This is particularly true for beginners. With the help of our yoga teachers, you will be able to try gentle exercises for the body and learn how beneficial Asanas are for body and mind.
What beginners
learn
The focus of the exercises are Asanas that can be easily performed: for example, the sun salutation, the cobra, or the knee press. These movement elements are complemented by breathing and relaxation sessions.
With Asanas, a specific position should be maintained for a period of time. Our yoga teachers ensure that physical exercises are performed consciously and mindfully step by step. In these holding phases, yoga students will be able to discover how to release tension. Breathing shows them the way: it should flow calmly and sometimes with strength. These exercises can also be performed by our guests later at home. Important: slow movements are necessary and nothing should ever be forced.
