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Ayurveda

Treatments: Yoga

10. Tantric Yoga
Tanta yoga is an approach to understanding the whole (the macrocosm) through the study and understanding of the self (the microcosm). Tantra yoga involves expanding physical awareness into all levels of consciousness to achieve unity with the oneness. The goal is to harmonize the concept of opposites and duality within each of us (referred to as male/female in tantric texts). Tantric yoga also channels the creative force within to transmute limitations and fear-based emotions.

Tantric yoga offers practical tools for reprogramming physical desires to overcome being a slave to our instincts. These tools include pranayama, contemplation, visualization, mantra repetition, and physical/ritual cleansing. The teachings are based on ancient doctrines. Tantra as related to sexual practices is considered a "new'age" offshoot which has been interpreted very loosely and ambiguously from original tantric doctrines.

11. Viniyoga
Also known as "Yoga for Wellnes," Viniyoga is based on the principles developed by Sri. T. Krishnamacharya. Modified asanas are practiced which meet the specific needs of an individual to promot flexibility, healing, and to strengthen joints. Main emphasis is placed on coordinating movement and pranayama. Krishnamacharya is the teacher of well known masters sincluding K Pattabhi (ashtanga yoga) and B.K.S. Iyengar (iyengar yoga).

12. Vinyasa
Although "Vinyasa" is sometimes referred to as a style of yoga, it is also a method which is incorporated within other methods. The word vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” Each asana and its flow to the next asana is coordinated with either an inhalation or an exhalation. A sequence of asanas and coordinated inhalations/exhalations flow quite similarly to dance movements and are sometimes referred to as a "vinyasa flow." An example of a popular sequence of asanas practiced in a vinyasa flow is the "sun salutationA flowing series of 12 yoga poses (known as "asanas") which help improve strength and flexibility of the muscles and spinal column."

Namaste
Often in yoga, a gesture called "Namaste" is performed where both palms of the hand are brought together before the heart, as within prayer, with the head lightly bowed.

The gesture of Namaste represents the belief that the divinity is within each of us, and recognizes the equality of all. The essence of the word conveys "The God within me salutes the God within you." It is an acknowledgment of the soul in one person by the soul in another.

Namaste can also be performed by placing the hands together in front of the third eye (between the eyes), bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is considered an especially deep form of respect.

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