Yoga Asanas

The word Pranayama is comprised of two roots: prana + ayama and prana + yama. Prana refers to the life force of the body as a result of which we are alive.Ayama means dimensions, and yama means control. Together,it is the Sanskrit description of extending the life force past the body. It deals with preventing the spirit from being restrained by the body and the mind and is also a kind of meditative practice. According to Patanjali, Pranayama removes the veil from the divine light. Pranayama, in general, helps in the treatment of several stress-related disorders and improves autonomic functions and asthma and relieves stress. In more specific situations, they may perform other functions specific to the type of Pranayama. In the long run, Pranayama can go so far as to extend the practitioners life span and enhance their sense of perception.

The Bandhas are psychic locks used to lock the Prana (Life force of the body) and redirect it to open the three Granthis (Psychic Locks) in the subtle body. These Granthis prevent the free flow of Prana in Shushumna Nadi (Energy duct) and prevent the Kundalini Shakti (dormant potential force at the base of the spine) to rise. YWC introduces all four kinds of Bandhas to the yoga aspirant. They are: Jalandhar, Uddiyana, Mool and Maha bandha, the later being a combination of first three. Bandhas may be practiced individually or with Mudras and Pranayamas. When combined in this way, they awaken the psychic faculties and form an adjunct to higher yogic practices.

According to the Yogic texts, the body is made up of five elements: Fire, Air, Aakash, Earth and Water, as represented by the thumb, index,middle,ring,and little fingers respectively.Any imbalance of these elements may cause various ailments. Mudras are defined as a seal, short cut, or circuit by pass, and are the putting together of the thumb and fingers, in different combinations.By forming new circuits with the extremities of nerve endings,Mudras redirect Prana radiating away from the Nadis and Chakras within the body. They can alter the mood, attitude and perception of the person,and can deepen awareness and concentration.

This is an integral part of yoga and helps to improve the concentration and focus of the practitioner. It has innumerable other advantages that differ according to its application.At the YWC, we focus on Antarmouna, Ajapajapa and Yoga Nidra, for the regular classes. Other practices will depend on the aspirants needs as a yoga practitioner. Dharana is also taught in YWC on request basis or is organized at weekend retreats at the center.

As in any other form of psychology, yoga psychology concentrates on realising and attaining our potential through self discovery and understanding. However, this form of psychology uses the Bhagavad Gita and the Patanjali yoga sutras, as an integral reference point.

These classes are specially organized on a request basis, to accommodate the yoga aspirants convenience, and are conducted for a single individual or a group of family members.Classes of the aspirant. The actual syllabus taught in private classes will largely depend on the needs and requirements of the individual or the group are conducted held either at the YWC, or at the home

Yoga Nidra is a sleep like state experienced during meditation, and has been scientifically proved to decrease anxiety and stress. It involves several types of poses that take place in a lying down position that is very comfortable and very easy to do.