Yoga Therapy: A Journey of Healing Across the Koshas
In Sanskrit, “yoga” means to unite or join together. It refers to the unification of all the parts of ourselves, including our physical body, our thinking mind, our emotional heart, our intuitive wisdom, and our conscious being. In yoga therapy, we recognize that in order to heal from any pain or suffering, healing must occur across all these aspects of ourselves. In doing so, we can unlock the door to inner transformation.
The koshas are a paradigm that help us understand how to promote healing and well-being across all these parts of ourselves. In Sanskrit, the word “kosha” means sheath or layer. These layers are nested within each other, like an onion. The koshas are the essential, interconnected components that blend together to create our whole identity. In yoga therapy, we peel back these layers to get in touch with what lies at the center of our being.
When we experience any kind of ailment, we usually first notice the issue in the physical body. However, through the practice of yoga therapy, we discover that whatever is causing our physical pain or discomfort is often affecting our other koshas as well. Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to health that invites us on an inward exploration of how pain, suffering, or disease manifests across the koshas. In partnership with a yoga therapist, we access our inner healing wisdom and engage in yogic practices that promote healing across body, mind, and soul.