What Type of Yoga Do You Need?

​Today, the benefits of yoga are well understood. It has transcended the barrier of eastern vs. western medicine and is highly recommended by both schools for its reduction of stress and increase in overall health. But if you have ever set out to join a yoga class, you will quickly realize that there is a plethora of types to choose from. So how do you know what’s right for you? Understanding your own needs can help you choose.
 
According to yogic teachings, there are five koshas, or layers to the self:

1. Physical body (anna-maya kosha)
2. Energetic body (pranic)
3. Mental-Emotional body (mano-maya kosha)
4. Wisdom body (vijana-maya kosha)
5. Spiritual body (anada-maya kosha)

 
By aligning what part of your whole requires the help, you can choose a yoga practice that will be most advantageous to you. Here are some examples of types of yoga practices associated with each of the koshas:

1. Physical Body – needs associated with this kosha include balancing elemental forces. Practices such as Hatha and/or Ayurveda yoga are recommended.
2. Energetic Body – when it is suspected that chi or life force is blocked, pranayama yoga can be advantageous. Incorporating breathwork is particularly useful for any dis-ease of the energy body.
3. Mental-Emotional Body – So many of the illnesses that we experience as a result of emotions, fears and phobias can benefit from Bhakti, Mantra or Yantra Yoga.
4. Wisdom Body – Housed in the Third Eye center, this is the area of intuition, the higher mind, discernment. Yoga techniques of particular benefit to the wisdom body is Jnana Yoga as well as Dharana and Dhyana meditations.
5. Spiritual Body – when ailments occur as a result of unresolved issues in the spiritual body, Bhakti yoga is beneficial as well as Sangha meditations and mantras to connect to the Divine.  

 
There are thousands of yoga practices available and each one can be particularly beneficial during different times in our lives. Finding a yoga guru can be profoundly helpul. Check out gaia.com for help finding a yoga teacher and style that suits you best.