Session with Ganesh Mohan bio registration
“Just as various medicines and other measures are prescribed by physicians for curing the illnesses of those who are unwell, the revered Patanjali, in his sutras, has made clear various methods to heal the illnesses of the body through the practice of the limbs of yoga. Among these many methods, the important are—
If yoga is practiced in the absence of these disciplines, without knowing the correct methods of practice, illnesses will not be healed as said the ancient texts.”
– Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Yogavalli - Sutra 1.34
Yoga is an ancient science, dating back to thousands of years in the past. In simple words, the essence of classical yoga is the process of bringing the mind under complete control. It is the ultimate path to tranquility, mental balance and clarity. However, this is impossible without bodily health and well-being. Ill health is the greatest barrier to a tranquil mind. Therefore, yoga involves consideration of body health, and the various other factors that influence it, like diet and lifestyle as well.
Yoga offers valuable, unique, effective and rational methods and practices to regain and enhance health in body and tranquility in mind. The scope of yoga is vast—it has something to offer at every stage in life, for everyone.
The ancient science of traditional Indian medicine is known as Ayurveda, literally translated as “the knowledge of life”. Ayurveda effectively complements the physical and mental therapeutic practices of yoga. Yoga and Ayurveda provide a holistic approach to health and well-being. Together, they form a comprehensive and integrated system—both in maintaining health and in resolving conditions of ill-health.
In this workshop, we will explore the fundamentals of using Yoga and Ayurveda in their authentic application, with a rational basis to address conditions of ill-health.
There will be practical case examples in the workshops. One major structural, functional and psychological condition will be discussed (e.g. scoliosis, hypertension and depression).
Topics covered in this comprehensive workshop will be: The Basis of Yoga and Ayurveda as Therapy: Six Factors that Influence Health:
We will discuss each of these concisely and review the tools that yoga and Ayurveda offer to heal illness and restore wellness using each of these areas.
The science in using asanas is in understanding the movements and breathing that will be useful in addressing a specific health condition. The art is in weaving those movements and breathing into a balanced practice suitable for that individual.
The relevance of the principles of movement and breathing in a therapeutic context will be discussed first, followed by assessment of the problem and person, sequencing and personalization of the practice to suit the person and the condition.
The science of pranayama is vast. This session will explore important points on how pranayama should be used to handle persons with specific health conditions.
Sound yoga psychology based on the Yogasutras will be presented. Links to Ayurveda and how mental illness is approached in Ayurveda will be discussed.
There are sensible guidelines in Ayurveda regarding the role of diet, especially, followed by lifestyle and environment, in maintaining health and in treating disease. This session will mainly focus on the fundamentals of the approach of Ayurveda and the basis of Ayurvedic dietetics.
This session will discuss the practical use of the connection between yoga and Ayurveda and explain the role of other concepts such as cakras and prana, with emphasis on how they relate to therapy.