Ancient Vedic wisdom states that “the foundation of Yoga should be Ayurveda, and the fruit of Ayurveda should be yoga.” Therefore, yoga supports the Ayurvedic method and vice versa. They complement each other on the path to becoming a complete individual. The word yoga derives from Sanskrit and means union or connection. It refers to the connection of body, mind, and soul. Asana, Pranayama, and meditation serve as different tools to achieve this unity. These allow individuals to connect with their soul, their ego, their true self, or their inner identity, and create awareness.

Asana

Asanas are body postures through which the practitioner enhances mental characteristics and attitudes. Each posture directs more Prana to specific parts of the body, irradiating the relevant Nadi and Chakras involved. Therefore, the postures are not just complex gymnastic exercises but tools to channel energy into different parts of the body.
For the proper practice of Asanas, the practitioner must adopt the right attitude, in line with the eight limbs described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sūtra.

Yoga Asana

The purpose of Asanas is to stabilize the state of Yoga. YOGA means union—the experience of silence and calmness of the mind. In the absolute state of equilibrium, Yoga achieves the goal of the Asanas. The body’s administrator, the mind, must be in harmony with the cosmic administrator, so that any fluctuations of the mind are always aligned with the cosmic mind. The purpose of Asanas is to stabilize any position of the mind with the position of infinity. This means that one must create a habit, through Asanas, where any position of the body is always in tune with the physiology of the cosmos.
Asanas are defined as:

Sthir – Sukham – Asanam
Sthir: Stable
Sukham: Pleasant, complete self-sufficiency
Asanam: Seated, immobile position.
Yoga: Union

According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, two conditions are necessary for the correct execution of Asanas: Relaxation of activity and boundlessness. Both conditions must be simultaneous. The purpose of Asanas is to stabilize the physiology at the level of cosmic physiology, at the level of the cosmic mind, stabilized in self-sufficiency, in immortality, with the mind and body in good condition and stability.
“Those who master the Asanas, master the world.” The goal is the coordination between mind and body. Even the practice of Asanas elevates the state of consciousness.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a set of breathing techniques that allows the accumulation and utilization of prana. By controlling the breath, the practitioner can purify the body and mind.

Relaxation

Relaxation techniques are an important part of Hatha Yoga. Relaxation, according to this type of yoga, consists of a regenerative pause between one activity and another, which is very different from laziness and idleness, which are based on the refusal of work. Relaxation exercises work on both a physical and mental level; they generally follow the work done with postures and breathing exercises and are a prelude to meditation techniques.

Yoga must serve the individual

“Yoga must serve the individual, not the other way around.” This central idea of the great Indian yoga teacher T.K.V. Desikachar is also the commitment of our yoga teachers. Specifically, this means that exercises must be adapted to the individual’s needs. Yoga takes into account their individual physical requirements, and this is considered in the practice. This is especially true for beginners. With the help of our yoga teachers, you will be able to try gentle exercises for the body and learn how beneficial Asanas are for both body and mind.

What beginners learn

The focus of the exercises is on Asanas, which can be easily performed, such as the sun salutation, the cobra, or knee press. These movement elements are complemented by breathing and relaxation sessions.
With Asanas, a specific position should be maintained for some time. Our yoga teachers ensure that the physical exercises are performed consciously and mindfully, step by step. During these holding phases, yoga students will be able to discover how to release tension. The breath shows them the way: it should flow calmly and sometimes with strength. These exercises can also be performed by our guests later at home. Important: slow movements should be made, and nothing should ever be forced.