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| Integral Yoga |
The Theory Underlying Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga represents a rich synthesis of the major principles of yoga. This style of yoga is characterized by its practical, simple, and systematic approach to the practice of yoga. Dean Ornish, M.D., who is famous for developing his healthy lifestyle program for reversing heart disease, studied Integral Yoga. It is this approach to yoga that forms one of the key components in his healthy lifestyle program.
The three foundational practices of Integral Yoga are asana practice, pranayama, and meditation. Practice of the physical asana postures purifies, aligns, and strengthens the body.
Pranayama, or the practice of breath control, is used to draw the mind and senses inward in order to progress up the higher rungs of the eight-limbed ladder of yoga. Meditation allows practitioners to connect to the divinity within.
The Integral Yoga approach to yoga emphasizes the accessibility and practicality of this ancient practice. It recognizes that many people come to yoga seeking relief from stress and fatigue. Integral Yoga uses hatha yoga as a doorway to yoga practice. The emphasis is on ease and comfort in performing the asanas. Pranayama and meditation receive equal weighting with asana practice within the Integral Yoga system.
In addition to these foundational practices, Integral Yoga teaches a variety of other practices and principles that are associated with a yoga lifestyle. These include relaxation techniques, vegetarian diet and cooking, as well as a yoga lifestyle training program.
