FAQ

No, they are not the same. A Yoga Therapist undergoes extensive training including:

• Minimum 1000 hours of rigorous training in Yoga techniques post the initial 200 hours to become a certified Yoga trainer.
• At least 144 hours of clinical training in a hospital setting with real-life patient experience.
• Completion of a dissertation and publication of research papers.
• Sound knowledge of various medical conditions.
• In-depth understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics.

On the other hand, a Yoga Trainer focuses primarily on physical practices with knowledge typically gained through self-study and teaching in group classes without necessarily being aware of the contraindications of various practices.

Yoga Therapy is:

• Clinical and personalized.
• Science-based (evidence-based).
• Holistic, integrating various aspects:
  • Asana
  • Pranayama (breathing techniques)
  • Body purification techniques (Shatkriya)
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Various types of meditation
  • Somatic therapy (e.g., acupressure, mantra healing, Nadanusandhan etc.)
  • Counselling (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy)
  • Diet tailored to age, gender, profession, physical activities, and condition
• Complementary and can be practiced alongside allopathic treatments.

Yes, there is a difference. Asanas are static stretching procedures done effortlessly, slowly, and smoothly with complete awareness of the body, breath, and mind. They provide a healthy mind and body for higher spiritual practices and impact all levels of existence (Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vigyanamaya, and Anandmaya Kosha). Exercises, on the other hand, are aimed primarily at the physical level.

Yes, there is a difference. Pranayama are controlled breathing techniques involving four phases: inspiration, retention, and expiration & bandhas. Their purpose is to gain control over the autonomic nervous system and influence mental functions and energy flow. Breathing exercises, however, typically involve simple inhalation and exhalation (abdominal, thoracic, and clavicular breathing) and are aimed at physical benefits.

Evidence-based therapy is based on well-documented research and proven by various studies on large sample sizes, making it scientific.

The IAYT model addresses imbalances in human well-being across various levels of existence, known as the Pancha Kosha. These five levels are:

• Annamaya Kosha (physical level)
• Pranamaya Kosha (energy level)
• Manomaya Kosha (emotional level)
• Vigyanamaya Kosha (intellectual level)
• Anandamaya Kosha (bliss level)

All these yogic kriyas involve abdominal muscles and promote peristaltic movement.

Common points: Both are diaphragmatic exercises.

• Differences:
  • Uddiyana is stationary, while Kapalabhati involves movement of abdominal muscles with each breath.
  • Uddiyana can be done sitting or standing, but Kapalabhati is done sitting, preferably in Padmasana.
  • In Kapalabhati, the chest remains elevated while the abdomen moves. In Uddiyana, the abdomen is passive, and the chest expands without air intake.

Common points: Both are performed after complete exhalation.

• Differences:
  • Uddiyana involves mock inhalation, while Agnisara avoids it.
  • Uddiyana keeps abdominal muscles relaxed, while Agnisara keeps them contracted.
  • Uddiyana gives a concave appearance to the abdomen, unlike Agnisara.
  • In Uddiyana, the position is maintained, whereas Agnisara involves vigorous abdominal movement.

Common Points: Both can be practiced sitting or standing and are done under exhalatory retention.

• Differences:
  • Uddiyana is a preliminary practice for Nauli, which involves isolation and rolling of abdominal rectic.
  • Nauli generates greater negative pressure in internal cavities.

Common points: Both are practiced under exhalation and involve abdominal muscles.

• Differences:
  • Agnisara involves mock exhalation, while Nauli requires mock inhalation for recti isolation.

Yogic practices include:

• Asanas
• Pranayamas
• Bandhas
• Mudras
• Kriyas
• Meditation
• Attitude training practices -- All these practices are psychophysical in nature.

Asanas: Aim for holistic well-being, balancing body, mind, and spirit, promoting flexibility, inner peace, and mental clarity.

Exercises: Focus on physical fitness, improving strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health, and achieving tangible physical results.

Asanas: Involve holding static poses performed slowly and with control, emphasizing alignment and breath awareness.

Exercises: Include dynamic, repetitive movements such as running, jumping, and lifting weights, requiring fast, vigorous motion.

Asanas: Integrate breath control (pranayama) as a fundamental aspect, with a focus on relaxation and concentration.

Exercises: While some incorporate breathing techniques, breath control is not usually the primary focus.

Asanas: Emphasize mindfulness and mental focus, promoting a meditative state and reducing stress.

Exercises: Focus on physical exertion and performance, with less emphasis on mindfulness.

Asanas: Enhance flexibility, balance, and internal bodily functions, with a gentle approach to minimize strain.

Exercises: Build muscle strength, increase cardiovascular fitness, and improve endurance, which can sometimes lead to strain or injury.

Asanas: Provide mental and spiritual benefits, such as stress reduction and emotional stability, preparing the body for meditation.

Exercises: Primarily provide physical benefits, though they can improve mood and reduce stress through endorphin release.

Asanas: Part of a broader yoga practice that includes ethical principles, breath control, concentration, and meditation.

Exercises: Often part of a fitness routine that includes various physical activities focused on physical health and performance.

Asanas: Easily adapted to suit individual needs and abilities, accessible to a wide range of practitioners.

Exercises: May require specific levels of fitness or ability, with some high-intensity routines not suitable for everyone.