Find out about the theory, philosophy and practice of Yoga
Here are a list of yoga essays and articles written by Wirral based yoga teacher, Justine Aldersey-Williams for her British Wheel of Yoga Diploma course. It is advisable to read these articles in order. If you would like to be notified when a new article is posted, please visit the contact page and complete the form to join the mailing list.
Yoga Related Anatomy and Physiology
- Stress and the Autonomic Nervous System - find out how stress affect us
mentally and physically and how yoga can alleviate its effects
- The Respiratory System - find out what effects yoga has upon internal and external respiration
Hatha Yoga
- Theory of the Pranic Body - an introduction to the different aspects of Prana describing the Pancha Vayus or 'five winds'
- Hathayogapradipika - a historical background to this classical yoga text expounded by Swatmarama
- Nadis, Granthis, Chakras and Kundalini - forms of energy as documented in the HYP (Hathayogapradipika)
- Pancha Kosha or Five Sheaths of the Energy Body - a description of the five layers of the Pranic body
- Kriyas - find out about kriya, its purpose, methods and precautions
- Pranayama - definition, purpose and methodology of breathing technqiues known as pranayama
- Mudra and Bandha - historical background and everyday uses of yoga hand positions and energy locks
Yoga Philosophy
- Vedanta Philosophy - a brief background of The Upanishads, along with an examination of some of the key themes
- Bhagavad Gita - a presentation on Bhakti Yoga - the yoga of devotion
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 1 - an overview of the historical background with links to Samkhyan philosophy
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 2 - a brief summary of the four chapters
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 3 -Kleshas
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 4 - Kriya Yoga
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 5 - Yamas and Niyamas
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 6 - Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, concentration, meditation and absorption
Other Yoga Related Essays
- Mantra - definition, history and the significance of 'OM'
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