Yogic Exercises for Meridian Therapy · Angela Patriarca, LAc.
DEVELOPING THE PHYSICAL BODY
Priming the “body” for asanas
“Body” means 5 koshas
In yogic terms, the body is composed of 5 layers, or sheaths, which are inseparable from one another: Annamaya (Physical), Pranamaya (Energetic/Pranic), Mannomaya (Mental/Emotional), Vijnana (Wisdom/Awareness), Anandamaya (Bliss). This means that any adjustment to the outer layer can affect the inner layers and vice versa.
The yoga practitioner aims to synchronize the harmony between these layers through regulation of body, breath, and mental focus. On the surface, this practice appears to mostly improve the physical body. However, the uniqueness of this system is that all 3 of the outermost sheaths are addressed equally and in progression with one another. One is not sacrificed for the other. As a result, the total consciousness of the body is naturally awakened.
