Shanti Yoga – How To Do And What Are Its Benefits?
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Being at peace is the best thing possible. ‘Shanti,’ as you know, is a Sanskrit word that comes from ‘Shantham,’ meaning peace, and practicing Shanti Yoga gives you exactly that.
It is not a simple method, mind you. The training involves becoming physically, mentally, and spiritually intact. The effort is entirely worth it, though. Having your energies in sync is great, and it is an experience that cannot be described in words.
Curious to try it, aren’t you? We got everything you need to know about it, right here. Read on.
What Is Shanti Yoga?
Shanti Yoga is a style developed by Shanti Gowan, a well-known yoga guru based in Australia. Born and brought up in India, she is well-versed with the concept of yoga and Ayurveda and tweaked it to develop Shanti Yoga.
Shanti Yoga heals physical pain and reduces emotional issues. It is a holistic cure and brings about complete wellness. To top it all, Shanti Yoga is gentle, easy, and simple.
This style works on your body, mind, and spirit. The physical aspects of the method include gentle and relaxing exercises that strengthen your joints, muscles, and bones.
After fixing the physical aspects, it works on your emotional well-being through meditation and yogic breath. The alignment of the physical and the mental is what makes Shanti Yoga stand apart.
Shanti Yoga is a combination of breath, yoga poses, and meditation. It helps in healing through concentration, consciousness, and awareness of the body.
All this, combined with Ayurveda, makes Shanti Yoga complete and the best. Let’s take a look at its process.
Shanti Yoga Practice
Shanti Yoga practice involves three steps, which are outer yoga, inner yoga, and integral yoga.
Outer Yoga
Outer yoga is the physical aspect of Shanti Yoga. It consists of a set of yoga poses that strengthen your body and open up your core. They make your body flexible and your limbs agile.
The purpose of this is to make your outer body healthy and thereby protect and support your inner tissues.
Let’s learn about some Shanti Yoga Poses below.
- Bhujangasana (Low Cobra Pose)
- Bitilasana (Cow Pose)
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
1. Bhujangasana (Low Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana or the Low Cobra Pose is a slight variation of the Cobra Pose. Here, you don’t stretch as much as you do in the Cobra Pose. The pose resembles the raised head of a snake. Bhujangasana is an energizing backbend, and you need to hold it as long as you feel comfortable.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Bhujangasana
2. Bitilasana (Cow Pose)
Bitilasana or the Cow Pose resembles the stance of a cow, and is hence named so. The Sanskrit word ‘Bitila’ means cow. Bitilasana is a kneeling asana and works best when practiced in the morning. Hold the pose for as long as you feel comfortable in it.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Bitilasana
3. Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Padmasana or the Lotus Pose is the perfect sitting position that is also the traditional practice of sitting in ancient India. This pose is assumed to meditate. It is a more pronounced version of a simple squat. Sit in it as long as you can.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Padmasana
4. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana or the Tree Pose is a standing asana that is ideal for acquiring balance. It is practiced with the eyes open, unlike many other asanas. The asana is similar to the posture of a tree. Hold the pose till you can balance it on one leg comfortably.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Vrikshasana
5. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Adho Mukha Svanasana or the Downward Facing Dog Pose is an inverted pose that looks like a dog bending forward. Practice the asana on an empty stomach early in the morning for best results. Hold the pose as long as there is no pull, stretch, or any other pain.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Adho Mukha Svanasana
Inner Yoga
Inner Yoga is healing and strengthening your internal organs by releasing, spreading, and regulating the flow of Prana throughout your body. And that is done by the practice of Pranayama, which is yogic breathing.
Here, you are in control of the inhalation and exhalation of air and also completely aware of the process.
Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga aims to harmonize and balance the psyche and find a connection between your mind and body. Once that is achieved, you become aware of your soul and its place in the larger universal spirit.
Benefits Of Shanti Yoga
- Shanti Yoga diminishes blockages in the Prana flow and helps in spreading it to every center, every nerve ending, and every fiber of your being.
- It enhances immunity.
- It improves sleep patterns and lets you sleep better.
- It provides mental calmness.
- Shanti Yoga aids recovery from surgery or chemotherapy.
- It relieves musculoskeletal pain.
- Shanti Yoga improves the flexibility of the body and reduces stiffness.
- It heals psychosomatic disorders.
- It offers an efficient solution for weight loss and obesity.
- Shanti Yoga can cure and prevent fibromyalgia.
- It helps in joint problems, arthritis, and rehabilitation.
- Shanti yoga re-energizes the body and combats fatigue.
- It stimulates the circulation of energy in the body and enhances mental clarity.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Can I practice Shanti Yoga while recovering from an injury or operation?
Yes, but only after consulting your doctor and yoga teacher.
Is Shanti Yoga religious?
No, Shanti Yoga has spiritual elements that help you better yourself.
A combination of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness is the best way to live, and when there is a tried and tested method easily available that can help you achieve it, you should get to learn and practice it immediately. Make Shanti Yoga a part of your life, and you won’t regret it. Go on.
