Yoga As Therapy

Yoga is an art/science that is increasingly becoming more recognized for it's therapeutic value. Some view Yoga as a religion. This could not be further from the truth. Yoga is actually a technology that enhances the practitioner's ability to realize their highest human potential. The mind and body are developed through the practice of various exercises specifically designed and perfected over thousands of years.

Various cultures have contributed to the perfection of Yogic philosophy, technique and science. The ancient Egyptians of Northeastern Africa were among the earliest practitioners. There, Yoga was used as a means of bringing health and vitality to the physical body and training the mind in the techniques of concentration and extra-sensory perception. Young people being educated in the ancient Egyptian system of higher knowledge called the "Mystery System" by Egyptologists, had to acquire a high level of competency in Yoga before they were considered mentally and spiritually prepared to master the rigors of mathematics, engineering, medicine, astronomy, astrology, architecture, literature, religion, metaphysics, ethics and philosophy.

The ancient Egyptians or Kamites as they called themselves, perceived that part of their purpose in life was to become "One With the Creator". Everything that they did in life needed to reflect the perfection, order and balance that the Creator manifested throughout nature and the universe. In order to realize that goal as many people as possible, especially those who were to become the leaders of society had to manifest that perfection inside of themselves in order to radiate it outside, through their works in society.
They believed that unless a person was physically, mentally and spiritually healthy that he/she could not reach the state of perfection which was called MAAT, universal balance, harmony and order. In order to reach this state practitioners of Yoga abstained from alcohol and unhealthy foods. They practiced Yoga postures and movements that strengthened the body, increased flexibility, blood circulation and the efficient functioning of the internal organs. Deep breathing exercises and meditation was practiced in order to develop relaxation, concentration and control over the thoughts and emotions. All of these practices together resulted in placing the practitioner in a state of complete transcendence of all of the forces that lead to disease, negative behaviors and addictions.

<<NEXT>>