What is Yoga Cikitsā?

Cikitsā is a Sanskrit term broadly defined as "therapy," but it is also understood as the application of awareness or care. It is a prominent concept in all major Ayurvedic texts, many of which include a Cikitsā Sthana or "section related to therapy." Cikitsā refers to any type of treatment or therapy aimed at correcting an imbalance or managing a specific disease.

Yoga Cikitsā is a holistic approach to healing that encompasses all aspects of a person’s well-being. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the human body is a unique combination of the five elements (Pañcamahābhūta – space, air, fire, water, and earth) and the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which are dynamic forces influencing the body’s characteristics and functions. Imbalances in these elements can lead to disease. In this context, Yoga Cikitsā involves the application of specific yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques designed to restore the balance of the elements, thereby promoting physical and mental health.

From a yogic perspective, Yoga Cikitsā is more than just a physical practice; it is a therapeutic method addressing the body, mind, and spirit. Physical postures (asanas) are designed to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and restore flexibility and strength. Breathing exercises (pranayama) help calm the mind, reduce stress, and balance the body’s energy. Meditation, on the other hand, cultivates mindfulness and awareness, which are essential for mental and spiritual well-being.

Viewed from both Ayurvedic and yogic perspectives, Yoga Cikitsā seeks to achieve a state of harmony and balance within the individual. It is an integrative approach to healing that addresses not only physical ailments but also mental and spiritual imbalances. By incorporating the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, one can attain a state of complete health and well-being.