Yoga Philosophy and Mental Health
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Yoga and Meditation for Anxiety Disorders course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Yoga Philosophy and Mental Health Glossary #
Yoga Philosophy and Mental Health Glossary
A #
A
Asana #
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. These postures are designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Asanas are an essential part of yoga practice and are often used to support mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
Anxiety Disorders #
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Yoga and meditation are effective complementary therapies for managing anxiety disorders.
B #
B
Breath Awareness #
Breath awareness is a mindfulness technique that involves focusing on the breath as a way to anchor the mind in the present moment. This practice can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote mental clarity. In yoga philosophy, breath awareness is an essential component of pranayama practice.
C #
C
Chakra #
Chakras are energy centers located along the spine in the subtle body. In yoga philosophy, there are seven main chakras, each associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities. Balancing the chakras through yoga and meditation can support mental health and emotional well-being.
D #
D
Dharana #
Dharana is the practice of concentration or single-pointed focus. In yoga philosophy, dharana is one of the eight limbs of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Developing dharana through meditation can help calm the mind, improve focus, and reduce mental distractions.
E #
E
Emotional Regulation #
Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy and adaptive way. Yoga and meditation practices can help improve emotional regulation by increasing self-awareness, promoting relaxation, and reducing reactivity to emotional triggers.
F #
F
Flow State #
Flow state, also known as being "in the zone," is a mental state characterized by complete absorption and focus on an activity. Practicing yoga can help cultivate a flow state by promoting mindfulness, concentration, and a sense of presence in the moment.
G #
G
Grounding #
Grounding is a mindfulness practice that involves connecting with the present moment and the sensations of the body. This practice can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and increase feelings of stability and security. Grounding techniques are often used in yoga and meditation for mental health.
H #
H
Hatha Yoga #
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that focuses on the physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama). Hatha yoga practices are designed to balance the body and mind, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being. Hatha yoga can be beneficial for mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
I #
I
Interoception #
Interoception is the ability to sense and perceive internal bodily sensations. Developing interoceptive awareness through yoga and meditation can help individuals tune into their emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, leading to improved self-regulation and mental health.
J #
J
Jnana Yoga #
Jnana yoga is the path of wisdom and knowledge in yoga philosophy. Practitioners of jnana yoga seek self-realization through intellectual inquiry, self-reflection, and study of sacred texts. Jnana yoga practices can help cultivate mental clarity, discernment, and insight.
K #
K
Kundalini #
Kundalini is a dormant spiritual energy located at the base of the spine. In yoga philosophy, the practice of Kundalini yoga aims to awaken this energy and move it through the chakras to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Kundalini yoga practices can help balance the mind, body, and emotions, promoting mental health and well-being.
L #
L
Limbic System #
The limbic system is a complex brain network involved in processing emotions, memories, and regulating stress responses. Yoga and meditation practices can help regulate the limbic system by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving emotional regulation.
M #
M
Mindfulness #
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindful movement, can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote emotional well-being. Mindfulness is a key component of yoga philosophy and mental health.
N #
N
Neuroplasticity #
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to new experiences, learning, and environmental changes. Yoga and meditation practices can promote neuroplasticity by enhancing brain function, improving cognitive abilities, and supporting mental health.
O #
O
Om #
Om, also spelled Aum, is a sacred sound and mantra in yoga and meditation practices. Chanting Om is believed to create a sense of unity, connection, and harmony with the universe. The vibration of Om can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.
P #
P
Pranayama #
Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga. Pranayama techniques involve regulating the breath to increase energy flow, promote relaxation, and balance the mind and body. Pranayama practices can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support mental health.
Q #
Q
Qi #
Qi, also spelled chi or ki, is the vital life force energy that flows through the body in traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern philosophies. In yoga and meditation practices, cultivating and balancing qi can promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
R #
R
Relaxation Response #
The relaxation response is a physiological state of deep relaxation that counteracts the body's stress response. Yoga and meditation practices can help elicit the relaxation response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones, and promoting calmness and well-being.
S #
S
Samadhi #
Samadhi is the state of complete absorption and union with the divine in yoga philosophy. Achieving samadhi through meditation leads to a profound sense of oneness, peace, and spiritual awakening. Samadhi is considered the ultimate goal of yoga practice for mental health and spiritual growth.
T #
T
Transcendental Meditation #
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a popular meditation technique that involves silently repeating a mantra to achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. TM practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote mental clarity and well-being.
U #
U
Ujjayi Breath #
Ujjayi breath is a pranayama technique that involves breathing slowly and deeply through the nose while constricting the back of the throat. Ujjayi breath is often used in yoga practices to calm the mind, regulate the breath, and promote relaxation and mental focus.
V #
V
Vagus Nerve #
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve that connects the brain to the body's major organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Stimulating the vagus nerve through yoga and meditation practices can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.
W #
W
Wellness Wheel #
The wellness wheel is a holistic model that encompasses various dimensions of well-being, including physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects. Yoga and meditation practices can help balance the wellness wheel by promoting overall health and vitality in all areas of life.
X #
X
Xenophobia #
Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners or people from different cultures. Yoga and meditation practices can help reduce xenophobia by promoting empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
Y #
Y
Yama #
Yama refers to the ethical guidelines outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The five yamas include ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (moderation), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Practicing the yamas in daily life can help cultivate moral integrity, compassion, and mental well-being.
Z #
Z
Zen #
Zen is a school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and self-realization. Zen practices, such as zazen (sitting meditation) and koan study, can help cultivate mental clarity, insight, and inner peace. Zen teachings are often integrated into yoga and meditation practices for mental health and spiritual growth.