Koshas: The layers of well-being

In the panchamaya kosha model, each of the koshas describe the five layers of the body from the more gross to the more subtle. Each layer is interrelated to the others, so both imbalance in one or more layers as well as practices to alleviate those imbalances will have a ripple effect through all of the other layers (Finlayson & Robertson, 2021).  The panchamaya kosha model provides a framework for an individual and her yoga therapist to investigate each layer’s unique contribution to health and well-being (Sullivan & Robertson, 2020). It is a holistic approach to wellness that considers the multidimensional experience of the physical body (annamaya kosha), the breath or energetic body (pranamaya kosha), the mental and emotional layer (manomaya kosha), the wisdom or higher mind (vijnanamaya kosha), and social/spiritual connection (anandamaya kosha) (Finlayson & Robertson, 2021).

Through this lens, each of the layers of health will be assessed at the beginning and throughout the yoga therapy partnership. Personalized practices are selected to create meaningful change and support the client’s overall well-being.

Resources:

Finlayson, D. & Roberston, L. C. H. (2021). Yoga therapy foundations, tools, and practice: A comprehensive textbook. Singing Dragon.

Sullivan, M. & Robertson, L. C. H. (2020). Understanding yoga therapy. Routledge.