HOLY YOGA MASTERS STUDY: THE HEALING ART of THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS by Gina Tricamo, M-HYT 2 Corinthians 7:1 Lets

make a clean break with everything or anything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Lets make our entire lives fit, and holy temples for the worship of God. Ephesians 4: 16 His very breath and blood flows through us, nourishing us so that we grow up healthy in God, robust in Love! Definition of Therapeutic and Application: Therapeutic A medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieves pain; something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease, pain and/or discomfort The act of caring for someone through gentle healing hands and curative powers
Audio English.net

Application the act of applying (sincere hard efforts) to a particular purpose To preserver; diligent effort or concentration for the sole purpose healing
Word English Dictionary

Discussion: We have been cloaked with the armor of God through our Holy Yoga Masters studies as each session has been a gleaning from the sacred scriptures, the study of in-depth educational materials, and the sharing of our belief values of a Christ-centered therapeutic yoga practice. We have made the commitment to remain steadfast this past year in order to be fully present physically and mentally, as God continues to reveal his plan for us, and prepare our unique spirits to receive the fullness of His purpose as Holy Yoga Therapist.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.(NLT) I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (MSG) Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.(NIV) If people cant see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed. (MSG) It is with a hope and a future we have taken this journey and remained committed to the process of the Holy Yoga Masters program; deepening our faith-filled vision to be fully equipped to minister to believers, seekers and those in-between who are in quest of healing physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually through the healing art of the therapeutic applications of holy yoga. Let us look at the three dynamics that scripture inspires us to seek in taking the steps forward, in God-confidence, to respond to the calling of our holy yoga therapy ministry: Definition of VISION Supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation Something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially a A thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination A manifestation to the senses of something immaterial Unusual discernment or foresight Direct mystical awareness of the supernatural

Note: Recommended viewing of the movie, Vision the Life of Hildegard Van Bingen and/or read attached writing on the Christian Mystic Visionary, Hildegard Van Bingen

Definition of HOPE To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment To have confidence; trust A wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment In Christianity the theological virtue is defined as the desire and

search for a future good, difficultbut not impossible to attain with God's help Definition of FUTURE . The indefinite time yet to come Something that will happen in time to come A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development.

Spiritual Therapeutic Application It is the vision to bring health and wellness through the weaving of the Holy Scriptures and applying yoga therapy as part of the healing arts in relationship to what Jesus commanded us to do. Matthew 10:8 Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.(MSG) Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse the lepers; drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Amplified)

Jesus Commanded Hands-on Healing:

HEALING IN THE NAME OF JESUS - H EAL I N G M I N I STR I E S ; P U BLI SH ED B AY SI N GER 01/08/10
BY

J ER R Y

Jerry Baysinger, Pastor and Healer, shares his testimony of Calling in the Name of Jesus through hands-on prayers and healing: The Lord Jesus called me to a healing ministry in 1993. Through the years Ive had opportunity to speak to many ministers and read many books about healing, but most spoke about praying for the sick, and it didnt seem to produce a great percentage of results. It made me wonder why all these prayers werent getting the sick healed. Most of my Bible study is spent in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why? Because I want to know how Jesus did things, and what He taught His disciples to do. One day when asking the Lord why so many people were not being healed these days, the Holy Spirit impressed very strongly on me, I didnt tell my disciples to pray for the sick. I told them HEAL the sick. I did a search through the Gospels looking for every time that Jesus prayed

for the sick, and could not find any. Nor could I find any place where Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for the sick. However, He did command them in Matthew 10:8, Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Obviously, if Jesus commanded the disciples to heal the sick, then the backing from heaven was there to do it, otherwise Jesus would have been at fault for commanding them to do something they were not empowered or enabled to do. Then revelation became clear to me, Jesus never once prayed for the sick, asking His Father to heal them. He simply commanded them to be healed, or said I will, be thou healed, and it was done. Sometimes He rebuked a sickness and it left, such as when He rebuked a fever from Peters mother-inlaw. This may strike you as being very controversial, and out there on the edge. But what Im telling you is absolutely scriptural, please, check it out for yourself. Many have been the prayers sent up for the sick through the ages, and through the mercy of God in answer to those praying, there have been people healed. But there is a better way, and its the way Jesus healed, and instructed His disciples to do. Did Jesus pray? Yes, of course, the Bible says he sometimes stayed up all night praying to His Father. Was He asking His Father to heal people? Not that the Bible shows. He was simply communicating with His Father in heaven, worshipping Him and seeking His Fathers will. In John 5:19-21 it is written, Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickened them; even so the Son quickened whom he will. When the Lord Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He prayed, but not asking God to raise Lazarus. He just commanded Lazarus to come forth. And he did, too. Lets read about it in John 15:41-44, Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead were laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, loose him, and let him go. We know the Lord Jesus healed people because of His great compassion, but also to prove He was who He said He was. Some people say Jesus healed because He was the Son of God. Theres no arguing with that. But later when Jesus empowered His disciples to heal, in Matthew 10:8, that opened the door for ALL of Jesus disciples (thats you and me) to be empowered to

heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. Jesus said Freely ye have received, freely give. How can we know this command is to us today? It is written in Acts 2:36-39, Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. With the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost, comes the power unto the believer. We need to be using that power to do the works that the Lord Jesus commanded us, including healing the sick. But how freely have we been giving out healing? How many lepers have been cleansed? How many dead raised? Not very many. Yes, weve prayed a lot, but looking back, how convincing are the results? I propose to you that most of Jesus followers since the early church have not been taking advantage of the resources the Lord Jesus made available to them. Once in a while there have been those who through much study and prayer and revelation, have operated powerfully in areas not even touched by the majority of believers. And it isnt because it isnt available to all of Jesus followers, its because they fail to believe its for them. You cant operate in a gift of God if you dont believe you have it. Lets look at an example written of the disciple Peter, in Acts 9:36-40. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping and sewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter had been with Jesus, and heard His teachings. After Peter received the Holy Spirit, and the power thereof, he healed the sick and raised the dead,

even after Jesus had returned to heaven. The Apostle Paul was not a follower of Jesus until after Jesus had ascended into heaven, yet the power of the Holy Ghost was in Paul to heal, we can read of an example in Acts 28:8: And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. I want you to notice something here; Paul prayed, then laid his hands on him AND healed him. It doesnt say he prayed asking God TO heal him. We dont actually know WHAT Paul prayed, it doesnt say. But I focus on the part where it says AND HEALED HIM. That was an act of obedience by walking in the authority granted him by Christ Jesus. The custom of praying for the sick may have been started by James, who wrote the first book in the New Testament. It is written in James 5:14-15, Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. I dont necessarily see anything in these verses that indicate the person was physically healed by the prayer of faith, simply that the sick would be saved, and the Lord shall raise him up (at the last day), and his sins shall be forgiven him. The context of this passage was talking about salvation. But healing comes by command as Jesus taught His disciples. Its time we stopped praying for the sick and started HEALING them, according to the commandment of Jesus. Remember, YOU are not the healer, CHRIST JESUS is. Youre merely His servant here on earth, carrying out His work.

Reflection notes:

The Roots of Yoga as Medicine

Georg Feuerstein, a German-Jew scholar, in his research indicated that yoga dated back to the seventh millennium B.C.E. and that India, being one of the oldest world cultures, adapted the gift of yoga. The ancient yogis did not have advanced technology and depended on their innate ability of observation of what the body and mind was experiencing through the process of learning how to use their breath, stretch muscles, open the joints, align the bones and mimicked postures of animals as they twisted and turned, standing on their heads and bending forward and backward. It was not until Swami Vivekananda brought the message and practice of yoga to the United Stated in 1893 at the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago, that the western world began to implement the practice of yoga into health and wellness lifestyles. Yoga vs. Yoga Therapy How do we define the difference from a tradition yoga practice to a therapeutic yoga practice, as we are prepared to step out with our new holy yogi garments in the various arenas of our global communities? Dr. Timothy McCall, M.D. stated, Yoga is a systematic technology to improve the body, understand the mind and free the spirit. We know through regular practice yoga strengthens and calms the nervous system, increases blood flow to internal organs, brings oxygen to cells, clears the mind of cluttering thoughts and brings focus, and cultivates a spiritual awakening. Psalm 118:14 Awake my Soul, Awake
my Song, awake my Strength!

The practice of yoga has life-changing potentials beyond the scope of just working it out on the mat! Through specific poses, breathing techniques and a deeper spiritual connection many ailments and issues can be treated. Below is a testimony how one woman discovered physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness through seeking the practice of yoga to heal her during a critical period in her life.
Testimony: Delores Johnson, a glowing 42 year woman, emanated a sense of inner strength, gratefulness and joy. She was brought to her knee in desperation to seek a peace that surpassed all understanding and to the yoga mat after discovering she was infected with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Her mother died from breast cancer when she was 15 years old. Two years

later her father was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died. In 1990, Delores and her husband were tested positive for HIV. Previous to their marriage, her husbands deceased wife had been infected by a blood transfusion during her long battle with Hodgkins disease. Deloress husband died in 1999. The year prior to his death she was invited by a friend to go to a yoga class. She figured it would help her deal with the stress of caring for her ailing husband, working at a demanding job and coping with her own health opportunity. During savasana she found herself in tearsshe wasnt upset or angryshe felt relieved and deeply spiritually connected. In 2002, in spite of her diagnosis some 15 years earlier, she was off all HIV drugs without any decline in her T-cell count, and with her doctors blessings. She was thriving on a combination of yoga, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, Scripture reading, meditation and prayer!

The implementation of yoga therapy has had noteworthy outcome as indicated in the following tables, which list various health opportunities/conditions and results in which yoga therapy had significant improvement: (please refer to attached Table 1 and Table 2 for review) Yoga therapy is not the same thing as taking a yoga class. Perhaps it is important to note, if one does have a serious medical conditions and the teacher is not aware of those dynamics, the problem could possible worsen or become compounded with on-sets of other issues. For example, one with a suppressed immune system may become more exhausted and depleted in the energy fields that they are working so hard to maintain and keep in state of homeostasis. Therapeutic yoga is a hands-on approach to work one-on-one with an individual or in an intimate small group with clients dealing with similar health opportunities. The process is a more subtle approach to bring awareness of breath and sensations in the muscles and joints, as well as the space within the inner mind and spirit. There is a strong emphasis in relaxation, especially with patients that are serious ill and have sustained extreme medical treatments such as chemotherapy or during post-operative recuperation. Therapeutic applications are based on the clients needs, abilities and responses along with continual observation by the Yoga Therapist to make adaptations or eliminate contraindications. Definition of Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is an adaptation of classic yoga practices to facilitate healing Yoga encompasses a wide range of practices including physical postures, breathing sequences, and mind based exercises (i.e., meditation) to reduce symptoms, eliminate stress, increase vitality, and to enhance many basic physical and mental processes.

Yoga Therapy focuses on the progressive path of yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of yoga: the awakening of the Spirit which is part of our essential relationship with God. The healing journey is unique to each individual and Yoga Therapy therefore selects, adapts and modifies the practices of yoga appropriately for the individual with respect to age, culture, and specific physical challenges and conditions to facilitate optimal health and healing of the body/mind. The Yoga therapy process begins with a thorough description of the students present status - at the physical, mental/psychological, cognitive and spiritual levels. It takes into consideration the student's Ayurvedic constitution, specific in areas of physical and psychological strength and weakness, the role of stress and areas of separation in the life of the student. It then looks at which facets of yoga would facilitate optimal wellness and finally designs a program of yoga practice to meet the needs and goals of the student. In order to take steps that best assist in the process of healing, an Assessment Intake Form has been developed that works affectively in discerning a plan of action and designing a program for therapeutic yoga application that best meets the specific health and wellness goals the client(s) desires to fulfill. (Please refer to attached Intake Form)

The Role of the Yoga Therapist

The yoga therapist serves as a non-judgmental guide or mentor in the student's journey of healing and self discovery Rather than offering a diagnosis and treatment for a specific condition, the yoga therapist creates a safe learning environment where the student can participate and recall his/her own innate healing abilities The teacher creates a safe space for the process of moving from detachment to connection through remembering, grieving, accepting and embracing a place of inner peace, balance, awareness and wholeness Yoga Therapist views each person as an expression and reflection of infinite possibilitiesall things are possible through Christ Jesus!

Possibilities of Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy has tremendous potential to facilitate an important role in the evolving field of healthcare. The scope of the yoga therapist will include offering yoga/wellness classes to the global communities in need, working with specific groups and individuals facing health challenges, and also providing private yoga sessions for individuals based on their particular heath opportunity and need for privacy in their healing journey. There is also a growing need for therapists who can work with those who have been injured in their own yoga practice and require a safe and effective way to continue an adaptive yoga practice. Below is a list of some places where therapeutic application can be implemented: Hospitals/Palliative Care Units Hospice and Family Grief Centers Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centers Mental/Cognitive Behavioral Day Treatment Centers Rehabilitation Facilities Juvenile Detention Facilities/Adult Detention Facilities Foster Care Non Profit Centers HIV/AIDS Resource Centers Cancer Treatment Centers

Note: You can go on the Holy Yoga Foundation webpage and find sample proposals and articles addressing implementation of adjunct yoga therapy for the above list of locations

Conceptualized Therapeutic Applications Therapeutic Breath Application - The Five Vayus

Breathe - the Vital Life Force: Ezekiel 37: 5, 6, 9-11 & 14 God, the Master told the dry bones, Watch this: Im bringing the breath of life to you and youll come to life. Ill attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. Youll come alive and youll realize that I am God. Come breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breath life! The Breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army. Ill breathe my Life into you and youll live. The Five Vayus ( Please refer to attacked Table 3 for review) PRANAVAYU These are five distinct channels in which prana (breath as vital life force energy) are distributed throughout our body systems. These vayus (winds) are energetic fields which initiate active life and passes through the body in 5 ways. The prana vayu (not to be confused with the master Prana, apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu, and vyana vayu govern different areas of the body, different physical activities and more subtle aspects of our existence. The word VAYU is comparable to nerve current, or impulse, and is also the group term for Prana. The 5 VAYUS govern the autonomic functions of the body through their controlling effect on the Autonomic Nervous System. The pranavayu is said to be the motivating dynamics to be open-hearted, exploratory, engage in heighten sensitivity and recognize the glory of life while anchoring our inner focus and calmness. When harmoniously functioning, they aid the health and strength of the body and mind. However, when not in balance, one may suffer from cravings, fall into bad habits, and battle with restless obsessions of the mind.

Descriptions of functions: UDANA - governs communication, thoughts, the senses, and vocal

chords/ speech mechanism through the cephalic (head region) divisions of the Autonomic N.S. As it is centered in the throat and head, it has a circular energy moving in a clockwise direction It also enables thoughts to be expressed, regulates the air supply and regulates the tension of the vocal chords. This VAYU is said to be responsible for the separation of the subtle body from the physical body at the time of death. Blockage in this area relates to cognition and communication. PRANA governs the heart, chest, and lungs and flows naturally in an upward movement of energy above the waist. It is responsible for circulation of the heart, respiration and the action of the voice through the cervical portion of the Autonomic N.S. Imbalance is associated with heart and lung conditions. Diminished prana vayu also creates lethargy and exhaustion. SAMANA - governs the organs of digestion through the thoracic (area between the cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae) region of the Autonomic N.S. The energy is centered in the abdomen, expands the abdominal area on inhalation and relaxes it on exhalation. Blockage can affect the digestive organs. APANA circulates and is centered below the naval into the lower abdomen and governs the organs of excretion and reproduction through the lumber portion of the Autonomic N.S. It is responsible for downward movement of energy and products of elimination, as well as childbirth. Imbalance can result in menstrual problems, sexual dysfunctions, constipation and hemorrhoids. VYANA moves prana from the core of the body out to the extremities and infuses the whole body. This vital force of energy governs the blood and lymphatic circulatory system, control muscle activity and affects the flow of the nervous system as it helps to keep the body upright by generating unconscious reflexes along the spine. It is associated with the peripheral nervous system and circulation, distributing energy derived from food and breathes to the blood vessels and nerves. Imbalance can result in poor peripheral circulation and numbness.

5 Complimentary VAYUS NAGA Governs belching

KURMA KRIKARA DEVADATTA DHANANJAYA

Governs eyelid movement Governs hunger, thirst and sneezing Governs yawning and hiccoughing Governs spasms that remain with the body even after death

PRANA ABSORBING ORGANS SKIN: Largest body organ which eliminates through its pores and absorbs solar energy (consider the sun and the air upon the skin) TONGUE: You are what you eat, we are condensed sunlight! Yogis link Prana with taste it manifests as flavour. It is said that one should chew ones food until the flavour has gone. NOSE: is your main Prana absorbing organ. 18 inhalations of 1 litre of air per minute = 13,000 in 24 hours. Compare this to water intake 2 litres? And food intake 1 kilo solid food! Nasal cavities have sensitive nerve receptors which are connected to centres in the brain and these produce deep and immediate reactions.

Therapeutic Sheaths Applications The Five Koshas The following in an integration of discussion developed from the research and reference yoga teachers toolbox by Joseph Le Page, Founder and Director of Integrated Yoga Therapy (IYT). At the heart of yoga therapy, Le Page indicated, was the need to recognize and address various levels of healing the whole person. In modern Psychology, Child Developmentalist Piaget stated how relevant it was for a person to be whole and the importance to address each unique need of the four developmental domains: physical, emotional, cognitive/intellectual and spiritual. In comparison, the ancient Psychological model of the human being is called the five koshas, which describes the person as multidimensional, with the source and foundation of the persons core being as a spiritual dimension (Jesus at the core). By using the five koshas as a starting point, yoga therapy addresses every level of the person individually and as an integrated whole. We will begin with an understanding of the roles of the five koshas as a model for working with and healing the whole person. 1. Annamayakosha (Physical Body) The first sheath relates to all the systems of the physical body, including the anatomical structures and physiological processes. It takes into

consideration the five elements of the physical body; earth, water, fire, air and space and the balance that exist between these systems. From the eastern viewpoint, the body is considered from the perspective of the three ayurvedic doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas describe the overall body type of the individual. Yoga poses are the main vehicle for balancing the physical body and ayurvedic doshas. 2. Pranamayakosha ( Energy Body ) From the eastern perspective, the body is an interconnected network of subtle energy. The proper flow of energy is necessary for maintaining good health. The energy body encompasses the pranavayus or patterns of energy within the body, the energy channels (nadhis) and the energy centers (chakras). In terms of health, the breath forms a bridge to the energy body and the breathing patterns are portholes that create vitalizing life-force. When prana is blocked or stagnant, disease occurs. Correcting the breathing patterns through yoga postures removes constriction from the chakras and opens the energy channels to circulate as God intended for our well being and wholeness. 3. Manomayakosha (Psycho-emotional Body) The third sheath, the psycho-emotional body, includes basic drives and the emotional responses associated with them. This includes thought patterns that make up the personality. This includes fight or flight response, survival and reproduction and social roles. These patterns are assessed in relation to the three gunas: rajas, tamas and sattva. The gunas are states of mind. Rajas refer to an aggressive, fiery or volatile state of mind. Tamas is a dull or lethargic state of mind. Sattva is the balanced state. Blockage in this body channel manifests initially as stress and eventually as physical or mental illness. Hatha yoga postures are a main vehicle for relieving stress and allowing relaxation. 4. Vijnyanamayakosha (Wisdom Body) The fourth sheath discernment of wisdom and intuition. At the third level, the mind functions as stimulus/response. The actor is caught inside his/her own emotional drama and cannot see beyond it. At the fourth level, were able to step out of our personal conditioning and, to some extent, look beyond our personal roles to see the larger picture of who we are in faith. This is the level of recognizing, and deconditioning our ego driven core beliefs that were either superimposed by messages or injunctions placed on us by the vital life relational groups. The insight to detect patterns of living that are emotionally painful and physically harmful (such as in addictive behaviors) is manifested through the awakening of the wisdom body. As believers we are comforted, guided and led into discernment by the Holy Spirit that

dwells in us as we await the return of Christ. This wisdom prepares the bride for the bridegroom and gives us the tenacity to remain steadfast beyond the deception of the world around us, which impacts the earthly body. Through contemplative focus and prayer we enter into the awaking of our purpose and journey towards God. 5. Anandamayakosha (Bliss Body) The fifth level is most easily explained as the level of meditation in which the mind rests in a natural state of bliss and ease. This is an important concept in terms of health and healing because it describes health as our essential nature once the confusions and distractions have been removed. As believers this is the state of grace where we sense, beyond a doubt, that we are truly made of the image and likeness of God. In this meditative state, may it be in alpha, delta or theta brainwaves, we sit content in the presence of our Divine God where we experience being fully present in the developmental domains/five koshas. Samadhi This is described as a state of intense meditation believed to lead to spiritual enlightenment. As believers this state is our prayer life through meditation and contemplation to the wonderment of the Light of the World, Jesus. John 8:12 I am the Light of the world; I provide plenty of light to live in. This final level is beyond the koshas. It is a concept of completeness and wholeness with the Divine. It is the state of mind of illumination. It describes reality as a unified field, a wholeness and completeness in which the individuals spirit has reunited with the Creator of the entire Universe, the Triune God. This is a state of embracement of the Light of the World! Psalm 121:1-2 I lift my eyes towards the hills, from where does my help and strength comes? It comes from the Creator of the entire universe. These five koshas along with Samadhi (deep meditation) provide a framework for Yoga Therapy as a healing art in the simplistic, transparent sense.

The Process of Yoga Therapy Creating a Yoga Therapy program for a specific group or individual has Five Steps: 1. The process begins by describing what is happening at all levels

of their being, using the characteristic sketches of the five koshas 2. Looking at areas of separation where is there separation from the physical body, the breath, nature, parts of ones own personality, other people and God 3. Stress is the result of separation. This step examines the role of stress in a persons life or in a particular health challenge at each level of their being 4. Determining which factors would facilitate wellness for this particular group or individual and selecting the yogic techniques that would accomplish the need(s) 5. Establish a program using these techniques which will change from session to session depending on the needs of the individual or group. This would be the plan of action for a particular class day The following are therapeutic application on how the Five-Step system could be applied in understanding and assisting the individual towards healing and wholeness: Step One Describe What is Happening Ephesians 3:20 God can do anything, you know, for more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it, not by pushing you around, but by working within us, His Spirit, deeply and gently within us. The first step is a Yoga Therapy description. Observe the person or group and ask what is going on at each level. What is happening in their physical body and their breath? How is the energy flowing in the body? What is the state of mind and emotions? What is their spiritual state in relationship to the Divine God? From a Yoga Therapy perspective, many times a health condition is a reflection of where this person is in relation to their lives both internally and externally. The assessment description in itself is a critical part of the healing process because clarifying and becoming conscious of what is happening is the first and most fundamental step of the process of change (conscious thinking). The Yoga Therapy perspective is the raising of consciousness, or heightening of awareness, to begin a focus point of the definition of health. The meaning of illness is to point us back toward greater observation, awareness and balance. Step Two Explore the Role of Separation

Mark 12:30 Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your entire mind and with all your strength. Since there is but One God we must love God unreservedly and entirely. The "heart" is mentioned as the seat of the understanding; the "soul" as the center of will and personality; the "might" as representing the outgoings and energies of all the vital powers. Step Two is a critical aspect of the heart of Yoga Therapy. The foundational source of material for eastern Yoga Therapy is the Yoga Sutras to seek console of the inability of mans fallen nature to separate from the oneness (avidya) with the Divine. For Holy Yoga Therapist it is the Holy Scriptures. This separation/detachment is believed to be the source of all forms of dis-ease. In recovery it is called a spiritual malady. For believers the One and only Source to bring us back into oneness with the Divine God is a relationship with Christ. We are reminded that every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord! (Romans 14:11) As Holy Yoga Therapist, part of the reconnection process is to meet the client, in what ever state they are in, and gentle lead and guide them therapeutically towards the Light of the World. They will then internalize and actively begin the process of reconnection and oneness with God.
Romans 8:33-39 Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christs love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins none of this fazes us because Jesus love us. Im absolutely convinced that nothing nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable absolutely nothing can get between us and Gods love because of the way the Jesus, our Master, has embraced us. (msg)

Separation is the lack of awareness of breath, origin of pain and trauma to stress. The cutting off or detachment can become the cause of psychosomatic and physical illness. How separation affects the soul in relation to the physical body is viewed as a lack of awareness or detachment from being fully present with the Divine in mind and body. Increasing body awareness can be an important step of the healing process. As the individual becomes more aware of the messages from the body, including areas of stress and tension, a foundation is created for activating the relaxation response allowing the body to return to a

state of awakening and balance and a preparedness to seek the triune God at a deeper level. How separation affects the physical body in relation to the energy body

Separation manifests as a lack of awareness of the breath as well as the flow of energy in the body. Another form of separation is separation from nature. Imagine a commuter train on a typical crowded workday. There's often a sense that no one is breathing and that the tight clothing, neckties, further restrict the flow of breath and energy. The train may be passing through beautiful natural scenery but there's a sense of separation from the outside environment. This separation from breathe, the flow of energy in the body, and the natural world are key factors in the onset of illness. How separation affects the mind and emotions Separation is almost synonymous with the "type A" personality. Its a mindset of "me against them" with fear and anxiety as a result. This separation from society at large along with a hostile attitude has been shown to be a strong factor in heart disease, cancer and other health opportunity conditions. Another form of separation is from within areas of us. These are all the aspects of us, which are repressed or denied. These unconscious beliefs form the basis of daily living patterns where we separate from other people, isolate, even from our own family, who should be the foundation of our emotional support. How separation affects the wisdom body The wisdom body is the part of us that has the ability to recognize the separation at the various levels and seek spiritual guidance to change. Without this God-given ability, we are so busy putting out self-created fires that we are unable to access whatever liberating insights might arise from within our own soul being, which is the Holy Spirits discernment, directive and inspiration to change. The Yoga Therapy process is one of de-conditioning and deprogramming the ego at the core of false belief systems.
Ezekiel 11:18-19 And when they return there they shall take away from it all traces of its detestable things and all abominations sex, impurities and heathen practice. And I will give them a one heart a new heart and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony, unnaturally hardened heart out of their flesh, and will give them a red-blooded, firm muscle heart of flesh, sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God.

 How separation affects the bliss body Separation from the bliss body creates a build up of denial of our true spiritual nature and the disconnection from the Spirit of God, the most powerful source of healing. Once that awaken into the Light of the World, our Master Jesus Christ, takes place we are assured wholeness and being full present in the reunion and unity of the Divine God.
Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded beyond doubt and am sure that neither death, nor life, not angels, nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor debt, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Step Three Understanding the Stress Response Step three is looking at the relationship between a health condition and the stress response. The separation described in step two leads to competition, ego and attachment to worldly materialism, and fear and anxiety on the other hand. Anger and fear are tale-tell signs of the stress response. As short-term defense mechanisms, fear and anger are ideally suited to defending the human body and mind. When the mechanism becomes chronic and ineffective, a whole domino effect of stress related illnesses result. These normally begin as common and non-alarming health issues, but if left unchecked or ignored, can evolve into serious conditions, such as rage over a period of time can manifest into cancer.
Please look up the following scriptures and be prepared to read them: Ephesians 4:26, 1John 4:18, Matthew 6:19-20

Let's look at how this stress response works in relation to each of the 5 Koshas. Kosha 1 - How stress affects the physical body: At the level of the physical body, one aspect of the stress response is to constrict the arteries and increase the heart rate. In an emergency situation, this ensures a rapid supply of energy for survival (flight or fight syndrome). When the stress response is engaged continually, the body adapts by maintaining this condition with a steadily elevated blood pressure. This is the body's way of adapting to what it interprets as an ongoing need. The physical body was not designed to be constantly in a state of emergency. The tissues and organs involved are subjected to abnormal pressures and tensions resulting, eventually in heart disease.
*Holy Yoga Jesus at the Core Retreats serves as an amazing intervention to bring the B/M/S into a state of calmness and peaceful homeostasis.

Kosha 2 - How stress affects the energy body: The contraction in the physical body is actually a response to and a reflection of what is happening in the energy body. The breath becomes short and stifled and the flow of energy obstructed (blocked). The shortness of the breath and contraction of the whole energetic being are the alarming signs of the stress response. Again, this may be useful in an emergency situation but can be detrimental under long term responses. Kosha 3 - How stress affects the psycho-emotional body The contraction in the physical body and energy body actually begin at the level of the mind as a state of separation that becomes a chronic swing between running after what we want and avoiding that which we fear. Competition, ego, resentment, and hostility characterize these conflicting relationships. In real emergencies, these emotions are mechanisms in response to threats and create boundaries necessary for survival. When they become chronic and repetitive patterns in the mind however, they perpetuate the physical stress response. Koshas 4 and 5 - How stress affects the wisdom and bliss bodies These limitations and defense modes at all levels of being keeps us in a state of fear, mistrust and constant hyper-vigilance which impacts the connection to allowing the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to motivate our true soul-esteems. Step Four - Approaches to Wellness: describes our plan of action. Again, using the koshas as an energetic framework for healing, lets look at a list of principles derived from the 8 conceptual Yoga Limbs, that would facilitate wellness in relation to the physical and/or mental health condition(s). This step includes looking at the scientific benefits of yoga as a source of reference that can support and encourage the wellness principles we define.

Kosha 1 - Approaches to Wellness for the Physical Body In terms of yogic approaches at the level of the physical body, our focus will be on the first three of the Eight Limbs of Yoga: The first two are called yama and niyama. In relation to the health of the physical body they refer to lifestyle and diet appropriate for the individual. The third limb is called asana. This refers to the physical Yoga

practice as well as traditional cleansing techniques. Kosha 2 - Approaches to Wellness for the Energy Body Yogic techniques would focus on the next limb of the Eight Limbs called Pranayama, which refers to breathing exercises to enhance the flow of energy in the body. We would also want to re-establish a natural balance in the flow of prana and apana through breath and guided imagery along with prana viyas exercises to direct healthy energy into the circulatory system. Chakra Therapy would also be an aspect of our work at this level. Prana, the life force vibrates through all of creation. Kosha 3 - Approaches to Wellness for the Psycho-emotional Body At the level of the mind and emotions, the yogic techniques would draw from all the areas utilized up to this point and also focus on the next of the Eight Limbs which is called pratyahara. This refers to bringing the focus inside and reducing external stimulus. A main resource here is Yoga Nidra, a ten step Yogic process for exploration and integration of all the koshas. Kosha 4 - Approaches to Wellness for the Wisdom Body At this level, we want to encourage the development of the witness, the part of ourselves that has the ability to stand back and take a wider view of our situation in life. The yogic techniques we will focus on is the next of the Eight Limbs, called dharana, which refers to all the ways we seek to develop consciousness and awareness. An example of this would be Tratak, in which the mind is focused on a particular point, such as the flame of a candle. Kosha 5 - Approaches to Wellness for the Bliss Body At this level, we want to facilitate the remembering of the joy and peace that is always already present. The yogic practices will focus on the next of the Eight Limbs which is called dhyana and refers to meditation. This experience of bliss, developed and stabilized over time, leads to Samadhi, the final stage of the eight limbs. The Bliss Body is a key concept in Yoga Therapy because it reminds us that we are already whole and healed within, and our work is to access, discover, and recover. Step Five Designing a Program for the Individual: The final step of the Yoga Therapy process is to create a specific program based on all of the understandings and principles gained up to this point. This

program will ultimately be a practice for the overall wellness of the individual and not for the treatment of the condition. However, our knowledge of the condition as understood within this model of Yoga Therapy is an essential foundation for developing an appropriate approach for the individual. The practice that we develop is of course not static and will change along the way with the changing needs of the client. Yoga Therapy as a Vision of Optimal Health: Yoga Therapy offers a vision of complete health at each level of the person; physical, energetic, psychological and spiritual. The process of Holy Yoga Therapy is a journey of healing and integrating all these aspects of ourselves within a growing awareness of who we are and the spiritual source of our being; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Isaiah 55:9 Gods Decree For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the ways I work surpasses the way you work and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Psalms 85: 10-13 Love and Truth meet on the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss. Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies. Oh yes, God give Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with bounty and blessings. Right Living strides out before him and clears a path for his passage. Breath by breath be blessed!