Classical Yoga

For thousands of years the traditions of Yoga have helped people live healthy and balanced lives. In recent years, there has been a tremendous resurgence of interest in Yoga in the West as people respond to the pressures of daily living. An increasing number of scientific studies have provided a strong evidence base for the use of Yoga as an adjunct to the treatment of a wide range of diseases ¹. One of the areas most studied for the health benefits of Yoga is its effect on heart disease. It has been demonstrated time and again that Yoga is very effective in lowering bood pressure² which lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has also been associated with decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as boosting the immune system³. Among Yoga's anti-stress benefits are a host of biochemical responses. For example, there is a decrease in catecholamines, the hormones produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. A review article published in 2018 suggests that incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to attain glycaemic control and reduces the risk of complications in people with diabetes.⁴ It is also of benefit in management of cancer patients.⁵

At the Centre for Healthy Living classes based on classical Yoga offer a comprehensive system for dealing with personal stress and the resultant lifestyle diseases. Our teachers have over 30 years of training and helping students with their individual needs

The Yogendra System is a step-by-step program for improving health of the body and mind. It consists of a simple set of daily practices to help deal with stress, increase vitality, impart a sense of calm and improve breathing, concentration and overall fitness. Developed from classical Yoga and adapted for today, the Yogendra System has been practised in Australia for over 35 years. It is suitable for all ages. Practices can be modified according to individual needs.

Background The Yogendra System is based on the work of the late Shri Yogendra, who early last century scientifically researched and evaluated the therapeutic benefits of traditional Yoga techniques. His son Vijayadev designed this course using his experience of over 35 years teaching and understanding the needs and capacities of modern Western people. He modified the classical techniques to make them accessible and suitable for practice by people living in today’s demanding times. Practising these techniques gives people a buffer so they are less vulnerable to stress.
	Course Content The course progressively introduces a routine of psychophysical techniques which comprise: Breathing routines to increase the breathing capacity, improve vitality, strengthen the immune function, correct faulty breathing habits and settle the nervous system. Gentle physical exercises combined with breathing rhythms. These practices improve the flexibility and health of the spine optimising the flow of the nervous impulses from the brain to various organs and systems of the body. A relaxation technique to release physical tension and help overcome fatigue. Practised well, in a matter of twenty minutes the benefits of two or three hour’s rest can be gained. Practices to quieten and concentrate the mind. Stress and anxiety can be overcome and mental focus improved. The techniques can help prevent the development of stress related illness. Approaches to personal development to promote self-esteem, a greater sense of personal control, a positive outlook on life and the capacity to manage the stresses of everyday life with confidence and dignity.
Benefits People who have completed the YSHL program report: More energy to deal with the pressures and challenges of work and home without feeling worn out at the end of the day. Improved immune function and less proneness to colds, flu and chronic health problems. Improved concentration. Greater emotional and mental control, and self-understanding. An ability to make decisions with less personal wear and tear. A sense of inner confidence An overall feeling of physical and emotional well-being Improved sleep.

Course Structure

The program consists of six one hour sessions normally conducted once per week. The program can be modified to accommodate particular  health conditions. Day and evening classes are available.

Class sizes are restricted to ensure the highest quality of personal care and attention. Private sessions may also be arranged by appointment. Series 2 and other ongoing courses are also available.

Weekend retreats and classes for children are offered from time to time.

Teachers

All Yogendra System courses are taught by qualified teachers having trained with the System’s founder for a minimum of ten years.

Cost

The cost for the Series 1 course is $120, which includes tuition and course materials. The concession rate for the unemployed and pension card holders is $80.

1 Effects of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health: A Short Summary of Reviews  2012 Bussing A.et al  Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2012, Article ID 165410, 7 pages doi:10.1155/2012/165410

2 Effect of Yoga on Blood Pressure in Prehypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2021 Khandekhar S J et al The Scientific World Journal Volume 2021, Article ID 4039364, 10 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/4039364

3 A Narrative Review on Yoga: a potential intervention for augmenting immunomodualtion and mental health in COVID-16  2022 Basu-Ray I et al  BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 22:191 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-022-03666-2

4 Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Type 2 Diabetes 2018  Raveendran AV et al  Endocrinol Metab 2018;33:307-317 https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2018.33.3.307 pISSN 2093-596X · eISSN 2093-5978

5 Yoga for Symptom Management in Oncology: A Review of the Evidence Base and Future Directions for Research 2019 Danhauer SJ et al. Cancer. 2019 June 15; 125(12): 1979–1989. doi:10.1002/cncr.31979.