Have you heard of ISHTA yoga before? There is no doubt yoga is considered to be one of the best ways to improve our health – physical, mental, and spiritual – but given the variety of types of yoga, which one should we go for?

If that is your question, the answer lies with ISHTA yoga. Would you like to know more? Keep reading!

What Is ISHTA Yoga?

The full form of ISHTA is Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda(1). This yoga method was invented by Mani Finger, and was made popular by his son, Alan Finger. It is meant for those who want to experience the holistic aspects of yoga. In this technique, the followers need to go beyond just physical fitness. ISHTA yoga focuses mostly on the

spiritual and physical aspects. It is a yoga meant for individual needs.

Basics Of ISHTA Yoga:

Like other yoga forms, ISHTA yoga relies on a range of specific postures that can stretch, tone and strengthen the muscles in the human body. It also helps align your body properly. You also need to focus a lot on your breathing while practicing the postures.

ISHTA yoga centers can be found in many countries including Canada, Japan, the United States and Australia. You may also look up the web to find a center in your region.

Advantage Of ISHTA Yoga:

Unlike other yoga methods, in ISHTA Yoga, every follower gets his or her personal positions, routine, and mantras. The main advantage is you need not be bothered about checking your prowess and comparing yourself with others in a class. The routine is tailor made to match your spiritual, physical and mental needs.

Ways To Practice ISHTA Yoga:

There are a few postures that ISHTA Yoga followers are advised to practice. These are:

1. Bharadvaja’s Twist:

This is a spinal twist that is meant for enhancing spinal health. It also aids the vertebral disc.

1. To do this pose, you need to sit on the mat and keep your knees bent.
2. The back should be erect, and feet should be positioned flat on the ground.
3. Now breathe in and lift your neck and head towards the ceiling.
4. Then exhale and place your right hand beside the left knee and twist your upper torso.
5. This should be done on the opposite side too.

2. Standing Forward Bend:

This is one pose for ISHTA yoga that helps stretch your spine and tones your back muscles.

1. To do this pose, you need to stand with your back erect and then firmly shift your weight onto your feet.
2. Now bend towards the front from your waist. Go low as long as you do not experience any pain.
3. Try keeping your legs straight throughout the time.

3. Bow Pose:

This pose is one of the easy ones in ISHTA yoga. This pose is quite flexible and suits men and women with varying levels of fitness.

1. You need to lie on the floor on your back, and then clasp hands around the ankles.
2. Then you should lift the legs and chest while stretching the back.
3. It tones and stretches the shoulder and leg muscles.

4. Camel Pose:

This is another pose in ISHTA yoga that beginners can try.

1. You will need to kneel down first, and then bend the body backward.
2. Stop when your hands reach the soles of your feet.
3. Try this on a soft mat to avoid injury.

Things To Keep In Mind:

As a matter of fact, ISHTA yoga does not have exclusive postures, and the poses used in the method are used pretty much in other disciplines of yoga as well. However, this method blends the styles and traditions of other yoga techniques to suit an individual follower’s needs. So, you get a blend of lifestyle, asana and philosophy with this method.

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by Daiwik Suresh Gejji via STYLECRAZE