Lifestyle Assessment in Yoga Therapy

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A Lifestyle Assessment reviews a person’s lifestyle based on the 4 pillars of yogic living: food (ahar), recreation (vihar), routines (achar) and thought patterns (vichara).

When a person is experiencing difficulties or persistent problems in life, there is often a concern in one or more of the four categories mentioned.

Some issues manifest on the physical body while some are not as perceptible.

For example, a person may be consuming food items that are not suited to him or her.

Certain types of food are more beneficial for a particular type of person, according to Ayurveda, the ancient healing system and sister science of yoga. How a person eats also determines if one is nourished by the food or not.

Does the person spend his or her free time engaging in activities that promote harmony in mind and body? Hobbies such as painting, dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, gardening and other creative pursuits are ideal.

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Spending quiet time also promotes well-being by offsetting the overstimulation of the mind in this internet age.

Healthy routines are essential for harmonious living. Cultivating good habits through self-discipline help avoid disturbance in the mind and body that may eventually lead to illness.

Finally and most importantly, the quality of one's mind has a direct influence on the other three categories. A balanced mind will gravitate towards helpful activities and routines and naturally reject what is harmful to the Self.

The whole system of yoga is thus aimed at attaining a state of mind where one is connected with the Self and is intuitively guided from within.

Through yogic wisdom and its various practices for every type of aspirant, a more balanced and fulfilling life can be achieved.

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