Yoga

A Holistic Path to Wellness

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old practice originating from ancient India that integrates physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles to create harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

With roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, yoga has evolved over centuries into various forms. Today, it is widely recognised for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

MZ Therapy Yoga Offering

At MZ Therapy, Madeleine offers comprehensive yoga classes in Bath and Stanton Prior that incorporate traditional techniques tailored to your wellness needs.

Madeleine (MZ Therapy) doing a yoga pose in the mountains

Madeleine specialises in therapeutic bodywork, combining yoga, yoga therapy, rolfing and sports massage. She focuses on posture, alignment, addressing deeper issues like digestive restrictions to improve mobility and overall balance.

The History of Yoga

Yoga's origins date back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, where it was practised as a spiritual and philosophical discipline. Over time, yoga has evolved through several stages:

Pre-Classical Yoga

In ancient India, the Vedic texts mention yoga as a meditative and spiritual practice.

Classical Yoga

Defined by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it introduced the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga), which laid the foundation for modern yoga.

Modern Yoga

Popularised in the West by Swami Vivekananda in the late 19th century, modern yoga emphasises physical postures and holistic health benefits.

A tree graphioc with the eight limbs of yoga

The Philosophy of Yoga

At its core, yoga is about union—the connection of the individual self with the universal consciousness. The philosophy of yoga is guided by the Eight Limbs of Yoga as outlined by Patanjali, which provide a framework for a disciplined and meaningful life:

  1. Yama – Ethical disciplines (e.g., non-violence, truth)

  2. Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., cleanliness, contentment)

  3. Asana – Physical postures

  4. Pranayama – Breath control

  5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses

  6. Dharana – Concentration

  7. Dhyana – Meditation

  8. Samadhi – Enlightenment

Yoga Chakra graphic with glowing dots on a persons silhouette

Chakras and Types of Yoga

Yoga also emphasises the concept of chakras, which are energy centres located along the spine that influence our physical, mental, and emotional health. There are seven primary chakras, each associated with different aspects of well-being:

  • Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Stability, grounding

  • Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Creativity, emotions

  • Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Confidence, willpower

  • Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Love, compassion

  • Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Communication, self-expression

  • Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Intuition, wisdom

  • Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – Spirituality, connection with the divine

Madeleine (MZ Therapy) doing an open yoga pose in the mountains

Popular Types of Yoga in the West

Yoga has developed into various forms, each with its own focus. MZ Therapy offers Vinyasa Yoga, one of the most common practices.

  • In the West this form of yoga is equated with a slower practise where poses are held for longer than in a flow style.  In the Indian and Tibetan traditions, Hatha yoga was practised by ascetics as a system for spiritual development.  ‘Ha’ meaning sun, and ‘ta’ meaning moon; and the balance of the nervous system or Ida and Pingala nadis through a strict practise of poses, breath work and meditation.

  • The word vinyasa means ‘flow’, and represents the flow of postures in a sequence, which may occur between held postures, or be the entirety of the practise.  The choreographing dependent on the teacher and the aim of the practice.  (Find out more about Vinyasa Krama classes).

  • A very dynamic form of yoga developed by K.Prattabhi Jois  (student of Krishnmacharya),  made up of 6 series or levels with a fixed order of postures.  The emphasis is on the ‘form’ of the posture, and postures are held for about 5 breaths before moving onto the next.  The original ‘power yoga’.

  • Developed by B.K.S Iyengar (also a student of Krishnamacharya), where the practice of each posture emphasises alignment with detail and precision, using props to achieve this.

  • Hot yoga was first developed by Bikram Choudhury and based on the teachings of B.C Ghosh that became popular in the early 1970s.  It uses a fixed series of postures in a hot sauna like environment.   The premise is to detox the body through intense sweating, the heat also enhancing flexibility. (Learn more about Yoga Therapy).

  • First developed by Sarah Powers and Paul Grilley, where yoga poses are held from 3 -5 minutes with the aim of stretching into the connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints, and the deep fascial networks.  When practised with mindful fulness very effective at releasing stored emotional traumas. 

A student doing a relaxing yoga pose on a mat on a wooden floor

Common Yoga Terms and Their Meanings

Understanding key yoga terms can enhance your practice. Here are some common terms you'll encounter:

Asana

"Asana" refers to physical postures. Examples include Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), both fundamental yoga poses.

Pranayama

"Pranayama" is breath control, such as Ujjayi (Ocean Breath) or Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), which help manage energy and calm the mind.

Namaste

A common greeting and closing in yoga classes, often said with hands pressed together in front of the heart meaning, "The light in me honours the light in you," symbolising mutual respect.

Vinyasa

Flowing sequences of poses linked with the breath, popular in dynamic yoga styles like Vinyasa Yoga.

Om

A sacred sound representing the universe, often chanted at the beginning or end of classes.

Savasana

The final resting pose where you lie on your back in relaxation, allowing the benefits of practice to settle.

Chakra

Energy centres along the spine, each associated with different aspects of physical and emotional well-being.

Mantra

A word or sound repeated during meditation to aid focus and relaxation, such as the chant of "Om."

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is widely recognised for its holistic health and therapy benefits, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Here are the top 10 benefits of yoga:

IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY

Regular yoga practice stretches muscles and increases the range of motion.

PROMOTES HEART HEALTH

Yoga lowers blood pressure and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease.

STRENGTHENS MUSCLES

Many postures build muscle strength, which protects against conditions like arthritis.

IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY

Practices like yoga nidra encourage deep relaxation, leading to better sleep.

BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH

Yoga reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

BALANCES HORMONES

Yoga helps regulate the endocrine system, improving mood and stress responses.

ENHANCES RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Breathing exercises, or pranayama, improve lung capacity and control.

ENHANCES BODY AWARENESS

Yoga cultivates mindfulness and connection between mind and body, leading to better posture and injury prevention.

INCREASES FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION

Meditation and concentration practices sharpen cognitive functions.

RELIEVED PAIN AND TENSION

Yoga can reduce pain like headaches and migraines through stretches, breathwork, and relaxation.

For more on how yoga can transform your life, explore our Classes in Bath.

One of the greatest aspects of yoga is its universal accessibility. Whether you are young or old, fit or unfit, yoga can be tailored to meet individual needs. Here’s who can benefit from yoga:

Who Can Do Yoga?

  • Beginners: Anyone new to yoga can start with foundational practices like Vinyasa, Hatha yoga or a gentle flow.

  • Athletes: Yoga can enhance athletic performance by increasing flexibility, balance, and mental focus.

  • Seniors: Gentle forms of yoga, such as chair yoga or restorative yoga, can improve mobility and joint health.

  • People with Chronic Conditions: Yoga therapy helps manage symptoms of conditions like arthritis, back pain, and cardiovascular issues (Learn more about the benefits of yoga therapy).

  • Mental Health Seekers: Yoga supports emotional balance and stress reduction, promoting overall well-being.

Why Choose Yoga at MZ Therapy?

At MZ Therapy, our yoga classes in Bath are designed with a holistic approach to well-being.

Madeleine integrates the ancient practices of yoga with modern therapeutic techniques to support your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, her experienced instruction provide tailored guidance to help you achieve your wellness goals.

Yoga offers a transformative journey towards greater health, happiness, and self-awareness. Whether you're seeking to improve your physical fitness, mental clarity, or emotional balance, yoga provides a holistic approach that aligns with modern wellness needs. At MZ Therapy, we invite you to explore the profound benefits of yoga and discover a practice that fits your life.

FAQ’s About Yoga

  • Yes, yoga is highly adaptable and can be modified for any level of experience. Beginners are encouraged to start slow and focus on foundational postures.

  • For optimal results, aim to practise yoga 3-5 times a week. However, even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

  • Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Most yoga is practised barefoot, but socks with grip can be worn for certain classes.

  • Absolutely. Yoga combines physical movement, breath control, and mindfulness, all of which are proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

  • Yoga is a general practice that enhances overall well-being, while yoga therapy is a more personalised approach designed to address specific physical or mental health conditions. Yoga therapy uses tailored postures, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to aid recovery or manage chronic issues.

  • To begin your yoga journey, it's best to start with beginner-friendly classes. Madeleine offers yoga classes that cater to all levels of experience, reach out to her to find out more!

  • MZ Therapy provides everything you need, from your mat to props like blocks, straps, and blankets to support certain postures. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. It's helpful to have your own if you're practicing at home.

  • Yes, yoga can be very effective for managing and alleviating back pain. Gentle stretches, improved posture, and core strengthening exercises in yoga can relieve tension and support spinal health. Yoga therapy may be especially beneficial for chronic pain sufferers.