14/03/2026
Is yoga physical?
In traditional yoga philosophy, the human being is understood as having five layers of existence, called koshas (from the Sanskrit word meaning “sheaths” or “layers”). This concept comes from the Taittiriya Upanishad, an ancient text of the Upanishads.
When we practice yoga asana, we usually start with the physical body, but the kosha model reminds us that yoga affects much more than muscles and joints. In other words, yoga is physical, but not only physical. Each asana practice can influence multiple layers of our being:
1. Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body)
The outermost layer, the body made of food. In asana practice, this is developed through movement, strength, flexibility, and alignment
2. Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body)
The layer of breath and life-force (prana). In yoga, it is engaged by breathing awareness and coordinated breath with movement. And its not just about the air that we take to our lungs. It is the subtle energy that flows
3. Manomaya Kosha (Mental/Emotional Body)
The layer of thoughts, emotions, and sensory processing. During asana, we observe mental focus, reactions, and emotional states
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom/Insight Body)
The layer of inner awareness and understanding. Yoga helps to connect with our intuition, self-reflection and deeper awareness
5. Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body)
The deepest layer, associated with peace, contentment, and inner joy. It may be experienced during meditation in practice
Traditional Yoga at
Fitfun Pilates and Yoga Studio
