About Yoga Manila

Whether it is at the luxurious Chi Spa at the Shangri-La in Ortigas or the sprawling and spacious tropical abode with chirping birds to boot in Alabang, the peaceful energy derived from Yoga Manila’s yoga studios is almost palpable.

Begun in 2006 by thirteen dedicated men and women who wanted to deepen and share their study of yoga and convinced of the many treasures it unfolded, Yoga Manila has come a long way. It is now home, not only to Ashtanga Yoga which anchored its beginnings but also to the different branches of yoga and beyond.

Yoga Manila’s senior teachers have had a personal practice for over 10 years with Paul Dallaghan, earning teacher certifications at the 500-hour level. In addition, they also have a personal practice of Pranayama under the tutelage of Sri O.P. Tiwari, following the tradition set by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924.

The yoga we know today was part of a civilization 10,000 years ago. In ancient times, yoga techniques were never written nor exposed to public view. They were passed on from teacher to student by word of mouth to ensure a clear understanding of its meaning and aim. It was through personal experience that sages guided sincere aspirants to what they believed was the right path, avoiding confusion and excessive mental contemplation.

For most people however, yoga is simply a means of maintaining health and well-being in a stressful environment, losing those extra pounds as a bonus. Asanas or poses remove the discomfort accumulated from slouching in a chair over a desk at the office. Relaxation techniques maximize the diminished breaks we get in the age of smartphones and 24-hour shopping.

Regardless of what people believe yoga to be, the neophyte will definitely find in Yoga Manila that which suits her personality best. The initiated will further deepen his practice of harmonizing the physical, emotional and mental levels in any of its two studios.

The Benefits of Yoga

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

  • Slows down the aging process
  • Prevention and therapy for illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, arteriosclerosis, heart conditions and varicosities
  • Prevents and cures back pain
  • Weight management through increased metabolism and improved hormonal secretions of lethargic glands, e.g. thyroid
  • Increases strength and flexibility
  • Lubricates joints, tendons and ligaments
  • Massages and tones muscles and all internal organs of the body
  • Encourages perspiration and optimizes circulation resulting in detoxification and purification of the body
  • Improves sleep
  • Increases energy levels and endurance
  • Improves cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency
  • Boosts immune system
  • Improves posture, balance and coordination
  • Balances the nervous and endocrine systems, affecting all systems and organs of the body
  • Syncs the mind and body

PHSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

  • Mental peace and clarity
  • Relieves stress
  • Sharpens concentration and ability to focus
  • Develops body awareness which then extends to awareness of thoughts and actions
  • Invigorating effect on mental energy and moods
  • Creates emotional balance that leads to optimism
  • Leads to zest for life

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

  • Diminishes pride and attachment which in turn encourages compassion and detachment
  • Leads to deeper Self-knowledge (knowing one’s true nature)
  • Results in a relaxed state of being that supports harmony in relationships
  • Develops awareness of the interplay among the physical, emotional and mental aspects of being, resulting in an awareness of more subtle levels of existence
  • Ultimately leads to “enlightenment”