Annamayakosha

What is it?

The Annamayakosha is physical matter, specifically, anything that pertains to the physical body.

Yoga practice that work with this Kosha

Asana, the practice of physical poses help to put the individual in touch with the Annamayakosha. Practicing the physical yoga poses as well as body awareness exercises help to wake up this Kosha. Nearly all forms of yoga in the West integrate practices that address the Annamayakosha.

From this Western perspective, this kosha addresses the anatomical and physiological processes such as bones, muscles, organs.

The Ayurvedic model of the physical body also includes the [[Five Elements}} such as earth, water, fire, air and space. Similarly, it addresses the Three Doshas such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Five Elements are the building blocks of matter while the doshas often outline the overall body type of the individual.

References

• Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training Manual, Nosara Yoga Institute
• Professional Yoga Therapist Manual, created by Integrative Yoga Therapy, 2006, Joseph LePage
• Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley