MUSCAT: The ancient practice of yoga inspires a complete approach to physical, mental, social, and spiritual development. 

For generations, this philosophy was passed on from the master teacher to the student. In Oman, expert yoga teacher Dr Kavitha Ramakrishna has been sharing her unique knowledge free of charge for those interested in learning the practice that involves the combination of asanas (postures and poses), pranayama (regulated breathing), and samyana (meditation and relaxation).

Having connected to yoga out of her passion for the subject, Dr Kavitha enjoys teaching, practising, and being involved in the yoga community.

“My connection to yoga is a powerful personal one, and I want to share that with others,” she says. 

Dr Kavitha who has been practising yoga for the last many years has researched the subject widely. She has honoured the powerful ancient cultural Indian practice of yoga and the formidable therapeutic technique of Surya Namaskar (salutations to the sun) by penning a book on the subject.  

Her intensively researched book ‘Tamoghna’ eloquently expounds on the science behind Surya Namaskar. The book also traces the history of yogic philosophy, the crux of yoga practice and deals specifically with the vast benefits of Surya Namaskar. 

About the benefits of yoga and her classes she says, “Yoga can help one get fit for life. Yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of age or fitness level. Its gentle movements are a big explanation for why it is so popular. Yoga can help improve conditions such as high blood pressure, stress, depression, arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, breathing difficulty and chronic headaches. As practitioners get deeper into your practice over the years, they will start to see the physical and mental benefits.”

Dr Kavitha explains that the yogic system is centred on the fundamental belief that an individual’s natural state is one of optimal health and wellness. In line with this thinking, the goal of her free online yoga classes is to lessen disruptions in physical and mental health and allow people to function at their best possible potential.

During the severe COVID-19 pandemic days Dr Kavitha has helped many people in Oman through online and personalised interactions by recommending a series of yoga ad breathing exercises depending on the severity of symptoms.

She goes on to say, “As the world tries to recover from the pandemic effect, there are many going through a slow recovery process. Yoga can be of great help in post COVID recovery. The great practice of yoga can help increase one’s immunity and improve the functions of the body. I would encourage all to learn simple yoga asanas that go a long way in building immunity, relaxing the body and mind, leading to faster post-COVID healing.”

For her expertise in yoga and community work, Dr Kavitha was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Yoga University of the Americas in Florida. 

She was recognised by the Yoga University of the Americas, an institution of higher learning incorporated in the USA and authorised by the commission for independent education under Florida statute to conduct education programmes and award doctoral masters and other degrees, for her service in the field of yoga and social services.

Her research paper on the formidable therapeutic technique of Surya Namaskar has been submitted to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva. The paper appraises pertinent and essential information on Surya Namaskar.

Across the world surveys suggest that millions and millions practice yoga, making it one of the most popular forms of exercise. Research shows that yoga of any kind can help build strength, flexibility, and coordination and the practice of yoga can serve the body and mind in ways one would never expect. 

Whether you are trying yoga for the first time or dusting off your mat after a break, the benefits of yoga to motivate your practice are plenty.

Through Dr Kavitha’s classes, you can master yoga in the comfort of your home and at the time of your convenience. She also holds personalised sessions on special requests to meet one’s requirements and capability. 

Contact Dr Kavitha through her website www.KavithaVedanthi.com