If one seeks a body-mental balance, then, access to a practice respectful of the person wherever that may be is essential. A pure Yoga session should include time for postural practice, breathing, and relaxation / meditation
- Asanas (postures) ; goes beyond keeping the body flexible and agile, the importance of movement is helping for the distribution of various flows including energies.
- Pranayama (breathing) adapted to the person and the moment, breathing allows to support the distribution of fluids, energies and nutrients while working on the mind. Depending on the objectives, some specific protocol may be defined beforehand in order to reach the full benefits.
- Dharana and Dhyana (concentration and meditation); there are many tools offered to motivate and accompany the practitioner with their personal self-development.
Only 3 of the 8 pillars are mentioned. Those also called ASHTANGA-nothing to do with the style of Yoga known by that name!-).
For the maximum of benefits and positive feelings on a physical but also emotional and mental level it is important to adopt a practice that revolves around these pillars.
To focus on a single pillar is to risk seeing the global edifice weaken.