Abstract
This paper introduces a brief history of Yoga therapy in Japan, along with an explanation of the five layers theory of our existence and the eight-fold approach to yoga exercises. Currently, the number of Yoga practitioners in Japan is estimated to be hundreds of thousands. The main motivation of people who practice Yoga is to promote good health and prevent illness. The benefits of traditional Yoga have been scientifically examined by the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Research Institute since the 1920's. The Kaivalyadhama Institute is located in Lonavla city, in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Central government of India has supported this scientific movement, and a Yoga college was established in 1950 as part of the Institute. The college has given skills and knowledge to many talented Yoga therapists who currently work at various medical facilities throughout India. A post graduate college, established by the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (sVYASA), was approved by India's Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2003. The college has researched the medical effects of yoga on chronic bronchial asthma, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis among other medical conditions. The Japan Yoga Therapy Society was established in 2003. The society, through cooperation with the sVYASA, educates yoga teachers about therapy theory and techniques during a three-year program, with 180 hours of instruction. In ancient yoga belief, the human being is understood as five layers of existence. The main cause of disease is the ignorance and misunderstanding of our real existence. Yoga therapy improves health through the recognition of our real existence. Yoga has eight practices: self-restraints, fixed observances, posture, regulation of breath, abstraction, concentration, contemplation and trance. These techniques guide us to realization of our true existence, through what is known as recognition therapy.
