ACHIEVE tranquility of mind, body, and
spirit with Mandarin Oriental Manila’s therapeutic yoga
classes conducted by resident instructor Rajendra Prasad
Pandey from India. The studio, located on the 18th floor
opened in 2002, complementsThe Spa, a sanctuary for well
being.
The yoga classes offers the Patanjali Yoga
Sutra philosophy which forms the theoretical and philosophical
base of the Raja Yoga discipline which is considered as the
highest form of Yoga, combined with Naturopathy. Naturopathy
is a branch of medicine often referred to as drugless therapy
that is based mainly on the ancient practice of the
application of the simple laws of nature.
The eight components of yoga based on
Patanjali Yoga Sutra’s theory are: restraint, observance of
austerity, physical postures, breathing exercise, restraining
of sense organs, contemplation, meditation, and Samadhi.
These steps are vital to the practice of
yoga as it may improve social behavior, physical health, and
circulation of oxygenated blood in the body. Some of the
advantages of practicing an integrated type of yoga include
the prevention of psychosomatic diseases, and the development
of resistance and the ability to endure stressful situations.
Raj holds a master’s degree in business
management from the C.C.S. University, Meerut and a bachelor’s
degree in science majoring in biology from the H.N.B. Garhwal
University, Rishikesh. He also has a diploma in yoga and
naturopathy from the Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India, and a
certificate in Yoga education from the Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi.
Classes are from Mondays to Saturdays with
six sessions and each is one and a half hour. This will be for
two weeks and the entire course fee is P2,500, or P450 per
session. It includes: Yoga for Beginners, Yoga for
Cardiovascular Fitness, Yoga for Weight Management, General
Yoga, and Yoga for All.
Towels and yoga mats are provided and
classes will have 14 students. Special classes may also be
arranged for a minimum of six sessions for at least four to
five students.
The Spa, which is a Thai-inspired wellness
facility, is located at the topmost floors. The furniture and
silk upholstery blend harmoniously with its Asian artifacts.
The services offered starts with a relaxing
foot ritual, then an analysis of the appropriate treatment
suited to the guest’s lifestyle is given. Facials, body
massages, wraps and scrubs and spa packages ranging from
one–hour to 40 minutes to three hours and 20 minutes are also
offered using Ytsara. Ytsara is a line of Asian spa products
using natural ingredients like herbs, roots and flowers, and
signature oils. The reception is also located at the 18
