Yoga’s True Purpose: The Energetic Science No One Talks About

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to unite" or "to join." At its core, yoga is a practice that seeks to unify the body, mind, and spirit, creating harmony within oneself and with the world around us. While many people associate yoga with physical postures and exercises, its true essence extends far beyond the mat. Yoga is a profound philosophy that offers a path to self-awareness, personal growth, and spiritual awakening. It teaches us how to live with mindfulness, balance, and compassion, embracing the present moment and cultivating a deeper connection to our inner selves.

You've likely heard countless times that yoga is excellent for relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. But how exactly does it achieve this? What ancient wisdom did the yogis of the past understand that we have yet to fully grasp? I won't claim to have all the answers—I know I'm only scratching the surface of what the ancient yogis knew. However, in this article, I’ll share what I’ve discovered so far about yoga’s deeper purpose and how it can be used not only to maintain physical health but also to expand your consciousness. These insights aren’t something I’ve simply read and am now teaching; they’re based on my personal experiences through consistent practice and my unique background as an energy healer. These concepts may not be immediately obvious, and I certainly didn’t understand them when I first started taking my practice seriously. Beyond stretching and physical exercise, yoga is a tool for spiritual ascension, self-mastery, and profound energetic transformation.

Introduction

Yoga originated in ancient India as a practice of moving meditation, designed not just for physical health but for spiritual evolution. While much of the world was focused on territorial expansion and conquest, Eastern traditions turned inward, exploring the nature of existence and developing sophisticated methods for enhancing human longevity and consciousness. Ancient Vedic texts suggest that humans commonly lived to around 130 years old—an age that is almost unheard of today. What knowledge did they possess that has since been lost?

Many people associate yoga solely with physical postures—known as asanas—where the body is stretched, balanced, or held in certain positions for a period of time. Originally, however, yoga had very few poses; the modern styles practiced today have evolved over centuries, diverging into various lineages. Each style affects the body differently—fast-paced Ashtanga yoga cultivates strength and mental focus, while slow Yin yoga facilitates deep relaxation and release.

Yet, one of the most fundamental aspects of yoga, often overlooked in the modern practice, is pranayama—the art of breath control. In the ancient yogic tradition, the breath was considered just as vital, if not more so, than the physical postures themselves. Prana (life-force energy) moves through the body with the breath, and by consciously controlling it, practitioners could influence their energy levels, mental state, and even spiritual awareness. Different breathing techniques were designed to either calm the nervous system, energise the body, or expand consciousness—serving as a bridge between the physical and subtle energy systems. Without breath awareness, yoga becomes mere exercise; but when integrated with proper breathwork, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation, unlocking deeper states of presence, clarity, and connection to the self.

Yet, through my own journey, I’ve come to realise that yoga is not truly about the poses themselves. It’s about what happens internally—both mentally and energetically—as you move through them. Let me explain.

Energetic Cleansing: How Yoga Clears Stagnant Energy

Yoga is well known for its physiological benefits, such as increasing circulation, supporting lymphatic drainage, and releasing muscular tension. Many of us have experienced how stress causes our bodies to tighten as we unconsciously brace ourselves for perceived threats. Through movement and stretching, yoga helps release this stored tension from our tissues—relaxing the body and, in turn, calming the mind.

However, something much deeper is occurring beneath the surface. Yoga is not just a physical discipline; it is also an energetic practice that opens and cleanses the body’s energy system. Just as our circulatory system delivers oxygen-rich blood to our cells, we also have an energetic system—an intricate network of channels (nadis) that transport prana, or life-force energy, throughout the body. When we experience prolonged stress or emotional suppression, these energy channels can develop blockages, restricting the natural flow of prana.

Over time, stagnant energy can begin to take form in the body, manifesting as muscle tension, chronic fatigue, or even physical illness. Our thoughts—particularly those rooted in fear, worry, or self-doubt—become imprinted in our energetic field, creating areas of density and restriction. Yoga works to counteract this by stimulating the body's energy channels (nadis), encouraging the natural flow of life-force energy (prana) throughout the system. Wherever a stretch is felt, those energetic pathways are being activated, primed for cleansing and renewal.

However, movement alone is not enough to facilitate this energetic shift—it is the breath that amplifies and completes the process. Deep, intentional breathing during each posture works to dislodge stagnant energy, clear blockages, and infuse the system with fresh, revitalising prana. When breath and movement are consciously integrated, yoga transforms from a simple physical practice into a profound tool for energetic release, nervous system regulation, and inner healing. Since the energy field and mind are deeply interconnected, clearing these blockages can create noticeable shifts in mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being—turning yoga into a deeply meditative and transformative experience. This is why deep emotional releases can occur during yoga, as the movements help to break up these energetic blockages, restoring balance and flow.

Exploring the Connection Between Yoga Poses and the Chakras

Now that we've explored how yoga postures activate the body's energy system, let's dive deeper into their connection with the chakras. The word chakra comes from Sanskrit, meaning "spinning disk," and these energy centres act as gateways for life-force energy (prana) to enter and nourish the body. Each chakra vibrates at a specific frequency and governs different aspects of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's widely recognised that yoga influences the chakras, with different postures stimulating different energy centres. But how exactly does this connection work?

Certain poses, such as standing poses, forward folds and balancing postures, are well known for their grounding effects, often linked to the root chakra (Muladhara). This may be due to the meditative and energetic focus required to maintain balance in these postures. For example, when holding a balancing pose, if a practitioner begins to wobble and consciously redirects their focus to stability—whether by engaging their core, pressing firmly into the ground, or steadying their breath—they not only regain physical equilibrium but also cultivate a sense of inner steadiness. Since where we direct our attention is where our energy flows, this process naturally reinforces the grounding qualities associated with the root chakra. With consistent practice, this ability to stabilise oneself physically and energetically extends beyond the yoga mat, helping individuals regain balance in times of stress, insecurity, or emotional turbulence. By learning to centre themselves in the midst of challenge, they strengthen the root chakra’s qualities of stability, safety, and resilience—creating a foundation for greater confidence and emotional equilibrium in daily life.

The solar plexus chakra (Manipura), located in the upper abdomen, is energetically linked to the fire element, representing personal power, confidence, and willpower. To activate and balance this chakra, yoga poses that generate heat, build core strength, and cultivate inner resilience are highly effective. Core-strengthening postures, twists, and backbends are particularly beneficial for stimulating this energy centre. However, it’s not just the physical engagement of the abdominal region that activates Manipura—it’s also the mental determination and willpower required to hold challenging poses, maintain stability, and push through resistance. By practicing poses that demand focus, endurance, and inner strength, we not only strengthen the body but also ignite the inner fire of confidence and empowerment.

The final example of this we'll be exploring is for the third eye chakra (Ajna), located between the eyebrows, is associated with intuition, insight, inner wisdom, and higher perception. This chakra governs our ability to see beyond the physical, trust our inner guidance, and access deeper states of awareness. Yoga poses that activate the third eye involve forward bends, inversions, and poses that encourage inward focus and stillness. Child’s Pose, Dolphin Pose, and Headstand gently stimulate this area by bringing awareness to the space between the brows, while meditative seated postures cultivate mental clarity and deep introspection. Balancing the third eye chakra requires stilling the mind, turning inward, and strengthening the connection to intuition, all of which can be cultivated during a yoga practice. By incorporating breath awareness, focused gaze, and meditation into the practice, we enhance our ability to quiet the thinking mind and tune into our deeper wisdom.

Yoga is much more than just physical postures; it serves as a powerful training ground for mindfulness. Through the practice, we cultivate awareness, presence, and inner stillness, which can then be carried into every aspect of daily life. Yoga teaches us how to be fully engaged in the moment, helping us navigate challenges, reduce stress, and maintain balance both on and off the mat.

Uncovering the Subconscious: How Yoga Helps Dissolve Ego and Align with Your True Self

In a yoga practice, it is encouraged to direct your attention to your breath, the sensations within your body, or your gaze. As you focus, thoughts will inevitably arise. Instead of engaging with them or letting them distract you, yoga teaches you to simply observe these thoughts without judgment. This practice of mindful observation is where true growth in yoga occurs. It is through the act of recognising and acknowledging these thoughts that we begin to understand the deeper layers of our mind. This includes not only the surface-level distractions but also the subconscious patterns that we may not even be aware of. 

For instance, in the midst of a yoga class, you might notice thoughts like feelings of inferiority, a desire for the teacher's approval, or a fear of judgment from others. You may even find yourself longing to be the most flexible or strong person in the room or feeling envious of those who seem to excel more effortlessly. These types of thoughts reflect subconscious beliefs that have been with you for much of your life, influencing how you approach not only your yoga practice but your interactions and experiences in the world.

The beauty of yoga lies in its ability to help you become mindful of these patterns. When you create space for awareness, you can recognise these subconscious tendencies as they arise. With regular practice, this mindfulness allows you to bring hidden emotional and mental patterns into conscious awareness, giving you the opportunity to shift or release them. That’s why I recommend practicing yoga in a group setting when possible. Being around others while cultivating your practice can deepen your mental focus and help you observe how you relate to others, both on and off the mat.

Yoga is a unique mirror, reflecting not just your physical state but the mental and emotional aspects of your life. As you continue to observe these thoughts without attachment, you begin to dissolve the ego—the part of you that clings to external validation or measures worth based on comparison. In turn, you can realign with your true essence, recognising that your value doesn’t depend on meeting external standards but comes from within. This process of self-awareness and self-compassion can help you move closer to your authentic self, letting go of the patterns that no longer serve you. Ultimately, yoga becomes not just a physical practice, but a deeply transformative tool for healing and self-realisation. 

Conclusion

Yoga is a powerful tool that goes beyond the physical body, providing a profound connection to our inner energy system. By understanding how yoga postures influence the chakras, we see how different poses can activate and balance specific energy centres, each of which governs essential aspects of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether it's grounding ourselves through standing poses to stabilise the root chakra, building confidence and personal power through core-strengthening postures to activate the solar plexus chakra, or enhancing intuition and clarity through inward-focused poses for the third eye chakra, yoga offers a path to self-awareness, healing, and transformation.

Ultimately, yoga is a practice of mindfulness and presence, teaching us how to stay anchored in the moment and navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience. By integrating these teachings into our daily lives, we cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering balance, stability, and inner strength. As we continue our journey on and off the mat, yoga empowers us to align with our true essence, supporting our holistic well-being and guiding us toward a more harmonious and fulfilling life.