---
title: "Yoga Philosophy and Therapy with Dr. Manasa Rao"
description: "Explore the philosophy behind Dr. Manasa Rao's yoga therapy. A blend of PhD-level biomechanics and traditional practice for physical and mental healing."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/my-personal-journey
last_updated: 2025-09-06
---

# My Personal Path: Philosophy and Practice

Tribe Verified · PhD in Yoga, 12+ years teaching

By [Manasa Rao](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush) · Therapy sessions available online · ₹1,000 per workshop (estimate)

Part of [Yoga Therapy for Mind-Body Wellness](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/gallery)

Yoga is not something you do for an hour to get fit. It is a state of being you return to. This is the philosophy—the blend of science and tradition—that informs every session I guide.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: I was honored to be featured on the Prana channel podcast to discuss a topic very close to my heart: yogic parenting. In this clip, the host introduces my background and explains that our conversation goes beyond asana to explore how the principles of yoga apply to the journey of raising children.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5ef37346-5e53-446d-89e9-e8bda8e6c5fb)
- ![I was deeply humbled to serve on the jury for the "51 World's Most Unconventional Young Yoga Instructors." This image is an announcement from the organizers, and it was an honor to help uphold the integrity of the list by reviewing applications from teachers around the world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8b87159b-784b-48e3-ba87-0fd4ef81978d)
- ![In yoga, a "third" element can often be a revealer of truth. This text explores how a challenge, a craving, or even a difficult life situation can test our practice and show us how much love and strength was really there all along.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7f0fa9b-09e3-4bab-9fa2-fce997344ff8)
- ![On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96c4ebdb-305c-41e9-bc94-2d1291744ff0)
- ![On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0534326f-b165-4ab3-8b96-85d2cc21527e)
- ![On International Day of Yoga, I shared these reminders for how to invite others to the practice. Instead of lecturing, we can hold space with compassion. We must respect their rhythm, because their journey is sacred, even if it looks messy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bcdb263f-b9f5-4c09-b11f-1aafe3eb4413)
- ![If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2b332dde-38af-47f5-95a0-208733d9d968)
- ![If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a289e7d-cf0d-45f5-98ec-ae9f7bceec6a)
- ![If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b68bafd5-98ef-4033-a728-a875dade9009)
- ![If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3eff603-e9a3-4173-9f70-3b6a5b62398c)
- ![If showing up for a full yoga class feels like too much, it is okay to break it down. This series of images offers simple, accessible practices you can do throughout your day: five deep breaths in the morning, feeling your breath before bed, and relaxing your jaw during work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4cb00525-4f76-4964-82db-993624fee4ce)
- ![On the festival of Varamahalakshmi, I shared these posts defining true wealth. 'Śarīra Sampat' is the wealth of a strong, steady body, and 'Manas Sampat' is the wealth of a clear, fearless mind. This is the sacred abundance the rishis sang of.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf1238b6-9430-421c-84cc-f6285385fbcd)
- ![On the festival of Varamahalakshmi, I shared these posts defining true wealth. 'Śarīra Sampat' is the wealth of a strong, steady body, and 'Manas Sampat' is the wealth of a clear, fearless mind. This is the sacred abundance the rishis sang of.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3f07883-2d49-4bb4-993b-d7da0e296644)
- ![Yoga is unique because it doesn't just build the body; it transforms the entire being. It turns movement into meditation and breath into a bridge to the self.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18bf8a42-2382-4ccd-8968-91e2df878e8e)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3badfd3-277f-4b61-95bd-b12da59f793b)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02b36885-42b9-4012-a48b-07be2db62b50)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31734a06-db75-4988-adab-f36c44e5a901)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fe231bf6-b4cf-4ec7-9573-0cb805878493)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62dbd818-1947-44ea-bc3a-26d2ac1dc261)
- ![This series of images explores the Sanskrit phrase 'Anugacchatu Pravāhaḥ,' or 'Go with the flow.' It is not about passivity, but the wisdom to act without resistance and trust the tide of life. Just as a river moves around obstacles, we too can learn to flow and find our power again.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c1939692-3500-461d-8d83-ed12137ce0a4)
- ![These verses from the Bhagavad Gita are central to my Sankhya Yoga sessions. They teach that "Evenness of mind is called Yoga," and that one who is undisturbed by desire becomes truly peaceful. This is the timeless wisdom that lovingly dismantles our false identities and anchors us in truth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7cfd58b-5d0f-4862-ba70-ad9791b7fe66)
- ![These verses from the Bhagavad Gita are central to my Sankhya Yoga sessions. They teach that "Evenness of mind is called Yoga," and that one who is undisturbed by desire becomes truly peaceful. This is the timeless wisdom that lovingly dismantles our false identities and anchors us in truth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66cd83b8-0cad-4e6e-86e0-484125c22c82)
- [Video: How do you find time for yoga practice? This video, showing my own practice at home, offers a simple but effective tip: check your screen time. Often, the time we feel we lack is spent scrolling, and setting boundaries there can open up space for what truly matters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/400440b4-f2d9-4974-8886-e6113a713a35)
- ![This image, showing me in meditation with a fellow yogi, is captioned with the Sanskrit word 'Rasasvada,' a sensation of complete bliss. It is a reminder that as we grow, we stop chasing big things and start valuing the simple joys, like quiet moments and quality time with loved ones.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b074a50-f8e0-47fe-8cfc-ffc584642778)
- [Video: This video shares three simple ways to nourish your nervous system: getting sunlight, moving your body, and spending time in nature. These are fundamental practices for simplifying our lives and finding the space to shine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c431d8fd-2338-492c-9561-ae77df492cf1)
- [Video: In this video, I share a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita (2.7) for times when you feel helpless or confused. It is the moment Arjuna surrenders his ego and asks Bhagavan Krishna for guidance. Chanting this verse with faith can be a powerful way to ask for and receive divine guidance in your own life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db3ab571-244d-44e0-848c-67e816b5f456)
- [Video: This video, showing me meditating in the Himalayas, is a reminder to be gentle and patient with your journey. At the end of a patient path, you will embody new dimensions of strength, transformation, and grace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa549708-640f-4f25-b7e3-1a618eb11295)
- [Video: This video offers simple reminders for your yoga journey. It is a path of courage and patience. I encourage you to keep the faith, choose not to quit, and trust that it will all come together in its own time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d4214eb-6f5f-487b-ad4a-95d9186fc152)
- [Video: How should we cope with annoying people? In this video, I share a piece of Ayurvedic wisdom that suggests giving troublemakers the attention they demand first, so you have more time for the good people in your life. It is a practical approach to clearing out social and emotional clutter.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb0e886d-124f-4ad0-88dc-c159870d2190)
- [Video: These simple hand exercises, which my son and I practice together, are a form of brain gym. Because each finger has thousands of mechanoreceptors, these movements activate the brain's motor cortex, improving fine motor skills and focus for both kids and adults.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/65aa701f-00d7-4084-9cd4-7039afda362a)

## About My Personal Journey

My teaching was born out of a pivot from a decade in media to a PhD in yoga biomechanics. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all regimen because your body and your history are unique. Before we step onto the mat, we look at your alignment, your medical history, and your emotional state to build a sequence that actually serves you. This is where my academic grounding meets practical, compassionate healing.

My journey with yoga started in 1995, but it was not until 2011 that I realised my true calling lay in teaching. After working in media, I felt a pull toward something deeper—the 'why' behind every posture and the science of how movement connects to the mind. This led me to complete my PhD at S-VYASA, where I explored the intersection of biomechanics and traditional philosophy.

### The Philosophy of My Practice
I teach with the understanding that you are not a customer, but a student. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain, PCOS, or the weight of trauma, my approach is to create a space where your nervous system can feel safe enough to release. We use clinical assessments to understand your specific constraints, and then we apply traditional modalities—Pranayama for the nervous system, Asana for alignment, and Yoga Nidra for deep rest.

### Beyond the Mat
My sessions are not about pushing your body to conform to a standard; they are about using the tools of yoga to navigate your specific life season. If you are here, you are likely looking for more than just a workout. You are looking for a way to anchor yourself. Whether we are working on somatic release for stored trauma or simple breathwork to manage daily stress, the goal is always the same: to help you arrive, exactly as you are, and begin the work of healing from there.

## About Manasa Rao

I’m Manasa. I spent years in the fast-paced world of media before finding that my true work lay in the ancient science of yoga. I teach because I believe that healing is not about fixing a broken part, but about remembering your own wholeness.

[See all of Manasa Rao's services](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush)

## More from Yoga Therapy for Mind-Body Wellness by Manasa Rao

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/featured)
- [Yoga for Trauma & Emotional Healing](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/yoga-for-trauma-emotional-healing)
- [Yoga for Women's Health](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/yoga-for-women-s-health)
- [Yoga for Physical Wellness](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/yoga-for-physical-wellness)
- [The Philosophy of Authentic Yoga](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/the-philosophy-of-authentic-yoga)
- [Asana Demonstrations](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/asana-demonstrations)
- [Practices Beyond Asana](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/practices-beyond-asana)
- [Wisdom for the Modern Yogi](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/wisdom-for-the-modern-yogi)
- [Words from My Students](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-therapy-for-mind-body-wellness/words-from-my-students)

## More services by Manasa Rao

- [Yoga Philosophy & Spiritual Mentorship](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/yoga-philosophy-spiritual-mentorship)
- [Mindful Parenting Coaching](https://mytribe.in/yogaayush/mindful-parenting-coaching)

## Similar work from other experts

- [My Yoga Journey and Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/yogabydeeksha/corporate-event-yoga/my-yoga-journey-philosophy) by Deeksha Tripathi · Corporate & Event Yoga · On-site at your office or event venue across Bengaluru & Delhi NCR
- [My Yoga Lineage and Teaching Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/hityoga_indianyogi/corporate-institutional-wellness-programs/my-lineage-guiding-philosophy) by Hitesh Aras · Corporate & Institutional Wellness Programs · On-site sessions across Bengaluru, Studio in Basaveshwar Nagar & Online
- [My Yoga Journey: Practice & Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/aishwaryasahu/holistic-yoga-classes/my-yoga-journey-practice-philosophy) by Aishwarya Sahu · Holistic Yoga Classes · Online and in-person classes at DLF Club 5 and across Delhi NCR
- [Real Clinical Yoga for Inner Health](https://mytribe.in/manjunath.murthy_/clinical-yoga-therapy/my-philosophy-the-essence-of-real-yoga) by Manjunath Murthy · Clinical Yoga Therapy · Online clinical therapy sessions
- [My Yoga Philosophy & Personal Journey](https://mytribe.in/yogawithmanikarnika/holistic-life-wellness-coaching/my-philosophy-personal-journey) by Manikarnika · Holistic Life & Wellness Coaching · Online coaching, studio in Malviya Nagar, or at your location in Delhi
- [Mindful Moments and Yoga Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/yogwithsuhani/yoga-therapy/mindful-moments-philosophy) by Suhani Singh · Yoga Therapy · Available Online & Home visits in Delhi NCR

## Book

To book Manasa Rao, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Manasa%2C%20I've%20been%20reading%20about%20your%20journey%20and%20philosophy.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20exploring%20yoga%20therapy%E2%80%94could%20we%20discuss%20where%20to%20start%3F)