The Panchamaya Kosha model is a profound framework used in yoga therapy to understand and address the human experience holistically. It originates from the Taittiriya Upanishad (see books tab), which describes five sheaths or layers (koshas) that veil the true self (Atman). In yoga therapy, this model is not just a philosophical map but a practical tool to structure assessment, intervention, and healing. In a clinical setting, medical notes (SOAP notes) are documented from the basis of this model to help inform other therapists, doctors, and insurance about clients’ experiences with facts about the sessions.
The Koshas – A Brief Overview
Annamaya Kosha – Physical Body
Related to the body, nutrition, structure, and physical sensations.
Entry point for assessment of pain, posture, breath, movement patterns, and lifestyle.
The subtlest layer; characterized by deep peace, joy, and a sense of unity.
Accessed through states of deep meditation or spontaneous stillness.
Therapeutic presence itself and practices that encourage inner stillness can help.
How This Model Is Used in Yoga Therapy
Holistic Assessment Tool
Instead of focusing only on physical symptoms, the koshas provide a multidimensional view.
For example, a client with chronic back pain may also have disrupted breathing (pranamaya), stress patterns (manomaya), and a disconnection from inner wisdom (vijnanamaya).
Personalized Care Plan
Paige, or any yoga therapist, can use the model to tailor interventions across layers:
Physical movement and alignment (annamaya)
Breath awareness to regulate nervous system (pranamaya)
Emotional processing and thought awareness (manomaya)
Cultivating insight and behavioral clarity (vijnanamaya)
Practices that nurture joy and peace (anandamaya)
Tracking Patterns and Shifts
Therapists note how an intervention on one layer affects others.
Example: breath regulation may reduce anxiety and improve posture, showing koshas’ interdependence.
Promotes Self-Awareness and Empowerment
Clients learn to observe and influence their own experience.
This empowers long-term healing and self-regulation beyond sessions.
Trauma-Sensitive Application
The kosha model supports gradual, respectful entry into deeper layers of experience.
It avoids pushing clients into uncomfortable self-exploration before they’re ready.
Bridge Between Ancient Wisdom and Modern Care
While the word “energy” may be a challenging concept for some, the model can be explained using modern parallels, like nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, and somatic awareness.
Conclusion:
In yoga therapy, the Panchamaya Kosha model is both a map and method—a map to understand the complexity of human experience, and a method to guide healing from the outermost, tangible aspects of life toward the deepest sense of wholeness and inner peace.
It respects the layered nature of suffering and health and allows for a compassionate, integrated, and client-centered approach to well-being.
Referring to the layers of the five elements within each kosha which are:
