Yoga for Joy and Good Health

What is yoga? Yoga is more than a 5,000-year-old tradition that originated in India. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning to join or unite.

Yoga is the union of the body and the mind. It increases flexibility while strengthening and toning the muscles of the body. It also involves the practice of focusing the mind through meditation and breathing techniques, both essential to a well-rounded yoga practice. 

Gregory Scott, a chiropractor, teaches yoga classes at the Scotts Valley Ananda Yoga Center. He often begins a class by playing the harmonium, an organ-type keyboard instrument.

“Music goes a long way,” Scott says. “The vibration of the instrument calms people and helps them to relax from the very start.”

Scott has practiced Hatha yoga in the Ananda tradition for several years. The Ananda tradition incorporates positive affirmations with many of the asanas (postures), seeking to create balance between body and mind. In each class he teaches, Scott does not push students to achieve perfect form; rather, he encourages working within each individual body’s capacity. Pushing the envelope, yes, but never to the point of pain.

A self-described health coach, Scott offers massage and yoga therapy along with chiropractic services as a means of treatment and rehabilitation for those in need. He often works with individuals recovering from acute illness and those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis.

His practice travels once a week to The Camp, a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center for youth and adults in Scotts Valley.

“The patients have used a multitude of drugs and have ignored their bodies for a long time,” Scott says. “By offering massage, it brings the vibration of health to them.” 

Optional yoga classes are also offered twice a week at the Camp.

“Yoga could be just the thing to replace a habit for a better life,” he says. 

Yoga is on par with many other aerobic exercises, and it is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Spoken as an athlete himself, Scott notes, “Mentally, yoga is similar to golf. You can’t try to play better golf. Golfers know, the harder you try, the worse your score. You need to center yourself and play within yourself.”

Perhaps, that’s why so many golfers are practicing yoga these days. Yoga is the ideal exercise for the body and mind.    

In addition to working at the Ananda Center, Scott offers chair massage and yoga classes at World Gym in Scotts Valley.

Namaste. (Yoga students often repeat namaste at the end of each class as a way to honor their instructor, themselves and their practice.)

Take a look at the Ananda Yoga Schedule or read more about Gregory Scott.

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