Annamaya Kosha (the food body)

Anna – food

Maya – made of

Kosha – covering/sheath

Anna is a Sanskrit word that translates as food. Annamaya refers to the layer of the physical body, the densest of all the koshas, being made up of bones, tissues, muscles and organs. It is called the food layer simply because it is made up of the food we eat.

 This kosha is mentioned in the Taittiriya Upanishad as the first sheath:

“From food are made all bodies…..the physical sheath is made up of food” (2.1)

 Many people live their lives without even being fully aware of their physical bodies. In modern day Yoga the practice of asanas is used to understand and become mentally aware of the physical sheath. This serves as a preparation to be able to be able to experience the rest of the koshas.

 Asana (and pranayama) as well as a healthy diet help to keep this physical layer in optimal condition so that we can experience life through our bodies with ease, free from dis-ease.

 Respiration is the breath movement in the annamaya kosha, the physical body, the air intake into the lungs and the gas exchange.

 Start here:

-        Carefully nourish your body – healthy fresh food

-        Mindful eating – sight, smell, texture, temperature, speed, volume, frequency

-        Being in touch with the physical body – this does impact other layers - start slow, gentle postures, accessible practice

-        Be aware of your body - notice areas of dis-ease in the body

 Tools:

-        Asanas - physical movement

-        Self-massage

-        Working with the root chakra – muladhara