What is Cyclic Yoga?

Cyclic Yoga is a modern and innovative approach to the practice of physical and breathing techniques within the discipline of yoga.
This unique style, along with the Payam Mehr Wellness Center, has been officially registered both in Iran and internationally.

The design of each cycle in Cyclic Yoga can be likened to the composition of a harmonious piece of music. Just as each musical note holds its own distinct value and purpose, it is the thoughtful arrangement and sequence of these notes that creates a melody capable of touching the soul.

In the same way, every yoga posture (asana) in Cyclic Yoga represents a note, and a complete cycle is akin to a musical composition. While individual asanas may be powerful on their own, it is the specific order and rhythm of their execution that generates a deep and transformative experience.
By following the flow of each cycle, practitioners are guided into a state where both body and mind resonate with a unique and profound sense of balance and harmony.

Yoga: An Ancient Science for Modern Well-being

Yoga, as both a science and an art of holistic well-being, dates back nearly five thousand years and encompasses a wide range of dimensions. Throughout history, it has been interpreted in various ways: some describe it as the art of accessing and awakening the unconscious self and experiencing cosmic consciousness, while others consider it a science and art of physical, mental, and spiritual purification.

To some, yoga is a mystical path toward self-realization; to others, it is a philosophy of life, a system of health and healing, or a method of physical and mental fitness. The truth is, yoga is all of these—an expansive discipline that can be approached from numerous angles.

In today’s world, yoga is widely recognized as a method for calming the nervous system, building mental and physical resilience, increasing energy, enhancing inner peace, preventing illness, and promoting longevity.

While all aspects of yoga are valuable, physical practices—known as asanas—tend to receive the most attention. This is perhaps because they are more tangible and easier to teach and learn than other, subtler aspects of the discipline.

According to the ancient text Gheranda Samhita, there are 84,000,000 yoga postures, of which 84 are considered foundational. All other movements are said to be derived from these key poses. Yoga postures have been developed with careful anatomical and physiological considerations. When practiced correctly, yoga’s physical and breathing techniques can detoxify the body from the harmful effects of poor diet, environmental pollution, chronic stress, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Regular yoga practice supports proper organ function, alleviates physical and mental fatigue, balances hormonal activity, and enhances the flow of energy throughout the body and mind.

Though yoga is a complete discipline in itself for physical and mental health, it also serves as an excellent complement to other physical activities. Athletes in disciplines such as football, volleyball, swimming, or mountaineering can greatly benefit from yoga’s ability to improve strength, breath control, flexibility, and self-awareness.

For instance, a rock climber needs not only physical fitness but also heightened alertness, focus, and quick decision-making—qualities that yoga cultivates. In general, yoga enhances performance and recovery in all athletic fields. It is also highly effective as an academic and therapeutic tool, thanks to its calming effects, focus-enhancing qualities, and emotional regulation benefits.

Yoga Therapy and Psychotherapy

Yoga-based physical therapy (Yoga Therapy) and psychological treatment (Yoga Psychotherapy) are increasingly being used as effective complementary therapies. These approaches have shown remarkable results in addressing physical ailments as well as psychological conditions such as anxiety, stress, phobias, depression, behavioral issues, and psychosomatic disorders.

Numerous clinical reports support these outcomes, and it is advisable for medical doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists to consider yoga as an independent or complementary therapeutic method rooted in Eastern wisdom.

Cyclic Yoga: A Scientific and Systematic Approach

Cyclic Yoga represents a research-based evolution of traditional yoga, developed over years of clinical observation and practical experimentation by yoga practitioners and medical experts. This method offers a structured and scientifically informed system for practicing physical yoga exercises.

Given the vast diversity of yoga postures—some simple, others complex—key questions often arise for students and instructors:

Where should one begin their yoga journey?
What sequence or system should be followed?
Does practicing 8 to 10 random poses per day yield the full benefits of yoga?
On what principles should postures be selected?
Does the sequence or order of poses matter?
Can postures be practiced arbitrarily?
Should we consider the combined effects of postures, or does each work in isolation?

Cyclic Yoga addresses these important questions. With deep respect for yoga masters and traditions across the globe—including diverse and sometimes conflicting approaches to Hatha Yoga—the developers of Cyclic Yoga have synthesized the best elements from different methods and integrated them with modern medical insights.

The result is a well-structured and goal-oriented training method, where each session begins and ends with a specific pattern. This approach emphasizes logical sequencing, the inclusion of preparatory and facilitating poses, and a clear progression from one cycle to the next.

Designing each cycle has required extensive time, medical accuracy, financial resources, and collaborative teamwork. Thirteen distinct cycles have been created so far, with more in development. There is also an ongoing effort to design structured breathing and mental practice cycles to make them more accessible, effective, and teachable.

Cyclic Yoga Educational Program

The educational framework of Cyclic Yoga, currently implemented at the International Yoga Institute of Payam Mehr, is divided into three progressive training levels across 2.5-month terms:

Beginner
Introductory Level 1
Introductory Level 2

During these courses, students learn the fundamentals of:

Orthopedic exercises
Breath-coordinated movement
Correct posture execution
Benefits of yoga
Basic human anatomy
Principles of nutrition
Physical and mental hygiene

After gaining these foundational skills, students move on to learning the Cyclic Yoga sequences themselves. Each participant is also given a daily practice plan tailored to a specific cycle, ensuring they receive the full range of benefits offered by the asanas.

An Introduction to Cyclic Yoga

My interest in yoga began in early childhood. My mother was an experienced yoga teacher, and our home was often filled with the presence of yoga masters, instructors, and thinkers. Their conversations—on subjects ranging from the philosophy of yoga to the benefits of asanas—were, to my young mind, like fascinating stories. Although I didn’t fully understand their deep discussions at the time, listening to them brought me great joy.

From an early age, I frequently heard about the therapeutic potential of yoga postures (asanas) and their impact on both physical and mental well-being. However, when I observed students practicing yoga, I couldn’t help but wonder:
Why do the benefits of yoga manifest slowly—or not at all—for some practitioners?
And why, in some cases, can yoga postures even lead to discomfort or harm?

As I grew older, these questions only deepened. I began studying under expert yoga instructors in search of a more profound understanding of the discipline. Along the way, I encountered physicians who used yoga therapeutically to support their patients’ healing processes.

While I never doubted the individual benefits of each yoga posture, I became increasingly skeptical about the effectiveness of combining various asanas without a clearly defined system. I began to wonder if improper sequencing might diminish or even counteract the benefits of yoga.

A hypothesis began to take shape in my mind. Just as lemon juice and milk are both nutritious on their own but harmful when consumed together, perhaps yoga postures, too, must be carefully combined. Could improper sequencing of asanas prevent practitioners from experiencing deep stability, relaxation, flexibility, and focus?

This idea intrigued me more and more. I discussed it with experienced teachers. Some agreed that overemphasizing physical yoga while neglecting other limbs of the practice could be a contributing factor. Others dismissed my concerns outright, offering no answers. A few, however, resonated with my line of thinking.

One pivotal moment came when I met Dr. Saeed Ahmadi, an Iranian university professor researching the effects of yoga on the mind. With his collaboration—and the support of others who shared our hypothesis—we formed a dedicated research team to explore this idea more rigorously. Dr. Ahmadi and I led the design and management of the research.

Scientific Foundations of Cyclic Yoga

Over the next three years, we conducted an in-depth study of 77 yoga postures. Our research focused on several key aspects:

Spinal alignment and vertebral function
Joint mobility and muscular tension/stretch dynamics
Specific physical and psychological effects of each posture
Required flexibility and anatomical readiness for each asana
Entry and exit mechanics of each posture
The need for warm-up or preparatory movements before certain asanas

Using anatomical, physiological, and practical analysis, we classified these 77 postures into distinct groups, each assigned a specific code. We then designed sequences within each group where the arrangement of poses would amplify their individual benefits and create a logical progression from one to the next.

For certain more advanced postures, we introduced preparatory movements to ensure safe and effective execution. Each complete sequence—comprising key postures and their preparatory poses—was designated as a Cycle.

What distinguished these cycles was their internal coherence. Within each cycle, the postures were anatomically and functionally harmonious: similar muscular patterns, shared energetic pathways, and synergistic effects on internal organs and psychological states.

Clinical Application and Results

After defining and refining a sufficient number of cycles, we initiated a clinical study. Participants included both healthy individuals and those with physical and psychological disorders.
The results were compelling:

Individuals with lower back pain, osteoporosis, and digestive disorders experienced noticeable relief.
Those suffering from anxiety, depression, and emotional instability showed measurable psychological improvement.
Even among healthy participants, increases in flexibility, emotional well-being, and a sense of inner calm were observed.

These findings confirmed our original hypothesis and led to the official development and naming of a new approach: Cyclic Yoga.

Cyclic Yoga is more than just a new method—it’s a scientifically informed, therapeutically grounded, and systematically designed style of yoga. It offers a response to the often-overlooked question of how postures should be sequenced for maximum benefit. Rooted in tradition but enhanced by modern research, it bridges the wisdom of ancient yoga with the needs of contemporary practitioners.

We hope this method serves as a practical and effective tool for all who seek deeper healing and harmony through yoga.

Classification of Cycles

Beginner Cycles
These foundational cycles are designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. They can be practiced comfortably by everyone—especially beginners or individuals with physical limitations. The postures included require minimal flexibility or strength, making them an ideal starting point for new practitioners.

Advanced Cycles
Advanced cycles include strength-based and skill-intensive yoga postures. Performing these cycles requires a higher level of physical flexibility, stamina, and specific technical training. They are best suited for experienced students who have already built a strong foundation in yoga practice.

Therapeutic Support Cycles
Therapeutic cycles consist of carefully selected postures that can be adapted to individual physical capabilities. Practitioners are encouraged to use supportive tools and props as needed in order to achieve the minimum required stretch and muscular engagement. These cycles are especially beneficial for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.

Breathing Cycles (Pranayama)
These cycles focus on breath control and regulation techniques known as Pranayama. Each breathing sequence is structured to enhance lung capacity, balance the nervous system, and support emotional and mental well-being.

Meditation Cycles
Meditation cycles guide practitioners through structured mental practices designed to cultivate focus, awareness, and inner calm. These sequences serve as powerful tools for developing mindfulness and achieving deep states of mental clarity and peace.

Strengthening Cycles
These cycles are designed to build muscular strength, endurance, and body stability. Through targeted postures and sequences, they help enhance the body’s physical resilience while preparing it for more demanding yoga practices or daily physical activities.