What Can Yoga Do for You?

Yoga originated from India about 4000 years ago. It has been continually practised but it is only in the present century that its use and practise has become more widespread. Yoga has an effect on the whole person and combines the mental, physical and spiritual sides. The word 'yoga' originates from a Sanskrit word that means 'yoke' or 'union' and thus reflects on the practises of yoga being total in effect. For many hundreds of years in India, only a select few, such as philosophers and like-minded people with their disciples followed the way of life that yoga dictated. The leaders were known as 'yogis' and it was they who taught their followers by passing on their accumulated knowledge. These small groups of people dwelt in caves or woods, or sometimes a yogi would live like a hermit. Yoga has had quite far reaching effects over many hundreds of years in India.

The basics of yoga were defined by a yogi called Patanjali who lived about 300BC. He was a very well respected teacher and commanded great influence at that time and his classification is one that is used now. He established the fact of yoga being separated into eight different parts. The first two concern a person's lifestyle, which should be serene with the days spent in contemplation, study, maintaining cleanliness and living very simply and at peace with others. Anything that involves avarice or greed or is harmful to others has to be avoided. The third and fourth parts are concerned with physical matters and list a number of exercises that are designed to promote peace and infuse energy into both the mind and the body. The remaining four sections are concerned with the advancement of a person's soul or spirit and mental faculties by being able to isolate himself or herself from outside worries and normal life, contemplation and broadening mental faculties with the ultimate knowledge known as somadhi. Mentally, this is a complete change that gives final realisation of existence. Much more recently, yoga became available in India to everyone, in complete contrast to centuries ago.

Nowadays, the practice of yoga is not restricted to India alone, with millions of people worldwide being followers. There are five different types of yoga: raja, jnana, karma, bakti and hatha. It is this last system that is known in the west and it involves the use of exercises and positions. The other methods concentrate on matters, such as control over the mind, appreciation and intelligence or a morally correct way of life. These other methods are regarded as being of equal importance by the person completely committed to yoga as a way of life. Although people may have little or no spiritual feeling, the basic belief of yoga is the importance of mental attitudes in establishing the physical from exercise.

In yoga it is believed that the body's essence of life (prana), is contained in the breath. Through a change in the way of breathing there can be a beneficial effect on the general health. If a person is in a heightened, emotional condition, or similar state, this will have an effect on the breathing. Therefore, if the breathing is controlled or altered, this should promote joint feelings of peace or calm, both mentally and emotionally. There is a variety of exercises and each promotes different types of breathing, such as the rib cage, shoulder and diaphragm. Some of the movements and stances in use were originally devised from the observations of animals, since they appeared to be adept at relaxation and moved with minimum effort. These stances which are maintained for one two minutes, aim to increase freedom of movement and make the person aware of the various parts of the body and any stress that may be present. It is not intended that they be physically tiring or that the person should 'show off' in front of others. The aim is to concentrate on self knowledge.

It is recommended to follow some simple rules when practising yoga. First use a fully qualified therapist and practise daily if at all possible. It is always best that yoga is undertaken before mealtimes but if this is not possible then three hours must elapse after a large meal or one hour after a light meal. Comfortable clothes are essential and a folded blanket or thick rug should be placed on the ground as the base. Before commencing yoga have a bath or shower and repeat this afterwards to gain the maximum benefit. It is not advisable to do yoga if either the bowels or bladder are full. Should the person have been outside on a hot or sunny day it is not recommended that yoga is practised straight afterwards, as feelings of sickness or dizziness may occur.

Yoga is believed to be of benefit to anyone, providing that they possess determination and patience. If a person has certain physical limitations then these must be taken into account with regard to their expectation but there is no age barrier. If you suffer from stress or disorder in your lives, teachers believe that you are in greater need of harmony and peace. Yoga was used in the main to encourage health in the physical and mental states and thereby act as a preventative therapy. Tension or stress was one of the main disorders for which it was used but nowadays it has been used for differing disorders hypertension, bronchitis, back pain, headaches, asthma, heart disorders, premenstrual tension and an acid stomach. Trials have also been conducted to assess its potential in treating some illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and depression experienced after childbirth. Since the effects of tension are often shown by the tightening and contraction of muscles, the stretching exercises that are performed in yoga are able to release it. Also, being aware of each muscle as it is stretched encourages the person to mentally lose any stress or problems with which they have been beset. Suppleness is developed by the exercises through the use of the bending and twisting actions. This will help to maintain healthy joints, particularly for those people who lead inactive lives.

There should be no strain felt and after practise some or all of them can be done in order. As mentioned previously, it is best to check with a qualified therapist if the person is an expectant mother, suffers from hypertension, is overweight or is having their monthly period.

I have already mentioned that yoga has been used to treat some illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and if a person has such a severe disorder, then a highly skilled and experienced therapist is essential. Since this form of yoga, known as therapeutic yoga, is new there is a limited number of suitably experienced therapists available. For those who wish to use yoga to maintain mental and physical health, joining a class with an instructor is perhaps the best way to proceed, so the exercises are performed correctly and any lapses in concentration can be corrected. These classes last usually in the region of an hour and are separated into sessions for beginners and those who are more proficient. Proficiency and progress are achieved by frequent practice, which can be done at home between lessons.

The majority of doctors regard yoga as a type of exercise that is beneficial, although some do recommend patients to refer to yoga practitioners. However, if a specific disorder is to be treated, it is very important that the ailment should first be seen by a doctor.

Power Yoga Benefits

Yoga means union in the language of Sanskrit, which is a language of India, where yoga originated. Yoga is actually the union of the mind, body and soul and is a philosophy in itself.

Power yoga is a form of yoga that is based on a choreographed sequence of poses known as asana during which process, the joints in the body unwind, muscles get relaxed and the energy gets moved. When a person performs power yoga, he tends to build strength and flexibility and is able to focus better and consequently the tension in the mind and body is released.

Ashtanga yoga is a rigorous form of yoga that is practiced in the eastern part of the globe and hence Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest of the United States have developed a new form of yoga called the power yoga which is performed more rapidly and subtly, where it is possible to easily switch over from seating positions to sun salutations and head stands.

Power yoga classes do not follow a specific sequence and are choreographed and developed by the teacher. The main objective of power yoga is to offer a lot of stretching practices and a good aerobic workout. Also, the duration of power yoga is lesser as against ashtanga yoga which may last for one and a half hours. Power yoga lays emphasis on physical benefits like weight loss and better conditioning of the muscles and general strength of the body without giving more stress on the spiritual or meditative aspects of yoga.

However, in a power yoga class, five to ten minutes may be set apart for meditation. Power yoga is begun with three to six sun salutations that warms up the body and prepare for deeper poses and concludes with at least five minutes of meditation, commonly in corpse pose or a seated pose. This is the most important part of power yoga practice that enables to incorporate all the subtle changes made during the practice.

Basically, power yoga follows a particular sequence like sun salutation, warrior pose, balancing pose and then the triangle pose. Then come the floor practices and the seated postures and finally the savasana or meditation. Although, yoga series ought to be performed in a particular order for each routine, power yoga allows a person to either skip the entire series or focus on particular physical or emotional needs. Such is the flexibility of power yoga.

The benefits of power yoga are innumerable. Apart from being a great form of exercise for everyone, it improves joint movement, increases muscle strength, promotes stamina, maintains good posture, and ultimately warms the body. But the most obvious and ultimate benefit of power yoga is its ability in focusing mentally and improving concentration and to help to find the inner strength of everyone and relieve the stress because power yoga helps to alleviate mental stress and thus relieve aches and pains in the body caused due to muscle stress and tension.

Popular Yoga

Yoga, the ancient practice of postures, breathing and meditation, is gaining rising popularity of yoga nowadays. Exercising yoga has many psychological and spiritual effects.

Some measure the soaring popularity of yoga by the skyrocketing sales of yoga books, classes and equipment. Others note that yoga classes are overtaking traditional aerobics classes in popularity in health clubs throughout the nation. Yoga has grown in popularity likely because people have realized the benefit of low-impact activities and the need to keep an active lifestyle.

Yoga strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. When you achieve the yogic spirit, you can begin knowing yourself at peace.

Yoga helps you to move better and feel better. It stretches muscles and joints and can result in improved posture, energy levels and overall health. The regular practice of yoga can promote body wellness by gradually increasing overall flexibility. By easing muscles and joints into various postures, tension is released and the body becomes less rigid. The key to gaining real benefit from yoga is consistency of practice and maintaining just the right level of difficulty.

Yoga has positive effect on outlook and energy level. Yogic stretching and breathing exercises have been seen to result in an invigorating effect on both mental and physical energy and improved moodYoga, the ancient practice of postures, breathing and meditation, is gaining rising popularity of yoga nowadays. Exercising yoga has many psychological and spiritual effects.

Some measure the soaring popularity of yoga by the skyrocketing sales of yoga books, classes and equipment. Others note that yoga classes are overtaking traditional aerobics classes in popularity in health clubs throughout the nation. Yoga has grown in popularity likely because people have realized the benefit of low-impact activities and the need to keep an active lifestyle.

Yoga strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. When you achieve the yogic spirit, you can begin knowing yourself at peace.

Yoga helps you to move better and feel better. It stretches muscles and joints and can result in improved posture, energy levels and overall health. The regular practice of yoga can promote body wellness by gradually increasing overall flexibility. By easing muscles and joints into various postures, tension is released and the body becomes less rigid. The key to gaining real benefit from yoga is consistency of practice and maintaining just the right level of difficulty.

Yoga has positive effect on outlook and energy level. Yogic stretching and breathing exercises have been seen to result in an invigorating effect on both mental and physical energy and improved mood.

The yoga practice has certainly gained some popularity during recent years. This interest in yoga has also been fuelled by the advantages that are associated with the practice of yoga. Indeed, Yoga is an excellent means to achieve total body conditioning..

The yoga practice has certainly gained some popularity during recent years. This interest in yoga has also been fuelled by the advantages that are associated with the practice of yoga. Indeed, Yoga is an excellent means to achieve total body conditioning.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It focuses upon developing a healthy mind and body, and on attaining self-awareness. The various practices and disciplines of yoga are available to everyone, no matter what their culture or other paths they may follow. Yoga practice also involves developing awareness on a universal and personal level through the yamas and niyamas, a series of ethics and disciplines intended to cultivate living in harmony with others and in oneness with our true selves.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and consists of ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the connection of the mind with the body. The ancient Indian sage systemized yoga philosophy into eight paths or limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. These limbs each express a different aspect of yoga and combined make up the path or yoga practice that unites the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our being.

Yama - Yama are ethical disciplines that relate to how we can live in a shared world with peace and integrity. Niyama - These disciplines relate to the individual and focus on living a healthy, fulfilled and masterful life. Asana - The word asana means ‘to be’, in the sense of being in a posture. The asanas were developed for the maintenance of a healthy mind and body, with each posture affecting the body, mind and emotions in a unique way and working as a pathway to balance and wellbeing. Pranayama - In the practice of pranayama, we develop breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and strengthen lung capacity while also increasing the absorption of prana, or life force. In its simplest form, pranayama involves deep, full breathing. Dharana - Following on from pratyahara, dharana is the ability to be completely internally absorbed and focused. This practice of single-pointed concentration stills the mind and leads to profound quietness within. Dhyana - Following on from dharana is dhyana, or meditation – sitting where there is no focus, just stillness; no thoughts, only emptiness. Samadhi - In this state of absolute personal freedom there is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. It is the practice of living at one with all that is.

With regular yoga practice of yoga, you will get strength, flexibility and good health, the benefits of which flow into all aspects of life. Increased energy levels bring a new perspective on life, the increased feelings of self-love and inspiration lead us to discover talents and interests we never knew existed and problems that once seemed overwhelming become more manageable.