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Dr. C.V. Aruna.,
Yogasana Theraphy Consultant
K.G. Hospital & Post Graduate Medical Institute, Coimbatore. India
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Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India. It is seen as a means to enlightenment.
Following are the different types of Yoga:
- Karma Yoga
- Bhakti Yoga
- Jnana Yoga
- Raja Yoga
In the West, Yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) and yoga is considered as a fitness exercise.
Yoga is considered as enlightenment to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Yoga has influenced other religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Following are the Hindu texts that establish the basis for yoga:
- Upanishads
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Bhagavad Gita
- Hata Yoga Pradipika
Origin of Yoga
The word YOGA is derived from the Sanskrit words 'root yuj", i.e. to yoke. When translated, it means the union of the individual atma with Paramatma, i.e. the universal soul. In a nutshell, it is union with the Divine by integration of body, mind and spirit.
Essence of Yoga
It involves the practise of concentration and meditation and binding of consciousness to a single point.
Notable Yogis
- Shankaracharya
- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
- Sri Aurobindo
- Gopi Krishna
- Swami Vivekananda
- Swami Sivananda
Why do YOGA?
Yoga:
- Improves muscle tone, flexibility and stamina
- Reduces stress and tension
- Improves concentration and creativity
- Boosts self esteem
- Lowers fat
- Improves circulation
- Stimulates the immune system
- Creates sense of well being and calm
FAQs
- Will YOGA help you lose your weight?
The health benefits of yoga are well documented. Yoga helps to increase flexibility, reduce stress and may even benefit the internal organs.
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What are the advantages of Yoga?
- Yoga strengthens voluntary and centrally motored muscles. Muscles become more efficient and get more endurance power.
- By doing yoga, one will have less tension and capacity to bear high tension.
- Fattiness gets controlled.
- Heart gets massage.
- Body and mind remain fresh and healthy.
- Respiratory system gets strengthened and sensory nerves get balanced.
- Capacity of the heart to work increases.
- Due to the effect of Asanas and Pranayama, the head as well as the glands giving internal secretion get regular blood supply.
- In the event of bursting of an artery, blood flow gets immediately stopped.
- What makes Yoga special?
Yoga units body, mind and spirit. It is a union of postures, breath and focus. The practice of yoga is deeply meditative, promoting relaxation and inner peace. Yoga encourages focus on breathing, posture and body awareness, which are important elements of good health.
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What are the aims of Yoga?
- The primary goal of yoga is to gain balance and control in one's life.
- Yoga frees one from confusion and distress.
- Yoga provides a sense of clam that comes from the practice of yogic exercises and the practice of breath control.
- The practice of yoga exercises aims at overcoming the limitations of the body.
- Yoga realigns and rejuvenates the body inside and out.
- Yoga frees the mind from the negative feelings caused by the fast pace of modern life.
- The practice of yoga installs optimism within you.
- Yoga helps you to focus better and overcome any obstacles.
- Yoga teaches us that challenges that we all face indicate themselves in either a physical or mental form.
- Yogic poses will cure physical ailment and correct the alignment of the body.
- Yoga poses tone the whole body.
- Yoga strengthens bones and muscles, corrects posture, improves breathing and increases energy.
- Practicing yoga poses cleanses and detoxifies the body by increasing the circulation of fresh blood throughout the body.
- By yoga, you will be able to cleanse the flush out toxins, which are the direct result of an irregular lifestyle, unhealthy habits and poor posture.
- Regular practice will restore strength and stamina to the body.
- Can I do yoga when I have a cold and a headache?
A slow gentle yoga practice is best. Focus on floor postures, especially those that are focused on the spine.
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What postures are advisable during pregnancy?
- Avoid all postures that put pressure on the belly, especially after the third month.
- In pregnancy, there is a hormone secreted that makes muscles very easy to over stretch. This can cause injury if the woman pushes/pulls too hard.
- Postures done on the back will cause injury to the fetus. Hence shavasana should not be practiced.
- Do I have to exhale through the nose or mouth?
You should inhale and exhale through the nose.
- How often should I practice yoga?
One could start practicing yoga 3 to 4 times per week; 30 to 60 minutes per day would be ideal. It would be ideal to start slowly and gradually and build up the duration per day and per week. You should do what would be good for your body.
- Will yoga tone up my body?
Yes, yoga will tone and strengthen the body.
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