Yoga, What is Yoga?
The word yoga means union: its practice merges mind, body and soul. It is a form of mental and physical training that. It is intended to give control over the body and mind. It was born in India over 4,000 years ago.
Yoga is a subset of Ayurveda. It generally consists of:
- postures (=asanas),
- breathing techniques (=pranayama)
- and meditation.
Its recognition has spread all over the world, making it one of the fastest growing forms of alternative medicine.
Main Principles
- The theory behind yoga focuses on the flow of life-energy (= prana). This life-energy is influenced by meditation and breathing. It flows through invisible energy channels, which cross and connect chakras (energy centers)
- The poses are intended to influence the physical body as they stimulate nerve centers, muscles, and organs.
- When both mind and body are in balance with each other, spiritual enlightenment may be reached.
Yoga is said to restore one’s inner equilibrium. Yoga is part of the Hindu religion, and a way of life for many people. Yet many choose just to practice the breathing, stretching and poses.
Chakras
There are seven chakras, which line up along the vertical center of the body. They ascend in order of spiritual refinement, from the base chakra, up to the crown chakra. Each chakra governs a certain quality and is connected to a specific organ or bodily function.
- The first chakra (base chakra) governs psychic potential and is thought to be connected to the adrenal glands.
- The second chakra governs sexual activity and is thought to be connected to the reproductive organs.
- The third chakra (power chakra) governs the flow of energy (prana) and is thought to be connected to the solar plexus and to the pancreas.
- The fourth chakra (heart chakra) governs emotions and is thought to be connected to the heart and immune system.
- The fifth chakra (throat chakra) regulates communication and creativity and is thought to be connected to the thyroid gland and the body’s metabolic rate.
- The sixth chakra (brow chakra) controls sight and is thought to be connected to the production of hormones.
- The seventh chakra (crown chakra) governs consciousness, self-awareness and t and is thought to be connected to the pineal gland.
Different Forms
There are different styles of yoga. Although all of them focus on postures and meditation, they each have a different focal point.
- Hatha is a slow-paced, gentle yoga. It aims at connecting mind, body and soul through easy poses and breathing techniques.
- Vinyasa is a fast-paced style of yoga that emphasizes breathing. Each pose is balanced by a counter-pose, and many include intense stretching.
- Ashtanga is a fast-paced yoga that follows a set pattern of postures, synchronized with breathing techniques. Ashtanga yoga is physically demanding, and requires flexibility and strength.
- Kundalini focuses mainly on breath. Instead of holding poses for long periods of time, individuals perform: a series of quick postures, often accompanied by chanting; or a call and response sequence.
- Bikram , or hot yoga, is done in a room heated to 95-100 º F/ 35-38º C It follows a set of physically demanding postures. The idea is to cleanse the body through copious sweating and release tension by loosening tight muscles.
About classes
- It’s best to not eat for several hours before doing yoga and to dress in loose comfortable clothes. Be sure to let the instructor know if you have any specific health related concerns.
- Attend gentle yoga classes that incorporate the multi dimensions of yoga: utilizing the physical body, the emotional body and the spiritual body. The class should move on into postures and movements that boost strength and flexibility in body, mind and spirit. We end with a deep relaxation, giving the body and mind the opportunity to rest.
- As the course passes try to hold the postures longer and learn new movements that grow challenging. Although each person ought to participate at their own pace and level of comfort with the yoga pose.
Health Benefits
- Yoga has a positive effect on muscle tone, flexibility and circulation.
- Certain postures have been found to affect the nervous system and endocrine system, regulating heart rate and hormonal production.
- Yoga can also help with conditions such as stress, anxiety and addiction.
The breathing exercises and meditation techniques have been shown to focus the mind and relax the body, easing the stresses of everyday life.
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