Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that helps the body and mind to undo so much of this modern day stress, in a world where fast takes advantage over slow. Yoga is an ancient discipline that has origins in India over 5,000 years ago and goes well beyond physical exercise to include postures (asanas), control of breath (pranayama), meditation (dhyana) and ethical principles or values for daily living such as the yamas & niyamans. Dig into this transformational practice with me.
The Essence of Yoga
The word ‘Yoga’ is adapted from the Sanskrit language, which means to unite or join. Yoga aims at integrating the individual self (atman) and universal consciousness (Brahman). This connection creates a whole serene self equipped with harmony and realisation.
Benefits of Yoga
Increased Flexibility and Strength: Regular yoga practice helps in improving flexibility and range of motion and builds strength.
Decreased Stress: The focus on mindful breathing and meditative practises in Yoga helps relieve physical tension within the body and reduce overall bodily stress.
Improved Mental Clarity and Concentration: Yoga calms the mind and improves concentration, resulting in mental clarity.
Improved Sleep: Practising Yoga may lead to better sleep and aid those who suffer from insomnia
Anxiety and depression can be reduced: Research has shown that practising Yoga may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Increased Cardiovascular Outcomes: Your normal blood pressure can be reduced, and heart functioning is also improved.
Stronger immunity: Yoga may boost the body’s natural defences so it can fight stress and infection.
Improved Self-Awareness and Mindfulness: By channelling introspection, Yoga enhances self-awareness and fosters a sense of mindfulness.
Types of Yoga
Yoga comes in all sorts of styles, each focusing on different aspects and having various benefits:
Hatha Yoga: This is the type of Yoga that comes to mind when most people refer to on in general.
Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa is a unique style of Yoga that is identified by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another seamlessly, using breath.
Ashtanga Yoga: A high-paced style of Yoga comprising a fixed sequence of postures.
Iyengar: A style of Yoga that uses props to help you hold the poses longer and is known for its attention to detail when it comes to alignment.
Kundalini Yoga: A type of Yoga in which one aims to stimulate energy at the base of the spine through chanting, breathing and meditation
Restorative Yoga: A practice that is blissful and opens the body, heart & mind by using props to hold your postures in a clique of comfort for an extended period.
Yin Yoga: You stay in poses for 3–10 minutes, leading to greater flexibility of the joints and couching of the meridians.
Getting Started with Yoga
If you are new to Yoga, here is some advice on how beginners can start :
Practice with a Certified Instructor: Make sure to practice Yoga under the guidance of an authorised teacher who can teach you the correct alignment and technique.
Ease Into It + Check Your Ego: You do not need to go balls-to-the-walls every day. You want to begin with a beginner class and increase strength and flexibility as needed.
Practice: The more you practice, the more effective Yoga becomes. Aim for practicing at least 3-4 times per week.
Yoga is a Process: Remember, it will take time to get better in Yoga. Too many times, you see journalists giving up before the results start paying off. Don’t Rush (enjoy the process).
Conclusion
What shall Yoga mean to you and how will it change your life on countless planes. If you want to get in shape, relax your mind and de-stress or free your thoughts from the hustle-bustle of life —Yoga has something for everyone. So lay out your mat, inhale deeply and walk this road to ancient ways of becoming well.
Yoga is not about you doing pretzel-like moves for optimal poses. This is just a connection of a breath to awareness and the oddest piece.
Disclaimer
The information included in this blog is not a replacement for professional advice from qualified medical designers who are familiar with your personal circumstances. Before engaging in any type of physical exercise, it is very important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider. This can be even more significant if you have existing health issues.
Yoga as exercise is a physical activity consisting mainly of postures, often connected by flowing sequences called vinyasas, sometimes accompanied by breathing exercises. With the practice of Yoga mostly injuries may occur. You must take responsibility for your own health and safety and practice common sense when you participate in or follow along with any yoga video.
The author and blog publisher of this site are not responsible in any way for the reader or student following the information provided herein.
