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In the West, the term ‘yoga’ is often used to refer to asana classes, doing yoga poses, which are really only part of the path of yoga. Yoga actually means “union” which refers to both the path and the goal, which is the union of the body, mind and spirit, or of the individual soul and universal soul.

Traditional asanas are only one part of the practice of yoga – there are 7 other ‘limbs’ (as in a tree) of yoga, including meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises.) Asana, pranayama and meditation are meant to be woven together. They are interconnected and support each other, and are each necessary for the others and for the entire yoga path.

Asanas
Asanas are the physical poses practiced in yoga. There are thousands of asanas in the practice of yoga, but only about 100 are in active use by yogis all over the world. Asanas stretch and internally massage the entire body, with twisting, bending, and holding accompanied by periods of relaxation. At all times, asana should be a comfortable and steady pose. Asanas fulfill several functions: they promote strength, flexibility, and muscle tone, creating a generally stronger, healthier body. They also enhance the flow of prana, life energy, in the body.

Pranayama
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which is translated as “control of the breath” or “control of the life force.” It refers to a series of breathing exercises from the simple to the complex which are an integral part of the practice of yoga. You can practice pranayama as an isolated technique, or integrate it into your daily hatha yoga routine. Pranayama is also an important part of meditation. Pranayama practice makes the mind calmer and more focused.

Meditation
While it’s generally agreed that the goal of meditation is to experience enlightenment, there are many different explanations of what meditation actually is, including the simple and exact process of learning to know yourself as you really are and a process of giving your full attention to whatever object you have chosen. Overall, meditation is anything that brings us into the present and keeps us there.

Outside in and inside out
Geshe Michael Roach (Tibetan Book of Yoga, 2004) describes the process of working simultaneously from the outside in and the inside out as similar to plumbing. To unclog a blocked pipe, we have to poke something down the pipe to help open the flow, and also bang on the outside to loosen the blockages. Asana balances and enhances the functioning of the body, breath, mind, and spirit by manipulating our external self (the body) to influence the whole Self from the outside in. Pranayama also works also from the outside in – calm breathing calms the mind and improves the functioning of our entire system. Working from the inside, meditation will make you aware of the reality deep within and lead you to a state of inner joy.

Yoga is a system of spiritual, mental and physical training that is suitable for people for all ages. It calms the mind, attuning us to the environment and concentration and mental ability are enhanced thus reducing stress and anxiety. Yoga helps fell people more relaxed and calmer as well as making them mentally alert and energetic. Although yoga is a self-form of self help therapy, and you can get the maximum benefit under the guidance of well-experienced teacher. You can find yoga classes in cities and towns all over the world. Very little is need in terms of equipments and the greatest advantage is that you can attain best of the advantage even if the sessions are for small period of time. It is however beneficial if you can manage session of 30 minutes or an hour. It is recommended that session should take place in morning or evening. Do not take a bath before or after practice, have a break of at least 30 minutes.

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit for union, and all form of yoga have as their aim the realization of oneness with the universe. Yoga originated in India more than 5000 years ago and played an integral part in the growth of Hinduism, Buddhism and Indian civilization as a whole. Yoga was first introduced to the west in the 19th century when translation of Hindu text began to appear. However it is not until 20th century that yoga began to attract attention among people searching for alternative health.

Yoga purpose is to strengthen the body and make it more flexible as well as awake the spirit. – In effect to provide mental and spirituals system of health. Yoga improves posture, increase the intake of oxygen and enhance the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and elimination system. It does it through physical poses (asanas) breathing techniques and meditation practice. Yoga has lot of advantages over exercise and other form of sport, fitness technique, as exercise is hard work yoga is gentle because your mind and heart are involved. People off all ages can do yoga, and asanas can be adapted for people with disabilities or special need. Almost every one can do yoga including the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic health problems. However people need to select asana depending upon there ability to perform.

An important aspect of yoga is beliefs in Prana(life force)which is the universal energy that gives structure and form to mater, life and spirit.

Not only does the practice of yoga have wonderful physical benefits, there are also more subtle benefits regarding the emotional and spiritual dimensions. Yoga-based relaxation techniques and stretching are effective because the mind is focused in a meditative way on the movements, skin / muscle sensations and relaxed breathing. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Furthermore, a relaxed body contributes to relaxing the mind and emotions. This combination results in complete, dynamic health.

Yoga provides powerful skills for stress-management – coping with the stresses or ups and downs of daily life. Accumulated emotional stress can manifest as character armor in the body which may lead to maladaptive psychological tendencies including anxiety, depression and addictions. In Yoga this armor is called “kleshas”. The postures bend, stretch and twist these “kleshas” out of the system, thus releasing emotional blockages.

As the body becomes more flexible so does thinking patterns. As muscles become stronger so does ones inner power, confidence and self-esteem. The progressive relaxation (corpse pose) that concludes most Yoga classes is soothing and calming to the mind. Many people start doing Yoga to release tension from the body and learn to relax. Ultimately, they are surprised as they become more in touch emotionally and spiritually.

The combination of breathing, relaxation and meditation stimulates endorphins, slows down the brain wave activity producing an alpha state and distracts the mind from negative thinking leading to a heightened state of inner peace. Yogic breathing (pranayama) is the main agent for stress-reduction and enhancing spiritual awareness. The Latin word for breath is “spiritus” – respire and aspirate. Many spiritual masters feel that the ultimate is to experience the Spirit or Self. The Self is pure consciousness and a state of transcendent knowledge and bliss. This idea does not have to be understood intellectually.

The simple observation of oneself during yoga can be continued throughout the day. Through this increased awareness one can begin to listen and respond to internal messages. As this awareness grows and enfolds while practicing Yoga, it may begin to permeate other aspects of ones life. One may begin to feel more calm, relaxed, non-judgmental and focused.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., who runs the stress-reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, believes that our lives are the sum of our present moments but we are too often distracted to be aware of those moments. He adds that breathing consciously is the best way to learn to pay attention and it is the first step in meditation. As one Yoga student eloquently said, “Yoga brings more balance, peace, relaxation, joy, health, and light into my life. Practicing Yoga means nurturing and loving your Self or your inner Spirit!”

www.beeunlimitedyoga.com

Yoga was first experimented with in the US in the 1960′s and has steadily grown in popularity since. Approximately 30 million Americans practice Hatha yoga. Like many of the other alternative medicines, yoga promotes a whole-body approach to health and exercise. Unlike traditional medical practices yoga is a physical and mental discipline that uses posture-related techniques that involve gentle stretching, breath control and meditation. As patients delve more and more into the alternative medicine fields to cure their health problems the followers of acupuncture, chiropractic, meditation and yoga are growing at a rapid speed.

Yoga originated in India around 3300 BC. Much like many other practices in India, yoga is associated with philosophies of Hinduis, Buddhism and Jainism. Yoga has several meanings which are derived from Sanskrit, all of which can be correlated to traditional or modern day yoga, “to control”, “to unite”, “contemplation”, and “absorption”. The major branches of yoga include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. Traditionally yoga was a ritual discipline of concentration with a goal of improving health to achieve Moksha, which is a release from worldly suffering.

Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced type of yoga in US. Hatha yoga is what typical Americans refer to as yoga is used for mental and physical health. Americans consider yoga an alternative to exercise. Yoga is mental and spiritual well being brought about through physical postures and poses. It involves a connection between the mind and body through breathing. Yoga strengthens the muscles and stretches the body in order to calm the mind. Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and decrease physical discomfort in the body.

Due to high stress levels in people’s lives, many turn to yoga to reduce this stress. Yoga is known for reducing stress and increased relaxation of both mind and body. However it has many other health benefits as well. Yoga has been known to help with people who suffer from lower back pain. Due to specific poses, yoga strengthens and stretches muscles, which can be effected by injuries. In addition people who suffer from high anxiety have seen improved results from yoga based on it’s calming of the mind and spirit.

Now a days you can find classes for all different types of yoga and for people of all different ages. Most people who turn to yoga are either looking for a gentler way to exercise or a more holistic and spiritual way to reduce stress and relax. Try a beginners yoga class to see if this alternative exercise is right for you.

 

Yoga is becoming more and more recognized as an accompaniment to cancer treatment. Mostly viewed and experienced as a way to relax the mind and to tone and shape the body, Yoga is a very ancient science that is misunderstood in today’s society. While the benefits of Yoga surely can include a calm mind and fit body, Yoga is a way of building and maintaining healing energy while removing the more damaging patterns and behaviors that otherwise drain this precious, healing resource. To be a Yogi, one must master one’s mind.

Mental, emotional, and physical stress stem from a mind that has become destructive rather than constructive. While most people live their lives in search of creativity, success, abundance, and a sense of accomplishment, they often do so at the expense of their own well-being. Most of the time, this is unconscious. Some people live very successful and Read the rest of this entry »

 

Yoga is widely known as a form of exercise that stretches and strengthens the
body through various poses known as ASANAS. For other people yoga is the
realization of inner self satisfaction. For others it is a religion that the believers
ought to follow.

All of this statement makes it hard to really make a full realization of what yoga
really is.

So what exactly is yoga?

Yoga goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward routines. Yoga is the
union of mind, spirit and body. Yoga comes from the Hindu philosophy used to
attain spiritual insight and harmony.

Yoga generally refers to the common use of a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline.

The word is derived from the Sanskrit “yeung”, which means to join. A yoke as used
on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us “join”, “junction”, “junta”,
“adjust”, “joust”, and “juxapose” to name a few.

There are many institutions of yoga all of which have their own unique practices and
beliefs. But in this article we have listed down the five most common yoga practices.
However, schools and paths have been established with many different variations
that aren’t listed here.

1. HATHA

This is the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly
taught for years. So what is yoga for them? For them it is perfecting the mind by way
of perfecting the body.

With this technique many asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations
are used.

2. ASHTANGA

This yoga is another popular type they are much faster than the other
schools. What is yoga for ashtangas’?

For them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic yoga for they instill quick and
smooth transitions between poses.

3. KUNDALINI

This school is focused on awakening and focusing what is known as
kundalini energy. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies
dormant in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake. Read the rest of this entry »

Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Yoga also strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. This allows people to take early collective action, such as adjusting posture, when discomfort is first noticed. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi’s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems.

In general, yoga is a very safe form of exercise for most people. For those with specific back conditions, it is advisable to speak with one’s treating physician prior to starting yoga. Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger with heightened mental prowness. Longer life often result from following yogic ways of health maintenance. Yoga is approximately 4,000 years old and is a scientific methodology aimed at uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain’s pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

Biochemical benefits of Yoga are as follows:

1. Sodium decreases.

2. Triglycerides decrease.

3. Cholinesterase increases.

4. Hemoglobin increases.

5. Total white blood cell count decreases.

6. Thyroxin increases.

7. Vitamin C increases.

Exercise Benefits of Yoga:

1. Rapid forceful movements.

2. Increased muscle tension.

3. Moderate to high caloric consumption.

4. Fatiguing.

5. Imbalance activity of opposing groups.

6. Boredom factor.

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Some of the Physiological benefits of Yoga are as follows:

1. Pulse rate decreases.

2. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.

3. Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase.

4. Posture improves.

5. Strength and resiliency increase.

6. Immunity increases.

7. Pain decreases.

 

Mastering Yoga Asanas offers the third stage in traditional training in the 8 fold system prescribed by Patanjali often referred to as Ashtanga Yoga.

One aspect of the Hatha Yoga Asanas focuses upon the evolution of the physical make-up and the muscular development of the human form from its presumed aquatic origins, advancing to present man. The muscular system evolving through the various kingdoms is reflected in the symbolic Asanas which begin with such postures as the “fish” and proceed through the amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal stages until human muscle development is complete. Each asana exercises or utilizes a particular set of muscles corresponding to those used by the creature after which the asana is named.

Another important purpose of Asanas is to achieve physical health and longevity and there are a number of Asanas which are practised for this reason, the most important of which are listed under the article “21 Health Asanas”.

However, the system of Asanas was developed through understanding that the attitude or the position of the body affects the mind just as a mental attitude reflects in the assumed physical stance or posture. What we now call “body language” in modern understanding is just a new awareness of an ancient principle. Read the rest of this entry »

My Yoga friend, Alex, occasionally goes on a week-long fast, abstaining from everything except rice and water. He uses fasting as a tapas. One of the niyama’s described by Patanjali, tapas is an austerity or form of self-discipline. He believes that with fasting he is burning negative karma, purifying, and advancing towards his goal of spiritual enlightenment.

But the thing is, our oldest texts on the practice of Yoga as a physical discipline clearly state that fasting is prohibited. Many misguided yogis have used long-term fasting over the centuries, but the wise sages of the past certainly did not recommend it.

All gurus in the classic trilogy of Hatha Yoga, the major ancient treatises on how to practice, say fasting is unwise. Really. They say a big fat “No!” to long-term fasting. Read the rest of this entry »

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. Yoga helps one to become very grounded a stable both mentally and physically. As a physical routine it helps the body become very strong, very stable. It helps to anchor the mind into the body by using the breath as a link between mind and body. Many people struggle to keep their mind under control. Yoga does this in a very scientific and standardized way. Really yoga is a scientific way to become more peaceful and joyous.

As we practice yoga we become more aware of how our minds constantly drag us away from the present moment. We start to realize how little we are actually allowing the moment to be as it is without any judgment or desire. As we move in yoga and focus on the breath and body, we see thoughts and emotions rise up and though the practice we are able to let them go. The constant act of letting thoughts and emotions ago allows us to dive into the present moment again and again. When practiced with consistency and earnestness in the physical yoga practice, this habit spills over into everyday life. Read the rest of this entry »