YOGA
Yoga is the world's oldest system of self-development and
encompasses mind, body and spirit. The term 'yoga'
originates from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning yoke, unite,
join together as one. Through the practice of yoga, clear
steps are followed which help to integrate and harmonize
different aspects of ourselves, bringing about balance,
health and energy in our mind, body and spirit.
There are various types of yoga which help you beat stress
& unwind the traditional way. They all share the same aim,
that of connecting & uniting with the divine.
Bikram Yoga: Developed by Yogiraj Bikram Choudhary
and taught in 1,200 Bikram Yoga schools in the US, it is
called "hot yoga" as the asanas are practiced in a room
heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Chowdhary,
the heated environment acts as a powerful tool to enhance
self-realisation and helps the body tissues to stretch.
Iyengar Yoga: Developed and cultivated by BKS
Iyengar over the last 60 years, this form focuses on
perfect alignment and precise body movements. This style
of yoga uses props such as bands and straps.
Ashtanga Yoga: Commonly called power yoga, it
focuses on powerful movements such as push ups and lunges,
which require strength and stamina. Ashtanga Yoga is
appropriate for people are already athletic and want to
add flexibility, balance and concentration to their
exercise routines.
Hatha Yoga: Ha denotes the pranic (vital force)
governing the physical body, and the tha denotes the
chitta (mental) force, thus making Hatha Yoga a catalyst
for the two energies that govern our lives. Hatha Yoga
harmonises and purifies the body systems and focuses the
mind in preparation for advanced yoga.
Bhakti Yoga: This form of yoga relies on devotion
and complete faith. The faith is generally in God or the
supreme consciousness. The person interested in following
this path should have a very strong emotional bond with
the object of his faith and meditate till he reaches a
state of self-realisation.
Kundalani Yoga: This system of yoga is concerned
with the awareness of the six chakras or psychic centers
that exist in the body. The basic method of awakening
involves deep concentration on these chakras and forcing
their arousal.
Sivananda Yoga: This system pioneered by Swami
Sivananda teaches the five basic principles of proper
relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet
and positive thinking with meditation. 12 basic postures,
relaxation, breathing, chanting and spiritual teachings
are included.
Viniyoga: Its taught in small groups and on a
one-to-one basis. It aims to develop a personal approach
to yoga and also includes therapeutic, philosophical and
spiritual teachings. It was developed by Desikachar is the
son of the late, great yoga teacher Krishnamacharya.
Raja Yoga: This is a system of yoga promoted by
Sage Patanjali by which one can discover the dormant areas
of the mind and consciousness. The process of Raja Yoga is
divided into 8 stages: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharna, dhyana and samadhi.
Karma
Yoga: This system of yoga relates to daily activities
we perform from morning to night. In Karma Yoga there is a
certain philosophy to life and action. Its not what you do
but how you do it that is significant. It's a yoga of
non-attachment and yet perfection in action.
Physical Benefits of Yoga:
The benefits of yoga are multi-faceted. It's a journey of
the body, mind and spirit. Through the practice of yoga
postures the body becomes fit, toned, supple and agile.
Internal organs are gently massaged and bodily processes
are well-stimulated.
The mind becomes clear and the nervous system feels
soothed through regulated breathing, pranayama.
Respiration is markedly improved, generating vitality.
Yoga is also a healing system, so for those who have
suffered injury or trauma it is a path to recovery. Bones
realign, muscles unlock, physical and emotional tensions
are released and new energy begins to flow through our
bodies.
Emotional Well-being:
As we begin to feel energized with our fitter bodies, this
can positively affect our mental and emotional well-being,
allowing us to feel at ease and more complete &
comfortable with ourselves. This has a knock-on effect
within our relationships and the way we deal with life and
challenges. We become clearer in our thinking, kinder at
heart and cooler-headed.
Golden Rules for Yoga:
. Always practice with patience, care and attention.
. Never practice on a full stomach and always allow a
minimum of two hours after food before you begin.
. Drink water before and after your practice, but not
during, as this will interrupt your flow and cool your
internal heat, which is created during yoga to burn off
toxins.
. Yoga is always practiced barefoot as this enhances
awareness of the feet and a sense of grounding.
. Practice in a place that is clean and warm. Try to keep
a clear uncluttered small space for yoga as it will help
you focus and stop you from becoming side-tracked.
. Never hold your breath in postures, always focus on
breathing smoothly, softly and steadily through your nose.
. Wear soft and comfortable clothing, tight clothing can
restrict movements, whilst baggy clothing will keep
getting in the way.
. Regular practice is the key to progress and gaining the
benefits of yoga.
. To begin with, stay in each posture for 5 breaths, then
as you build up stamina and flexibility you may want to
stay in the pose for longer.
. Start with postures you feel comfortable with and then
gradually progress onto more challenging ones.
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