Lifestyle

The goodness of Yoga

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India.

It aims to control and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consciousness untouched by the mind and mundane suffering.

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body.

It is an art and science of healthy living.

The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite.

Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles while holding a pose can build strength.

Try it: Tree Pose. Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle.

Yoga works on the level of one's body, mind, emotion, and energy.

This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga:

karma yoga, where we use the body;

bhakti yoga, where we use emotions;

gyana yoga, where we use the mind and intellect;

and kriya yoga, where we use energy.

The original context of yoga was spiritual development practices to train the body and mind to self-observe and become aware of their nature.

The purposes of yoga were to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation, and higher consciousness in the individual.

Yoga has been found to improve quality of life and reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and back pain.

It has also been found to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

And, perhaps not surprisingly, yoga has been shown to improve fitness, strength, and flexibility, according to the alternative medicine center.

Yoga's incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person's mental well-being.

says Dr. Nevins.

Yoga should not be performed in a state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry, or acute stress conditions.

Women should refrain from regular yoga practice especially asanas during their menses. Relaxation techniques and pranayama can be done instead.

Don't perform yoga immediately after meals.

5 elements of Yoga:

Air - This element involves lightness, movement, and expansion.
Water - Representing fluidity, adaptability, and connection.
Fire - The fire element summons intensity and abundance along with discipline and inspiration.
Earth - It focuses on maintaining awareness of how these positions and physical landmarks affect your experience in practice.
Space - The space element in yoga consists of being present as well as bringing awareness to what you are sticking with.