What is Yoga?
Originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning to yoke or unite, Yoga is a healing system of exercises that originated in the subcontinent of India and has been in practice for over 5000 years now.
Yoga consists of meditation, deep breathing and bodily poses that when practiced by an individual, work together to promote the physical, mental and spiritual health of the person. By integrating the body with the mind and soul, yoga gives the person who practises it a balanced, fruitful and ultimately joy-filled, long life.
Types of Yoga
There are different types of Yoga that target different aspects of the individual’s growth and development. Each benefits the person such that he or she can achieve balance and control over the body, mind and senses.
There is the Raja Yoga that is practised to achieve complete control over the psyche and senses. Hatha Yoga, which is highly promoted in the present day, helps maintain physical health, aids weight loss and prevents many related diseases. Mantra yoga involves chanting and focuses on perfecting speech and consequently the person. Laya and Bhakti Yoga aims to bring the soul closer to God. Karma yoga emphasizes on virtues such as charity and selflessness. And Jnana Yoga urges the person to attain knowledge and enlightenment regarding the truth.
Benefits of Yoga
Many studies note the wholesome health of people who practise Yoga regularly. Yoga has been observed to offer these benefits, among others:
- keeps at bay diseases pertaining to the heart;
- regulates blood pressure and other vital signs of the body;
- helps in treating asthma and arthiritis;
- aids weight loss;
- improves concentration; and
- markedly lowers irritable tendencies of the practitioners.
Given the complex nature of its ‘asanas’ (postures), Yoga also improves flexibility by pushing the body to its limits and replenishes lost vigour and energy. Muscle strength is built and people who practise yoga often commend its quality of leaving them rejuvenated and fresh.
Getting Started
Yoga basics can be started at any age by anyone. If you are over the age of forty or suffer from orthopaedic problems or are overweight, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you kick off!
There are various instructors, distinctive and otherwise, video tapes and Web sites that teach simple asanas, step-by-step. So roll out that yoga mat, and breathe…!
