Oct 5, 2011

YOGA...an art of healing and staying fit

What is yoga? 

 Yoga started over 5,000 years ago in India. It is a whole body philosophy, involving breathing (pranayama), stretching, postures (asanas) and meditation. These actions create harmony between mind, body and spirit and help clear mind from confusion and distress.

             ' Yogic kriya ' or yoga is a way of staying healthy and preventing illness. If correct yogic breathing techniques are practiced , the postures will stimulate nervous system, make muscles and joints more flexible, and relax your mind and body. The exercises and breathing improve oxygen and blood supply. In turn, this helps circulation and breathing which will promote general good health.

              There are about 80 main postures that can be performed standing, kneeling, sitting or lying on your front or back. There are several different styles of yoga including Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga and Astanga yoga. Some are quite strenuous, while others are gentler and focus more on meditation and breath work.
           
BACKGROUND

             Yoga is an ancient system of relaxation, exercise and healing with origins in Indian philosophy. Yoga has been described as "the union of mind, body, and spirit," which addresses physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual dimensions toward an overall harmonious state of being.

The philosophy of yoga is sometimes pictured as a tree with eight branches;

: • Pranayama (breathing exercises)
 • Asana (physical postures)
 • Yama (moral behavior)
 • Niyama (healthy habit)
 • Dharana (concentration)
 • Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
 • Dhyana (contemplation)
 • Samadhi (higher consciousness)

         There are several other types of yoga, including hatha yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga and raja yoga. These types vary in the proportions of the eight branches. In the United States and Europe, hatha yoga is commonly practiced, including pranayama and asana.

       Yoga is often practiced by healthy individuals with the aim to achieve relaxation, fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Yoga may be practiced alone, or with a group.

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