 About Yoga...
Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind, body, and spirit.. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "yoke" or "union." The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve a state of balance and harmony between mind and body. Yoga can be a very sociable activity with classes becoming increasingly popular. Yoga can help to:
- Improve co-ordination
- Reduce stress
- Improve circulation
- Improve breathing
- Reduce fatigue
- Increase concentration
- Improve posture
- Improve digestion
- Manage pain
- Reduce anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve heart muscle strength
There are several forms of Yoga – Hatha Yoga is the most commonly followed system, it puts equal emphasis on physical and mental fitness. All types of Yoga subscribe to the belief that the body and mind are seamlessly connected, and that, for optimal health, they must be in a state of balance.
Hatha Yoga concentrates on three areas: pranayama (breathing), asanas (postures), and dhyana (meditation). The controlled breathing of pranayama helps to focus the mind and is important for relaxation and meditation. Its deep, slow breathing patterns have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system: Studies show that people who do Yoga regularly have lowered breathing rates and increased lung capacity. The postures, which include standing, balancing, forward and backward bends, and twists, strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and encourage relaxation. In addition, Hatha Yoga has been shown to improve posture and increase circulation. Dhyana, the meditative aspect of Yoga, calms and focuses the mind. All three practices build on and complement one another.
Other types of Yoga are:
Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, Laya, and Raja
Lyengar - stresses precision and uses props
Astanga (or "power yoga") - strenuous and for those who want an aerobic workout in addition to Yoga's other benefits. It's not for those out of shape!
Kundalini - emphasizes breathing and chanting
Viniyoga - the precursor of Lyengar and Astanga - stresses harmonious sequences of postures
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