|
Yoga, known as a system
of exercises for physical and mental well being,
combines stylized poses with deep breathing
and meditation. The word 'yoga' derived from a
Sanskrit word meaning to 'join together' whereby
the eventual achievement in yoga is to unite the
human soul with the universal spirit.
According to
historic data, yoga was introduced about five
thousand years ago whereby the first written
description was found in 'Yoga Sutras' which
was attributed to Patanjali. It states that
within the human
 body there are channels called Nadi
and centres called Chakra and if these channels
and centres are tapped, a form of energy called
Kundalini hidden in the body can be released.
The eight stages of
Yoga stated by Patanjali are the Yama (universal
moral commandments), Niyama (self-purification
through discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama
(breath-control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of mind
from external objects), Dharana (concentration),
Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (state of
super-consciousness). There are also different
types of discipline in yoga which touches various
aspects of the human life other than the different
stages stated above. Among the many disciplines
are Hathayoga (physical exercise), Gyanyoga or
Dhyanyoga (exercise for the mind and intellect)
and Karmayoga (disciplined actions in daily
life).
Photo: Meditation
This traditional
health and fitness practice gives both physical
and mental therapy. It considers ageing as
largely as artificial condition which is caused
mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning.
By keeping the body parts clean and
well-lubricated, cell deterioration can be
greatly reduced. There are three main guidelines
to follow in order to get the maximum benefits
of yoga which are the practice of Asanas,
Pranayama and Yoga Nidra. Constant practice of
asanas will allow us to control our cholesterol
level, reduce weight, normalize blood pressure
and improve cardiac performance. Asanas is able
to harmonize our mental energy flow by clearing
any blockages in the subtle body thus leading to
mental equilibrium and calmness. The correct
breathing technique from the practice of
pranayama will help to manipulate our energies.
Most of us breathe incorrectly (not using our
abdomen therefore utilizing only half of our
lung capacity). Pranayama is a technique whereby
it changes our breathing process, helps to
release tensions and develop a relaxed state of
mind. It balances our nervous system, reduces
the need for sleep and promotes creative
thinking and at the same time increases the
oxygen flow to our brain, improves mental
clarity, alertness and physical well-being.
The final section
is Yoga Nidra which is a form of meditation.
It is carried out while lying on the back in
the Shavasana pose whereby it relaxes the
physiological and psychological systems. This
technique will definitely and completely
rejuvenates the body and mind thus creating
a sense of well being.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
|