Modern Yoga

2011-02-10T01:34:00.000-08:00

The father of modern concept of yoga was Maharishi Patanjali of 3^rd century BC. He defines yoga as the complete mastery of mind and emotions. The philosophy of yoga tries to establish the concept “Mind over Body”.

The ancient Indian literature defines many forms of yoga. Of these, the Hatha Yoga is well practiced by many. It is a method involving highly developed scheme of exercises, feeding and breathing practices to regulate body’s desires. These practices help to achieve final integration of all thoughts.

Yogic discipline is commonly described under four broad groups. Technique of bodily health, controlling of breath, behavioural discipline and mental concentration.

It is being claimed that yogic exercises by influence the automatic nervous system ensure better food utilization and improved nourishment. It also provides proper relaxation and sleep. It is also claimed that significant changes will happen to body physiology. The changes may be in the form of slower heart rate, respiration rate, lower cholesterol level, blood sugar level and increased lymphocyte count.

Yoga which means union in Sanskrit is a school of ancient spiritual practices. Yoga originated in

India

. There are four types of Yoga, namely, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In parts of the world where yoga is popular, Yoga has become associated with the postures of Hatha Yoga, which are popularly considered as fitness exercises.

The Hatha Yoga is practised through various ‘asanas’. It has been observed that ‘Sarvangasana’ (standing on shoulder) induced cardio-respiratory responses; ‘Shirshasana’ (standing on head) induced favourable physiological changes. Experimenters of yoga have found that respiratory responses were induced by Paranayama a breathing yogic exercise.

It is being claimed that yoga is a way of life. Living a natural simple life, practicing yoga regularly, taking simple nutritive food and having absolute control of mental processes will enable a person to attain perfection and salvation. Thus yoga is the holistic approach to all aspects of life physical, mental and spiritual.

There are many different types of hatha yoga, including:

Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous, fast-paced form of yoga that helps to build flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina. When doing Ashtanga yoga, a person moves quickly through a set of predetermined poses while remaining focused on deep breathing.

Bikram yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as "hot yoga." It is practiced in rooms that may be heated to more than 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) and focuses on stamina and purification.

Gentle yoga: Gentle yoga focuses on slow stretches, flexibility, and deep breathing.

Kundalini yoga: Kundalini yoga uses different poses, breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation to awaken life energy.

Iyengar yoga: This type of yoga focuses on precise alignment of the poses. Participants use "props" like blankets, straps, mats, blocks, and chairs.

Restorative yoga: This practice allows the body to fully relax by holding simple postures passively for extended periods of time.

Vinyasa/power yoga: Similar to Ashtanga yoga, these are also very active forms of yoga that improve strength, flexibility, and stamina. This type of yoga is popular in the United States.

Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and even helps them sleep better.

Yoga for Kids:

Children today are under a lot of stress. Homework, pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities, over-scheduling -- it all adds up. And just like their parents, kids today are turning to Yoga to help them relax.

Teaching Yoga to children, I've seen how Yoga helps them develop better body awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination.

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