Advantages of Yoga:
Yoga has many advantages over other methods of maintaining health, such as gymnastics, athletics, aerobics, games, and various other forms of exercise. It does not need any costly equipment and materials, or playgrounds, swimming pool, gyms, etc. Yoga can be practiced throughout the year. It can also be practiced inside the house or in the open, singly or in groups. The only requirement is a thick carpet spread on the floor and covered with a clean sheet of cloth. Yoga should only be practiced on empty stomach. You can do it at any time during the day. It will benefit you irrespective of whether you are young or old, lean or heavily built, highly educated or unlettered, rich or poor, from higher or lower middle class, busy, over busy, or retired or worker in the factory or in the field. Yoga has something very valuable, and useful to offer to everyone. It is often described as the best form of health insurance for all from the age of seven to seventy seven or more. Two main advantages of Yoga are prevention of disorders and ailments and maintenance of health and fitness in daily life. Other advantage include flexible muscles, supple joints, relaxed and tension-free mind and efficiently working vital organs such as the heart, lungs, endocrine glands, liver, pancreas and good balance between various functions, such as neuromuscular coordination, etc.
Place of Practice:
- It is best is to have fresh air in a quiet and clean place that suits the concentration and awareness yoga will create.
- Do not practice yoga in direct sunlight or after sun-bathing. Outdoors is OK but avoids cold wind and insects.
Awareness:
- Throughout yoga practices, try to keep your awareness on what you are doing. Don’t be concerned with others in the class or outside the room.
- Proceed slowly and carefully. Follow the instructions exactly.
- Never force or strain. Relax briefly between each practice. Remember the golden rule: “If it’s uncomfortable – DON’T”.
Breathing:
- Always breathe through the nose both in and out, unless specified otherwise. Remember “Nose for breathing-Mouth for eating”.
- If you do have trouble breathing through your nose, practice “Jala Neti” (Nasal Cleansing) or visit a doctor for medical inspection.
Restrictions & Precautions:
§ There are no age limits either young or old for the practice of yoga. However the application of the techniques will vary according to the abilities of the practitioner. Keep in mind the following.
§ Never practice any yoga techniques under the influence of alcohol or mind altering drugs.
§ Those with disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical conditions should consult both with their medical practitioner and their yoga teacher to assess any dangers or difficulties which may arise.
§ There are no hard and fast dietary rules necessary to begin the practice of yoga. One does not have to give up smoking, become vegetarian, or be a purist to learn yoga.
Conclusion:
Yoga is integrally tied into a system of devout religious beliefs, primarily Buddhist and Hindu. As practiced in Eastern religious circles, it is considered the ultimate method for reaching religious self-realization, and can only be consummated by following prescribed physical postures, breathing exercises, mystical meditation, and diet, Thus understood it has no place in the life of a Christian believer.
Yoga is integrally tied into a system of devout religious beliefs, primarily Buddhist and Hindu. As practiced in Eastern religious circles, it is considered the ultimate method for reaching religious self-realization, and can only be consummated by following prescribed physical postures, breathing exercises, mystical meditation, and diet, Thus understood it has no place in the life of a Christian believer.
