health benefits of yoga?
Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, diet control, positive thinking, and meditation that seeks to develop harmony in body, mind, and soul. environment. The practice involves low impact physical activities, postures (called asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation and meditation. Most people are familiar with physical postures or yoga positions, but don’t know that yoga involves much more.
benefits of yoga?
In the field of health, yoga techniques are applied in health promotion programs, drug treatment programs and as a complementary treatment for conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, coronary heart disease. , cancer and HIV / AIDS. . Yoga is an inexpensive, self-help approach to wellness.
Origin is a Sanskrit word Yog which means union. Yoga is the union of the organ systems of the body with the consciousness of the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind and energy (or soul or spirit) to produce a state of equanimity (calm). Progressing to an even more advanced state, combining science and philosophy, the person experiences a union of body, mind, internal energy and the ubiquitous cosmic energy, resulting in better physical health, better mind control and ultimately better self-actualization.
History of Yoga?
The origin of yoga is shrouded in the mist of time. It is believed that the ancient wisdom known as the “supreme science of life” was revealed to the great sages of India several thousand years ago.
Yoga is an ancient physical and mental training system that originated in the Indus Valley civilization in South Asia.. The fundamental purpose of yoga is to promote the harmony of body, mind and environment.
Yoga is a complete system of physical, mental, social and spiritual development.. For generations this philosophy has been passed on from teacher to student. The first written record of yoga practice appeared in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali around 200 BC. The system consists of eightfold paths or Asthangayoga.
In the West, various schools of yoga are popular and use some or all of the limbs of Asthangayoga described by Patanjali. The eight members are:
- Yama: rules for a successful life in society
- Niyama: techniques of manipulation and self-purification
- Asaana: posture techniques for physical and mental balance (what most people call yoga)
- Pranayama: breathing techniques for physical and mental balance
- Pratihara: techniques to separate the mind from the senses for balance and mental calm
- Dharana: concentration techniques for mental balance and calm.
- Dhyana: meditation techniques for mental balance and calm.
- Samadhi: Advanced meditation techniques and paranormal procedures obtained after regular practice for universal awareness.
This process involves awakening the power of Kundalini Shakti or the serpent, which is found at the base of the human spine. As the different techniques are practiced, this latent power / energy rises through a series of centers or chakras corresponding to various endocrine glands. When this power reaches the highest center, which is associated with the hypothalamus gland which regulates hormonal secretion from the endocrine system, control of the hypothalamus occurs. In this way, the secretion of hormones from various endocrine glands can be regulated. This mechanism may explain the importance of yoga a stress management technique..
Modern Yoga
There are several schools of yoga and some or all of the eight branches are used.
The traditional practice of yoga is very strict. Expect constant dedication and insist on strict sacrifices. Later, the yoga teacher changed the technique and several forms emerged:
- Bhakti Yoga: the path of dedication
- Yoga Yoga: the path of knowledge
- Raja Yoga: wisdom leads to self-realization and enlightenment
- Karma Yoga: the path to action
- Other techniques such as Hatha Yoga (the form of bodily self-discipline), mudra yoga (the form of vitality) and chakra yoga (the form of energy) are also popular.
Today, many yoga schools have simplified the techniques to make it easier for workers to practice.
The yoga system becomes an organized science. Compared to the old methods, several technologies have been developed and become popular around the world, especially in Western countries, where these technologies are simpler and save more time. Kriya yoga and simplified kundalini yoga are examples of popular systems in the West..
Kriya Yoga has become popular in the West thanks to the efforts of its founder Paramhansa Yogananda and the self-updating scholarship in the United States. The word kriya is derived from the Sanskrit root kri, which means “to do”, “to do” and “to react”. The method involves a psychophysiological method by which human blood is decarbonized and filled with oxygen. This excess oxygen becomes a vital flow to rejuvenate the central nervous system, reduce and prevent tissue degradation, and increase the brain’s ability to evolve.
A well-developed school of yoga is Kundalini Yoga, or Primordial Energy Unit System. The hallmark of this school is the seventh step of Achanga Yoga from the start of meditation or meditation.
In Kundalini Yoga, basic meditation techniques include “informal” meditation in different parts, including the pituitary gland and the hypothalamic glands. In addition to meditation, he also practiced asanas, breathing techniques, and relaxation measures, primarily used to reduce muscle tension, improve lung capacity, and balance the central nervous and endocrine systems. Thanks to this yoga system, physical exercise can be simplified.
The technology of this school was popularized at the World Peace Sanctuary (Ellod, India) established in 1937 and at the World Community Service Center (Chennai, India) established in 1958. These two organizations have several branches around the world and have taught thousands practitioners of these technologies.
A recent change is called power yoga, in which practitioners take a more athletic approach and quickly switch from one pose to another.
Health Benefits of Yoga?
The benefits of various yoga techniques have been claimed to improve body flexibility, performance, stress reduction, inner peace, and self-realization. The system has been advocated as a complementary treatment to help cure various illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, and comprehensive disease rehabilitation, including musculoskeletal issues and head trauma. The system has also been offered as behavior therapy to quit smoking and drug use (including alcohol abuse).
If you practice yoga, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Physical
- Improves flexibility and balance of the body.
- Improved cardiovascular endurance (stronger heart)
- Better digestion
- Improved abdominal strength
- Improved overall muscle strength
- Relaxation of muscle tension.
- Weight control
- Increased energy levels.
- Better immune system
- Mental
- Relief from stress resulting from the control of emotions.
- Prevention and relief of stress-related disorders.
- Intellectual improvement, leading to better decision-making skills
- Spiritual
- Life with meaning, purpose and direction
- Inner peace and tranquility
- Satisfaction
At this point, a warning about bad yoga practice is needed. The many benefits can be detrimental to new practitioners of yoga or to those who practice it without proper instruction. More than 36 million Americans practice some form of yoga, and medical professionals see injuries, such as muscle and ligament sprains, neck and back pain, and tears in cartilage.
According to the International Association for Health, Snowshoeing and Sports Clubs, around 86% of gyms offer yoga.
A group organized by teachers called the Yoga Alliance recommends at least 200 hours of specialized training, and about 5,000 instructors across the country have met this standard. But since no official license or certification is required, countless teachers may have done little more than a weekend training program or correspondence course. Before taking a yoga class, find out about the instructor’s credentials and training. You may want to attend a class and observe before committing to an established program.
Health Conditions Improved by Yoga?
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.5 million Americans, mostly women. Yoga can help people with arthritis cope with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion, and increase strength for daily activities.
Multiple Sclerosis: Some forms of yoga may help reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to researchers at Oregon Health and Science University, who have adapted the Iyengar form of yoga for people with the disease. multiple sclerosis.
Inactive or Elderly People: If you are inactive, yoga can be the perfect exercise for mind and body to start your active life. Yoga also reduces stress, in addition to strengthening bones and muscles, and improving posture, as well as general health and vitality. Because you don’t have to be in the best physical shape to practice yoga, it is the appropriate activity for sedentary people and for the elderly who would not otherwise exercise. Instructors can help you modify yoga postures. You don’t need to lie on the floor or on a mat to practice yoga. It can be started while you are simply sitting in a chair.
Ongoing Research: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health is evaluating yoga as a treatment for chronic low back pain, insomnia, and other conditions.
How do I start a yoga class?
You don’t need to practice yoga flexibly. In fact, yoga will help you be flexible. Since yoga styles are varied, from the lightest to the most powerful, you’ll want to find a teacher and style that matches your needs, skills, limitations, current physical condition, and schedule.
Make sure the teacher understands your health and physical condition. Do not force any movement or posture. He is competent in practice. Wear comfortable, elastic or loose clothing and want to take your shoes off.
The yoga class should make you feel energetic, calm, and not physically uncomfortable. Try to attend yoga classes two or more times a week. Classes generally last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Here are some other guidelines for practicing yoga:
- Remove contact lenses, watches and other accessories and cut long hair.
- Don’t try to do yoga when it’s full.
- Use a non-slip mat long enough to stretch completely over your back.
- Hold a warm-up meeting. Complex stretching exercises should soften the muscles.
- Practice in a calm and peaceful environment.