Yoga was Developed in India, it is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back to more than 5,000 years…The word “Yoga” means union.
Yoga has four paths according to the Shastras or the Knowledge books…JNANA (knowledge or wisdom), BHAKTI ( Devotion)
KARMA ( Action) , and RAJA ( Self control)…
One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection.
By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins from our system
There are certain norms that one should follow before practicing yoga, this is true of any kind of strenuous exercise..
One is advised to practice Yoga every day for at least 30-35 minutes..or at leat for 15-20 minutes if one is really pressed for time…
It is best to do Yoga 3-4 hours after taking a meal, the stomach should be light while doing yoga…
One needs a lot of space for hand and body movements while practicing Yogic asanas , so it is better to sit in a open place or a spacious room with enough room for body movements..
One should wear loose comfortable clothes so that one’s movements are not restricted..
Yoga is normally practiced sitting on the floor, with either a carpet or a mat spread on the floor..
Different Yogic Asanas help to increase the flexibility and stamina of all parts of the body…
Some of the important Aasanas include HASTA SANCHALANA, which concenterates on the hand movements..
PADA SANCHALANA which means movements of the legs, JANUSANCHALANA, which concentrates on the Knee movements and Knee strengthening..KANTASANCHALANA( Movement of the neck), …
Deep Breathing or PRANAYAMA which is the most essential part of yoga is to be practiced right at the beginning of any Yoga practice,and it is generally advised that one can go on doing this whenever one finds time…
Pranayama is helpful in keeping the body in good shape and the added advantage is a flat tummy .It is found to be very beneficial for all Asthmatic patients and for anyone with any kind of breathing trouble or Chest congestion…..
The idea of Yoga is to focus your awareness on what you are doing , and how you feel as you perform these postures…
A relative of mine in her late fifties, Hypertensive, overweight with a constant joint pain was advised to go in for a drastic weight reduction.She tried walking and other light exercises with very minimal results, and , finally turned to Yoga. Today she is 60+ with near normal BP, has lost an amazing 27 KILOGRAMS of weight and looks years younger..she is very energetic and hardly has any complaints regarding her health including her joints…..She has been practicing Yoga regularly and is now reaping the benefits..
A few precautions that need to be taken while practicing Yoga
There is no age limit either young or old for the practice of yoga. However the application of the techniques will vary according to the abilities of the practitioner.
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.
Never force or strain. Relax briefly between each practice. Remember the golden rule: “If it’s uncomfortable – DON’T do it !
Proceed slowly and carefully. Follow the instructions carefully..
