Yoga

Yoga is a system of physical manipulations of the body along with mental exercises that benefit the body, mind and soul. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world. Yoga believes that in order for man to function productively and lead a healthy life, the three forces of mind, body and soul must be integrated and work as one.

Yoga views the physical body as the vehicle, the mind as the driver and the soul as a being's true identity. Thus, action, emotion and intelligence are the three factors that govern our lives. In order for healthy living all these three forces must work together. Taking this into account the ancient Yogis devised a single method that combines all the movements required for physical health using breathing and meditation techniques. The single method is now known as Yoga.

History & Origin Of Yoga

Yoga was originally transferred orally from the teacher to the student. Because of this oral transmission, a large part of its history is obscured with uncertainty. The earliest written mention of Yoga dates back 5000 years ago to the ancient Indian Vedas. The beginnings of Yoga were developed in the Indus-Saraswati civilization in Northern India. The Rig Veda first used the term 'Yoga'. Over the years sages defined this process further and documented the practices in the Upanishads. It was in the Upanishads that the idea of sacrifice was internalized. The sacrifice of the ego through self-knowledge, action (Karma Yoga) and wisdom (Jnana Yoga) consequently found mention here.

It was in the second century that Patanjali's Yoga-Sutras described the path of Raja Yoga or classical Yoga. He devised the eight-limbed path leading to Samadhi or enlightenment. Patanjali is often credited with being the Father of Yoga.

A few centuries later yoga masters embraced the body as the means to enlightenment and created the radical cleansing techniques of Tantra Yoga. The exploration of the physical-spiritual connections between body, mind and soul led to the development of Hatha Yoga.

It was only in the late 1800s and early 1900s that Yoga made an appearance in the West. With Krishnamacharya opening the first Hatha Yoga School in India and B.K.S. Iyenger, Desikachar and Jois promoting his legacy Yoga fast gained popularity. In 1947 Indra Devi opened a Yoga studio in Hollywood. There has been no looking back since!

Yoga Postures Or Asanas

Yoga Asanas are gentle stretching movements that are designed to help the body and the mind in three ways.

• By increasing blood circulation to various organs and glands.
   

• By squeezing and massaging the organs and glands.
   

• By deep breathing and focusing life force in specific areas of the body.

Yoga postures are designed keeping in mind economy of time and effort. Every asana generally works on multiple body organs at the same time. Also, Yoga asanas requires individuals to stretch to their personal limits and a little beyond. You don't have to compete with others. The idea is to accustom your body to the postures slowly. By stretching more everyday the body learns to be more flexible slowly and steadily.

Pranayama: Breathing Right

Pranayama is a highly specialized breathing technique that helps expel toxins from the body. It produces a high amount of energy, which is stored in the solar plexus and can be called upon in times of disease or distress. You will be surprised by the heat generated within your body while performing the Pranayama. It can cause individuals to break out in sweat even in temperatures as low as 4-5^o C.

Meditation

Meditation is often considered the secret weapon of Yoga. Meditation helps us to focus our energies on the body part, which needs to be healed. Affirmations and visualizations that have become so popular today are all parts of meditation techniques.

Thus, Yoga is a healing system that promotes a sound body by practicing asanas, a healthy chemical and emotional balance with Pranayama and a strong mind with meditation. All three in combinations lead to the ultimate destination or enlightened state of being.

Benefits Of Yoga

The primary benefit of Yoga is the slowing down of the aging process. Yoga thus helps keep the body, mind and soul young and healthy. It is a mental and physical therapy that has physiological, psychological and spiritual benefits.

Physiological Benefits Of Yoga

• Yoga is a popular exercise for people with breathing problems like Asthma. People who practice Pranayama regularly can control shortness of breath or lack of it more effectively and without the intervention of drugs than those who do not practice Yoga.
   

• Since Yoga relaxes the body it is very effective in regulating blood pressure.
   

• Yoga can also help in managing and alleviating pain. Back pain especially can be greatly reduced or eliminated completely with Yoga asanas.
   

• Yoga provides great relief to people suffering from arthritis. The gentle stretches provide much relief to aching joints.
   

• Yoga is also a great way to manage your weight. While the loss is slow and steady, Yoga tones the body in addition to making you loose weight.

Psychological Benefits Of Yoga

• Yoga teaches pain management. It teaches individuals to consciously relax. Once you have acquired the tool that helps you relax at will, pain management becomes much easier. Indeed Yoga has been known to help patients suffering from chronic depression.
   

• Pranayama requires one to breathe through one nostril at a time. EEGs have shown this promotes activity in the opposite side of the brain, which in turn can lead to better cognitive performance.
   

• While a positive attitude in life and better mental health are difficult to quantify, most of everyone who practices Yoga over a prolonged period reports better mood and appreciation of life.

Spiritual Benefits Of Yoga

• Yoga helps improve individual self-esteem. The improved physical condition of the body and consequently better mood all contribute to higher self-esteem. With increased self-esteem individuals are more likely to head towards self-actualization. They also become more giving and help others.
   

• Yoga also helps individuals become aware of their own bodies. It raises self-awareness and helps us understand our place in the larger scheme of things.

Thus, Yoga is a system of enrichment that ensures we lead productive, fulfilling lives and enhance the quality of life of those around us as well.