Introduction to Yoga
Many people ask questions about yoga. We have all heard the word and know people who say they practice it yet most still don’t understand what it is. Is it an exercise? Is it for stretching stiff bodies? Is it for meditation and soothing nerves jangled by the pressures of modern life? Part of the reason for this misunderstanding
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Types of Yoga
A practice developed thousands of years ago in India, Yoga has many modes in which it can be practiced. Each type of yoga is based around a different discipline all of which aim to take you on a road to spiritual enlightment. In Modern society, most of these discplines aren't commonly practiced with people preferring to stick with:
- Karma-Yoga
- Mantra-Yoga
- Hiranyagrabha-Yoga
- Iyengar-Yoga
Yoga Equipment
Yoga is an affordable and accessible mode of exercise that almost anyone is able to undertake without a hassle. Find out everything you need to know about yoga equipment with our guide that covers yoga clothing, DVDs, meditation cushions and all the other basic yoga equipment through to the advanced yoga equipment.
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Glossary of yoga Terms
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Many people ask questions about yoga. We have all heard the word and know people who say they practice it yet most still don’t understand what it is.
Is it an exercise? Is it for stretching stiff bodies? Is it for meditation and soothing nerves jangled by the pressures of modern life?
Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is that there are different forms of yoga that have made different principles and objectives.
Let Healthy Medicine help you learn more about yoga and how it can contribute to your wellness.
Where does Yoga originate?
The roots of yoga can be found in the East. Its philosophy was developed thousands of years ago in India.
The practice of yoga at that time was to put you on a path of spiritual enlightenment. Many millions of people still use it for this purpose today.
What are the different types of Yoga?
There are many different types of yoga. The most common forms of yoga are Hatha, Kundalini and Astanga. All of these give you strength, endurance and flexibility in an environment that promotes relaxation.
Hatha yoga revolves around the force exercised by asanas or structured poses and pranayama which refers to breath awareness and control during the poses.
Other types of yoga include
- Karma-Yoga; A discipline of self-surpassing actions and reactions, cause and effect
- Mantra-Yoga; The practice of numinous sounds that help protect the mind
- Hiranyagarbha-Yoga; Considered the original founder of the Mantra tradition.
There are many other forms of yoga.
What are the effects of Yoga for wellness?
Researchers over the years have found that regular practice of yoga can produce many health benefits including,
- Reduction in perceived stress levels
- Increased wellbeing and happiness
- Reduction in levels of anxiety
This is because the breathing control (pranayama) induces a strong meditation effect.
The poses (asanas) also have health benefit;
- The isometric asanas challenge the cardiovascular system. Regular yoga has been shown to help normalize blood pressure.
- The gastrointestinal tract benefits from the improved circulation skeletal muscle contraction of the trunk speeds up the passage of waste.
- The muscles reduce their tension and permit flexibility changes. They also enjoy greater endurance and strength
- Joints are challenged to explore their full potential
- Bones are placed under load to increase their density and reduce osteoporosis
- Tendons and ligaments are challenged and respond
Who is Yoga appropriate for?
Yoga can be done at any age and to any group who are capable of following instruction. It should be led by a well trained person who will be aware of the different needs and strengths of the individual.
Special Precautions
Keep to your limits, it is not competitive
If you have a medical condition you believe relevant then your instructor should be informed. This includes pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart problems, chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma and recent injury or illness.
If you have not done any exercise for a long time or if you know yourself not to be in good physical condition it is always wise to have a check-up before you commence classes.