Introduction to Yoga: For the Rest of Us
November 24th, 2008 | by Sibusiso M. Maseko |A body-mind-spirit harmony is what yoga means, and to achieve this means a lot more than just meditation. In Sanskrit, the word means union. It has the distinction of being the oldest personal development technique known. This age old science and philosophy treats the person by looking at him as a whole so there is the physical, the mental and the spiritual that comes up for making better and strengthening.
A Yogi is a male who practices yoga and a Yogini is a female practitioner. The practice is considered to be an applied science that deals with mind and body and it is one among the six famous orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. This is not just a case is of sitting in a lotus position and chanting in unity but is a huge subject and if you understand it can become a research for your entire life.
Yoga is one of the best stress busters. It is also very effective in back problems and posture related problems. People with cancer use it a lot as it makes them feel good. This is similar to other complimentary therapies that people use It is widely suggested that it should be practiced in the morning before you take any food.
This ancient holistic system has many styles to it and some are given below: Raja Yoga: This literally means kingly yoga and is one of the four main paths of yoga. The practice of this yoga is meditation and methods that help in controlling the body, mind, energy and the senses. Kundalini Yoga: The main component here comprises of the kriyas which are special set of exercises that promise instant results and these are very safe and non-stressful to practice. We also have Hatha Yoga which is an extremely wonderful system that is comprised of breath control and postures; it is the basis for all of the modern asana based discipline forms. Sahaja Yoga - This is a unique meditation based method for self realization, Kundalini awakening. This experience is personal, arising within each and every person. Next on the list is Moksha hot Yoga which is a very unique form which is known to combine traditional yoga’s foundations and the precision of the therapeutic yoga within a room that is specially heated.
Yoga is becoming more and more popular among all age groups from kids to adults. Yoga has become the fastest growing and most popular exercise trend of all because it isn’t something that is necessarily done to you as it is something that you do. This is beneficial for pregnant women as it helps to make them more patient and increases elasticity. Associated Press and Fit Yoga claim the discipline is increasing in popularity among soldiers for improving stamina, mental focus and flexibility. This is not just a physical exercise but also a discipline where inner harmony and a sense of well being is the aim.