Yoga for Health

Yoga For Health

“Yoga” is an ancient technique of India believed to have originated almost around 26,000 years ago during the period of Sat You or the Golden Age of India when everything was pure and pious. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which mean union or to unite. Yoga is a union of the body with the inner soul to achieve spiritual bliss, relaxation and longevity.

The origin of Yoga though traced to ancient India, was discovered and adapted mostly after our discovery of Indus valley civilization which had ample evidence of using this form of science for healing. Yoga today has gained immense popularity across the West and has branched off into other versions of Yoga like Tantra Yoga, Karma Yoga, Yoga Pilates etc.

Yoga in its true essence seeks to utilize the life force “Kundalini” which is at the base of the spine. This force is utilized by combining both physical and mental exercises to achieve a holistic equilibrium. The physical exercises are in the form of yoga postures termed as Asanas while the mental excercises are in the form of Pranayama or Meditation.

Benefits of Yoga:

· Increases the flexibility of your body reducing stiffness and achieves total physical equilibrium

· Removes toxins from the body by flushing it out through holistic yoga approach. Reduces and eliminates blocks of negative energy in the body system

· It helps strengthen body muscles and tones down extra flab in the body

· Increases concentration level, mental strength and self confidence

· Drastically reduces stress and tension in the body by concentrating on improving the nervous system

Yoga Asanas

(There are various forms of Yoga Asanas but before performing any asana it is needed that you seek the advice of a trained Yoga Guru or Instructor. The yoga asanas given below are for general information and not to be practiced alone without any expert advice)

Padmasana

This is the most popular Yoga Asana. Also called the “Kamlasana”, it derives its name from the pose of the legs like a lotus. Before starting any asana you need to be in the right spirit and mind, always try to perform these asanas in the early morning for maximum benefit.

First sit on the ground with your legs tucked in towards your body. Then place the right foot on the left thigh and slowly place the left foot on trhe right thigh. Do not overstrain yourself at the first instance. Keep your body erect so that the knees touch the floor. Then place your hands either on the floor or the best way would be to place them on your knees with the thumb touching the index finger in a mudra. Then start breathing slowy while concentrating on focusing your thoughts and letting a sense of calm prevail inside you. With regular meditation you shall learn to concentrate thoroughly and improve your relaxation mode.

Benefits:

Improves concentration level and mental strength

Enhances sense of calm and improves relaxation

Reduces any form of abdominal diseases and is a vital asana for improving female reproductive system

It helps stabilize flow of vital fluids in the body while decreasing our heart rate and increasing blood flow

Best of all it purifies your body and soul

Sidhasana

This asana is said to cleanse your sole, drastically improve your memory powers and increase your concentration level. Sages with mastery in this asana could elevate themselves to higher levels and were said to establish connection with the inner self.

In this you first bend the left leg and place your heel at the perineum or at the anus, then bend your right leg and place it on your left thigh in such a manner that your toe touches the pubic bone. Hands need to be in the earlier position or you can also rest your hands on the sole of your feet and body has to be absolutely erect.

Benefits:

Improves concentration level and mental strength

Very effective on improving the digestive system of the body

Increases memory powers with higher level of self realization

Vajrasana

Dervived from the Sanskrit word “Vajra”, it means to be erect and feel like a thunderbolt. This Asana when performed accurately over a time period greatly benefits body strength and improves longevity of the human being.

In this asana, sit on the ground in a kneeling position. Fold your legs inwards so that your knees, ankles and the toes touch the ground. Sit on the base of your heels and place your palms on the knees. Keep your body and spine erect. Then take a deep breath and pull your abdominal inside. Further expand your chest and exhale. Do the movement slowly and in a relaxed manner. Inhale and exhale slowly. While drawing the Abdominal region inwards and expanding the chest, focus the attention on these body parts. The way the muscles move must be felt. Relax before, during and after the yoga posture.

Benefits:

Greatly beneficial for those with high blood pressure problems as this inhaling and exhaling increases blood flow.

The erect posture benefits the spine posture and increases longevity in human beings