Yoga

Yoga is a traditional system of healing for the mind and body. It means union. It is a popular belief that yoga
can cleanse your body of toxins and improve muscle tone, as well as help in blood circulation. Yoga was first originated in India, where it still remains a living tradition and is followed as a means to enlightenment. This spiritual practice has been evolving for more than 5,000 years now. In yoga there are many spiritual and physical exercises that are practiced to improve ones health and well being. It is very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more.

Healthy body and happiness:

It is a popular saying that a sound mind could lead to a healthy body. Everybody has the right to be happy. Happiness and peace comes from within. It depends on your thinking and also on your body. Your body's health and your mind are directly related. Only if you have a healthy body will you be free from any physical pain, and your mind will not be disturbed. Without good health you cannot be completely at peace. In yoga various types of meditation are taught, and you are made to concentrate on your inner self. It helps to focus on positive thinking and push all the negative thoughts away. Every disease and sickness is considered nothing more than an imbalance in the natural harmony of the body and mind. Restoring this balance leads to true healing.

Yoga has become very popular worldwide. People are seeking for it, as they realize the importance of self-contentment and inner peace. Be it work pressure or health problems, yoga can help you see through it. Following yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation can relieve you from all pains and troubles. Yoga can also help you to lose weight. It lets you tune in, chill out, and shape up, all at the same time.

There is no question about the fact that yoga is beneficial to your body physically, mentally and emotionally. The practice is so beneficial that many experts are recommending it for many purposes. However, before you pack your bags and head over to a yoga vacation, you need to learn some of the basic moves of the art. These include:

The mountain pose - This is a very basic move. To get to this position, stand firm with your feet together and your shoulders relaxed. Your arms should be at your sides and your weight evenly distrusted on your soles. Raise your hands overhead as you take a deep breath. Your arms should be straight and palms facing each other. Try to reach up to the sky with the fingers and breathe throughout the pose.

Warrior - To move on to this pose, stand with your legs four feet apart. Turn your right leg 90 degrees and slightly turn your left foot in. relax your shoulders as you bring the hands to your hips. Then extend your arms with your palms facing down. Keep your knee over ankle as your bend it 90 degrees. Remain here for a minute and the switch to the other side.

Downward dog - To perform this pose, begin on all fours, with your arms directly under your shoulders with the knees under the hips. Spread your fingers wide as you walk your hands a few inches forward. Press the palms on the mat. Press your hips towards the ceiling as you curl your toes under, and then bring the body into an inverted V-shape. The shoulders should be away from the ears, and knees bent slightly. Hold for three breaths.

Bridge pose - This pose stretches your thighs, chest and extends your spine. Lie on your floor with the knees bent directly over your heels. Put your arms at sides, palms facing downwards. Breathe out and press your feet into the floor as you lift the hips. Bring the hand together under your lower back and press the arms down as you lift the hips so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Bring your chest towards your chin.

Tree pose - For this pose, you need to stand with your hands at each side. Shift your weight to the left leg and put your right foot's sole inside your left thigh while the hips face forward. Find your balance as you bring the arms to a prayer position.



Health benefits of Yoga:

Yoga is said to be beneficial for healing many problems. Some of the benefits of yoga are:

o Helps to control anxiety

o Reduces stress

o Improves arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis

o Relieves asthma

o Controls blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy

o Combats chronic fatigue and depression

o Cures headaches, heart disease and multiple sclerosis

o Improves concentration and creativity

o Improves blood circulation

o Lowers fat

o Creates a sense of well being and calm

Risks:

It is very important to practice yoga under the supervision of an experienced and well-trained trainer; otherwise doing wrong exercises can sometimes worsen your problem and lead to complications. The best time to do yoga is said to be in the morning. Pregnant ladies can also do yoga, as it helps in easy delivery and helps lose weight post pregnancy.

Reach your goals:

Yoga means to unify all forms of life. It has a holistic approach to all aspects of life - physical, mental and spiritual life. Each person is considered a unique combination of body, mind and soul. It teaches the importance of maintaining harmony between the mind and the body. One can achieve happiness, contentment, liberation and enlightenment from the union with the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with Atman, the transcendent Self. With yoga, one can achieve these goals.