Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Introduction to Yoga


Yoga is the practice of physical, mental and spiritual reintegration. Revered as one of the most ancient schools of thought in Indian philosophy, Yoga extols a comprehensive approach to life. Yoga is a very rejuvenating answer to the pitfalls of modern life, mainly the problems of stress and strain leading to a complete deterioration of physical and mental health. It is also a tool of living wholesomely in the rapidly changing world. Yoga includes meditation, which is the practice of inner silence and discipline for the awakening of the human potential, mental focus and spiritual enlightenment.

Today Yoga has been recognized as an alternative system of healing, in the world over. Yoga therapy is found effective in various chronic ailments like Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiac diseases, Psychosomatic disorders, etc.

The word Yoga is derived from its root word “Yuj” means union; the union of the individual soul (Jeevatma), with the supreme soul (Paramatma). The ultimate aim of yoga is liberation (Moksha). But in the basic level, Yoga bestows healthy living with the harmony of body, mind, intellect and spirit. Therefore Yogic life is the complete life. Yoga is a technical science with a strong theoretical base. The combined knowledge of both the theory and practice is Yogasastra revealed through Ashtangayoga.


ASHTANGAYOGA (YOGA WITH EIGHT LIMBS)

1) YAMA (Self restraintment)
2) NIYAMA (Routines and Observances)
3) ASANA (Physical postures) HATA YOGA
4) PRANAYAMA(Breathing Exercise)
5) PRATHYAHARA (Withdrawal of mind from sense organs)

6) DHARANA (Concentration)
7) DHYANA (Meditation) RAJA YOGA
8) SAMADHI (Contemplation)

Hata Yoga is more physically based and Raja yoga is mentally based. Hata Yoga practice is the preparation to Raja Yoga. The culture and discipline of the body is the first and foremost practice in Yoga, as it gives a good foundation to the advanced practices.

The practical session of Yoga begins with Asanas (physical postures). Asanas are grouped into seven categories.

1) Meditative postures
2) Postures lying on the back.
3) Postures lying on the abdomen.
4) Sitting postures
5) Standing postures
6) Balancing postures
7) Relaxing postures
1


The cycle of postures are to be performed in a particular sequence in the form of posture and counter posture with the guidance of an experienced teacher, because improper practice is very harmful. Never practice reading a book on yoga.

The general breathing rule in the Asana practice is as follows

In a movement when chest expands – Inhale
In a movement when chest contracts – Exhale
In a backward movement – Inhale
In a forward movement – Exhale
In sideways movement down – Exhale
In sideways movement up – Inhale

Without coordination of breathing, Asana practice is incomplete. The right coordination of breathing with the physical movement make the Asana perfectly graceful. Breathing practice in the Asana is a step to the next advanced practice known as pranayama.
Asanas (postures) are 84 lakhs in number, in which 84 are popularly known. Fifteen postures that are commonly practised at basic level, are explained here. Practice of few basic postures (Asanas), breathing exercise (Pranayama) and meditation daily at least for forty-five minutes to one hour is good to maintain the health of an aspirant in all aspects.

Before you begin

Remember

1) Your own stretch is good enough for you. Don’t strain yourself to perfect the posture.
2) Everything must be measured by your own comfort. Don’t be uncomfortable.
3) Don’t be too fast or too slow while doing the postures.
4) Work slowly with awareness and concentration and relax in the postures. Always begin and end with relaxation.
5) Find a comfortable place. Use a mat or a bed sheet, which is solely used for the purpose.
6) Not advisable for menstruating women
7) Wear non – restrictive comfortable clothes.
8) Try to do it on empty stomach always.
in the name of Ayurveda
Dr Aravind T.V

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