What is yoga?
Yoga is an interrelated set of mind-body practices or philosophies that originally originated in ancient India. It combines physical exercises with meditation and breathing techniques to promote a healthy state of being. The word “yoga” first appears in the Sanskrit language. Yoga is also one of the six approved schools of Hindu philosophical traditions.
The first thing you should know if you’re looking to learn more about what is yoga is that it’s not a sport in the traditional sense. Although the various yoga poses that are performed in most classes are athletic, there is much more to yoga than meets the eye. For example, hatha yoga, which is the name most commonly used to refer to this type of yoga, is designed to strengthen the entire body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints.
When yoga day is celebrated?
The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on Jun 21, following the establishment of the United Nations General Assembly. Yoga is an ancient Indian spiritual practice that originated in India. It is now practiced in over 180 countries, including the United States, and is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world.
Many people who are celebrating this day throughout the world are doing so as a way to bring harmony and peace to their lives. They are doing this to free themselves from the bonds of unnecessary stress.
How does yoga work?
Yoga does more than just tone muscles and burns fat. It is a total mind-body workout that combines stretching and build-up poses with various deep puffing and meditation or relaxation approaches. One of the main aspects of yoga is breathing. Breathing is fundamental to yoga because the body needs to be lungs full of oxygen before it can exercise.
Practicing breathing exercises will allow you to use your lungs and the digestive system fully without being constricting. It also allows you to deepen your meditation. One practice that is commonly practiced is pranayama or controlled breathing through the nose and mouth.
Types of yoga:
As stated before, yoga was originally just a type of spiritual practice. However, the popularity of yoga has evolved as more people have become aware of its health benefits.
The most common types of yoga are:
- Vinyasa yoga:
Vinyasa yoga is essentially a style of yoga that utilizes dynamic movements. It is a powerful method for helping you relax and physically relieve stress, but it also incorporates a strong emphasis on breath control and movement. This is why the most commonly performed asanas in Vinyasa yoga are the Ashtanga yoga poses, or “eight-limbed limbs.
2. Hatha yoga:
Hatha yoga Focuses on breath-holding and gentle movement rather than intensity. While Hatha yoga is generally considered an exercise for the body and nervous system, it is a very good overall workout for your joints and muscles. This is evident in the popularity of such postures as the seated forward bend, which is used in most Hatha yoga Programs.
3. Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga Yoga is a refined form of yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois between the 20th and 21st century, sometimes marketed as a new-age form of old-age Indian yoga. As the name suggests, the first of the five-ashtanga yoga poses is the basic standing asana. Ashtanga yoga is not simply just standing asana; instead, it starts with the student moving comfortably and gradually to more difficult poses.
4. Yin yoga:
In the orient, Yin yoga was a popular form of healing in the East. Many of its ideas have caught on and are being utilized in western circles as well, however many of those practicing yin yoga still adhere to the more eastern techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and slow, meditative breathing.
This is because the mind can be calmed and connected to the energies of life by using the yin-class technique of bringing awareness to each muscle and connecting the muscles with the different energy centers of the body.
Beginning a Yoga Practice:
For beginners, you might like to start with a traditional yoga teacher. Some instructors might offer you a free introductory class so that you can check out how yoga is taught. If you have friends who are already practicing yoga, they might be able to give you pointers on the different styles and types of yoga you might like to try.
Some yoga teachers might like to incorporate acro yoga into your class if you like, as it is very soothing and beneficial to many different types of people.
When you’re doing your daily yoga routine, what you can do?
- strength training
- stretching exercises.
These are essential for keeping your body strong and flexible, but they will also help you maintain a healthy weight and get in better shape.
Basic Yoga Poses For Yoga Lovers:
Whether you want to learn some basic progress before you take a class, get some points on where to begin at home, or learn a few poses to better flexibility, here’s an order that can get set up.
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
This pose looks very easy, As it’s just standing. But it is the basis for all the other standing poses and transposition.
- Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
The pose is taken up from the standing position of Tadasana, bending forward at the hips until the palms can be placed on the surface, finally behind the heels.
- Plank Pose (Uttihita Chaturanga Dandasana)
Utthita Chaturanga Dandasana is the name of a fundamental build up yoga posture that sets the body for more testing arm balances.
What are the benefits of yoga?
There are several benefits of yoga that everyone can achieve:
- One of the most profound benefits of yoga that we all can benefit from is increased blood flow. Increased blood flow through the coronary arteries leads to better heart health, especially in older people and those with cardiovascular disease.
- Yoga also benefits those suffering from osteoarthritis by increasing joint flexibility, range of motion, and strength. Arthritis affects millions of Americans, so it’s no wonder that there are some yoga poses designed specifically for those suffering from arthritis.
- Yoga is known to have significantly greater benefits in reducing both stress and anxiety. Studies show that those who meditate regularly experience less anxiety and stress during the day.
- For those who suffer from chronic low back pain, yoga may be able to provide the relief you’re looking for.
- Another area in which yoga has shown great promise in helping with arthritis is posture. It is well known that traditional yoga postures build strength and balance in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the body.
Conclusion:
Yoga is the medicine for almost every single problem. As you exercise yoga, it not only helps you to improve your physical body but also helps in sustaining your inner peace and relaxing your mind. Thus, there is nothing at all that yoga can not help. Besides, yoga is not just a one-day practice; it’s a long-lasting devotion. The more you exercise yoga, the more you are rewarded. If you practice yoga every day you will live a peaceful and healthy life. In the current Yoga has just become a type of physical exercise but it is a lot more. But, for further practice, you have to be perfect both physically and mentally through the daily practice of yoga.
Also Read: The importance of Physical Activity for Well-being and Health – Best Tips and Tricks