Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means "union." It refers to the union of the mind, the body and the spirit. To take it one step further, the ultimate aim is self-realization or enlightenment. But the only attainment people seek these days is stress relief, improved health and a better physique.
Sanskrit is one of India's oldest languages, and quite a few words will have to be used below for which translations are required. For instance, the enlightenment referred to above is called "moksha." The word "asana" will pop up quite often and means a posture or pose.
Pranayama is an extension of the life force (prana), but here it is a reference to the breathing techniques used. Dhyana means meditation and Kundalini means a coiled serpent. The reference here is to the coiled energy within.
Quite a few different Yoga types or styles have been developed in the past 3000 years, based on the above components and their variations. Beginners need to choose 1 or 2 styles and stick with them as part of a daily routine. It can be a couple of hours in a class, with fashionable yoga pants and designer mats. It could also mean a new way of life based on a fundamental philosophy shift.
Hatha and Vinyasa are two popular styles preferred in classes in Western countries. The famed Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is part of Vinyasa, perfect for a good morning and the key to a productive and energetic day. Hatha is simple while still incorporating all four aforementioned basic components.
There is a lot of focus on Pranayama when following Hatha. While the breathing exercises are intense, the physical movements and asanas are slow and easy to follow. The important thing is that it needs a tranquil mind to start with, and the session is all about calming down and bringing the thought process under control. It provides stress-relief and physical relaxation after a hard day.
Ashtanga is a strenuous style, with 75 asanas that have to be taken in less than 2 hours. By the end of it, the body generates intense heat from the inside, causing a river of sweat which makes it a good detox for the muscles, skin and internal organs. Another style called Bikram is even more precise in this regard, and its 26 asanas to be done in a hot room stretch joints and muscles in a systematic manner to push oxygen rich blood to every tiny part of the body.
Iyengar Yoga is relatively easy to follow, since it can be performed by anybody regardless of physical strength, age, etc. It's just a question of holding a specific asana or pose for a set amount of time using props like sticks, pillows and so on. The discipline required and focus on the task at hand clears the mind and provides stress relief.
Sanskrit is one of India's oldest languages, and quite a few words will have to be used below for which translations are required. For instance, the enlightenment referred to above is called "moksha." The word "asana" will pop up quite often and means a posture or pose.
Pranayama is an extension of the life force (prana), but here it is a reference to the breathing techniques used. Dhyana means meditation and Kundalini means a coiled serpent. The reference here is to the coiled energy within.
Quite a few different Yoga types or styles have been developed in the past 3000 years, based on the above components and their variations. Beginners need to choose 1 or 2 styles and stick with them as part of a daily routine. It can be a couple of hours in a class, with fashionable yoga pants and designer mats. It could also mean a new way of life based on a fundamental philosophy shift.
Hatha and Vinyasa are two popular styles preferred in classes in Western countries. The famed Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is part of Vinyasa, perfect for a good morning and the key to a productive and energetic day. Hatha is simple while still incorporating all four aforementioned basic components.
There is a lot of focus on Pranayama when following Hatha. While the breathing exercises are intense, the physical movements and asanas are slow and easy to follow. The important thing is that it needs a tranquil mind to start with, and the session is all about calming down and bringing the thought process under control. It provides stress-relief and physical relaxation after a hard day.
Ashtanga is a strenuous style, with 75 asanas that have to be taken in less than 2 hours. By the end of it, the body generates intense heat from the inside, causing a river of sweat which makes it a good detox for the muscles, skin and internal organs. Another style called Bikram is even more precise in this regard, and its 26 asanas to be done in a hot room stretch joints and muscles in a systematic manner to push oxygen rich blood to every tiny part of the body.
Iyengar Yoga is relatively easy to follow, since it can be performed by anybody regardless of physical strength, age, etc. It's just a question of holding a specific asana or pose for a set amount of time using props like sticks, pillows and so on. The discipline required and focus on the task at hand clears the mind and provides stress relief.
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The centuries old techniques of Bikram yoga poses can assist you in alleviation of many negative conditions. You can try yoga for anxiety or for other purposes.
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