Yoga benefits and good health, this seems like a hot topic in 2019. Stress is high, life is fast, more problems clouds our mind and yoga seems the perfect answer. What is Yoga? Yoga means union. Etymologically, it is connected to the English word, yoke. Yoga means union with God, or, union of the little, ego-self with the divine Self, the infinite Spirit. Most people in the West, and also many in India, confuse yoga with Hatha Yoga, the system of bodily postures. But yoga is primarily a spiritual discipline. Not that there’s anything wrong with practicing Hatha Yoga. The body is a part of our human nature, and must be kept fit so it doesn’t obstruct our spiritual efforts. However, those who are focused on self-realization do not necessarily have to practice it as much or at all. Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of Raja Yoga, the true science of yoga. Raja Yoga is a system of meditation techniques that help to harmonize human consciousness with the divine consciousness.
Sukhasana (Easy Pose): Fold a thick blanket or two into a firm support about six inches high. Sit close to one edge of this support and stretch your legs out in front of your torso on the floor in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Cross your shins, widen your knees, and slip each foot beneath the opposite knee as you bend your knees and fold the legs in toward your torso. Sukhasana is a Sanskrit word where sukh means “pleasure” or “happiness”, and asana means “pose”. The mental ability to control your mind is not easy but can be the only solution in order to curb your problems. By looking within, Sukhasana unravels the power of intuition in the days of confusion. Meditation is a delightful path to walk on, which aids your healing, gives you infinite wisdom, and a peaceful mind.
The Crow yoga pose strengthens the wrists, forearms and abdomen while also stretching the hamstring. Balance is crucial for this pose. The Surya mudra is intended to increase the solar/fire element in the body and improve metabolism and digestion. It is also useful in reducing heaviness in the body and to help ward off colds, since it increases core body temperature. Method: Perform this mudra by bending your ring finger to the base of your thumb so that your thumb touches the ring finger’s knuckle. Stretch your other three fingers straight without stressing the hand.
Ashtanga Namaskara: This is also known as giving salutations using eight parts or points. After staying in Dandasana, gently bring down your knees towards the floor and exhale. Now bring your chin to rest on the floor, keep your hops elevated in the air. Hence, your eight parts which are two hands, two knees, chin and chest will rest on the floor while your hip stays elevated in the air. More on Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation.
Types of Yoga: What are the four main types of yoga? Answer: karma, bhakti, jnana, and raja. Yin yoga is a meditative practice that allows your body to become comfortable in a pose without doing any work (strength). It is also called Taoist yoga, and focuses on lengthening the connective tissues within the body. It is meant to compliment Yang yoga, or muscle-forming yoga practices. If Yang is active, then Yin is passive, meaning the muscles are allowed to relax with gravity and rest. This is usually performed with the assistance of props, and there is little or no music in class.
Hatha yoga is a comprehensive term that includes all kinds of yoga that is based in physical practice. So that includes styles like Ashtanga and Iyengar but not Kriya, Raja, or Karma yoga that are not based on physical yoga practice. Hatha yoga is best if you are just starting out as the pace is far slower than the other styles. The practice involves having to hold a pose Hatha classes for a few breaths and focuses a lot of meditation and correct breathing and postures. You will also learn some essential relaxation techniques.
Feeling sad? Sit in Lotus. Better yet, rise up into a backbend or soar royally into King Dancer Pose. While it’s not as simple as that, one study found that a consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in the levels of monoamine oxidase (an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters) and cortisol. At the University of Wisconsin, Richard Davidson, Ph.D., found that the left prefrontal cortex showed heightened activity in meditators, a finding that has been correlated with greater levels of happiness and better immune function. More dramatic left-sided activation was found in dedicated, long-term practitioners.
The digestive system gets back on track when the stretching in yoga is coupled with a healthy, organic diet, which can relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. Another one of the benefits of yoga is that stretching and holding postures also causes muscles to lengthen, which gives the body a longer, leaner look. How does power yoga build muscle? Adapted from the basic Ashtanga yoga, power yoga requires increased energy, focus, and strength. Although power yoga evolved from the basics, it certainly is not a basic course.
Get ready for a life changing Yoga Journey experience at Spiritual Yoga Capital Rishikesh India at YTTI yoga school’s 200 hour yoga teacher training programme. Rishikesh’s holy destination situated near River Ganga’s bank our yoga school welcome you to explore new possibilities and observe the beauty of being human. Nature will do its magic and will throw away all your worries to discover a new pure soul in your balanced and healthy body. See more info at www.yogateachertraining-india.com.