Yoga Symbols- A Spiritual Awakening

Essentially yoga symbols are simply yoga postures, and it is the practice of these postures – or symbols – which represents the most popular part of yoga practice of all. Some people in fact attempt to regard the study of these postures sometimes independently without actually correlating it with other essential parts of yoga practice, such as mental activity, concentration and breathing while the yoga symbols or postures are being performed.
There are also many other yoga symbols and that includes the following: sun, rebirth, creation, beauty, prosperity, purity, divinity, and eternity. This list of associations is endless, and it is an incredibly important part of mythology, culture, religion and art in India and some other Asian countries, which are the areas in which yoga first actually originated.

You don’t understand all those yoga symbols, but you are getting a lot of benefit from the exercises. Now, your curiosity has got the better of you and you want to know the meaning behind these symbols. Knowing them will allow you to understand yoga and its history more deeply.

Types of Yoga Symbols:

The study of Yoga symbols is an ancient science created centuries ago to carry health, peace of mind, and happiness to people who have learned it. There is a wide collection of yoga symbols that are being used these days.

In ancient times, holy men called “rishis”, watched birds, animals, and other creatures, as well as plants, to develop asanas, movements, and postures. Asanas was the Sanskrit name for positions in yoga, and as new asanas were created, so were the forming of yoga symbols that resembled these creatures.

A lot of these asanas or positions in yoga were named after the plants and animals that they are similar to, these included:

Bakasana – this represents the crane posture.
Matsyasana – the fish posture.
Shalabhasna – the locust posture.
Simhasana – the loin posture.
Vatayasana – the horse posture.
Padmasana – the lotus posture.
Suryasana – the sun or the salute to the sun.

In the characteristics of the delicate body, complex symbolisms are used to describe the chakras. This is known as the energy of the whirling motions. These motions are symbolized as lotuses, with each chakra containing a certain number of petals, color, geometric shape, and presiding god.

Sanskrit letter are engraved on the petals of the lotuses, which symbolizes cosmic energy in the form of the exposed word. On the wall so yoga ashrams, are large paintings of the chakras with all their symbols. One of the most well known painting symbolized Hatha Yoga (ha, sun, tha, and moon). The pictured show the spine known as yogadanda, which symbolizes the staff of God, followed up by the kundalini which is the serpent power coiled at the based of the spine. Lastly, symbol of the sun and moon are also used for the major nadis. This channels the prana to flow to the upper and lowers parts of the body.
OM - A Powerful Symbol

A commonly used symbol to focus on while practicing Tratak is the OM symbol. To a yogi no symbol is more powerful than the syllable OM, as witnessed by these words from the Mandukya Upanishad: "OM: this eternal word is all; what was, what is and what shall be." In the Snaskrit letter the longer lower curve represents the dream state, the upper curve stands for the waking state and the curve issuing from the center symbolized deep dreamless sleep. The crescent shape stands for "Maya", the veil of illusion and the dot for the transcendental state. When the individual spirit in man passes through the veil and rests in the transcendental he is liberated from the three states and their qualities.

Om represents expansion or unfolding, wherein if uttered, starts within the lungs and ends with the lips. The Om is represented on glyph called omkar, and has four parts that each represents four states of awareness: the deep sleep state, the material state or ordinary waking, the dream state, and the awakened state or absolute conscience.

Summary:

Yoga is a very healing and spiritual practice. There are many spiritually significant symbols involved with the art of yoga. Many of these symbols represent the human being and its place within the flow of the universe. Throughout the ages, many of these symbols have come to find their way into mainstream society. The yoga symbols play a special part in yoga as they are the basis of static exercise that stimulates not merely physical fitness but energy harmonization as well.

Yoga Spa- A step for a complete body Wellness & Relaxation

Struggling to get your work-life balance right? Then a luxurious and soothing health spa retreat or a yoga holiday could be the answer. It’s all about you and you only. Relax with a retreat of your choice: yoga, bio therapy, and detox, just some of vast array of SPA YOGA holidays.

Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with a spa and yoga package. For ages, India has been known as the country where Yoga is considered a sort of characteristic of the human life cycle. India though taking impressive strides towards urbanization and industrialization, still considers the concept of Yoga & Meditation as very much a practice of the human life cycle. Enjoy a spa therapy which revitalize your skin and gives it a refreshing glow. Different Oil massages are done for relaxing the body and draining it of all worries & tension.

What is Yoga?

Yoga has become very popular due to its many recognized health benefits. Many doctors are recommending yoga to their patients to help reduce stress, increase their strength, flexibility and balance.

Yoga has been proven to help you:

1. Learn how to breath and relax


2. Manage your stress


3. Manage your weight


4. Boost your energy


5. Improve your cardiovascular endurance


6. Increase your muscular strength


7. Increase your flexibility


8. Increase your lung capacity


9. Improve your balance


10. Feel calm


11. Feel good!

No matter what your age or condition, practicing yoga will leave you feeling healthier and more centered within yourself and your world.

What is Spa?

Nowadays the term 'SPA' encompasses the philosophy of holistic therapy, to reach balance between the mind, body and soul; regaining or maintaining mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. That's why modern spas now not only offer water treatments, but also include other treatments such as aromatherapy, body treatments, beauty care and pampering treatments, stress management, yoga and meditation. They also provide fitness options, nutrition and diet programs, and complementary therapies and so on.

Some of the proven benefits of Spa Therapy are:

1. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation


2. Improves Circulation


3. Boosts the Immune System


4. Assists in the elimination of toxins


5. Helps your body heal


6. Helps bring Balance to the body


7. Feels really good!

Why Yoga Spa?

Yoga retreats, spa hotels and hotels with spas are becoming evermore popular, springing up all over the world. They are scattered all over the subcontinent - in the hills, on the beach, in cities and they vary in style, comfort and price.

You’ll likely want a getaway that combines quality yoga instruction with other activities like spa & massage therapies.

Like adventure travel, yoga and massage provide individuals an opportunity for personal transformation, not just of the body but of the mind and spirit. In the wilderness, one feels at peace and in harmony with nature. Each day is different, enlightening and exciting. As we do our yoga practice, we discover that our bodies and emotions are also changing daily. Taking the time to explore internally through yoga and meditation, we are able to integrate on a deeper level all the excitement, challenge, and exhilaration of the trip. Yoga and massage are an integral part of our adventure program. . Compliment your massage with a regular practice of Yoga, a healing art that not only provides your body with strength and flexibility, but gives you an overall feeling of peace and calm.

Exceptional pure massage oils, clays, muds, scrubs and seaweed products can be used for spa treatments. Indulge in a soothing massage from an on-staff massage therapist to loosen your muscles after an invigorating day of yoga programs, or any other of numerous adventures.

Summary:

At a health spa, working with a well-trained yoga instructor that understands all of these aspects and benefits of yoga is truly a journey towards wellness. The spa can offer so many opportunities to practise yoga in inspiring indoor and outdoor settings and when combined with other therapeutic advanced spa treatments, the whole experience is enhanced. Try a yoga spa mini-vacation at a yoga health spa. Health Spas and retreats lead the way in all basic and advanced yoga programmes, yoga practise and supervised detox programmes.

Yoga Shoes- Added Comfort for your foot!!!

While yoga has traditionally been practiced with bare feet, yoga shoes are a recent trend, making it possible to practice outside, or to hide your feet. Most yoga shoes are a more flexible version of regular athletic shoes, and come in all sizes, styles, and colors.
All the major sport shoe manufactures Nike, Adidas, Reebok etc have released a shoe called a yoga shoe. The design of the shoe has been inspired by yoga, and has been designed to be worn during yoga practice.

Why Yoga Shoes?

Most fitness activities like running, tennis or aerobics have shoes that are made to specifically support and protect our feet during these activities, while allowing our feet the flexibility and range of motion needed to perform. However, Yoga is one of the few fitness activities that are usually done bare feet. Some believe that our bare feet directly connect us to the Earth's energy. But a more practical reason for practicing Yoga barefoot is the free range of motion and flexibility.

If you practice yoga, you may have found that sweating hands and feet can cause you to slip on the mat, making it more difficult to keep your balance or accurately hold your poses. You may have remedied this by using sticky mats or anti-slip yoga socks during practice. But if you love shoes like I do, you may be excited to know that yoga has shoes too! Like other fitness shoes, these are made to give you the extra stability and the range of motion you want and need during yoga practice.

Yoga shoes provide the comfort that you need. Yoga shoes are different from the usual exercises shoes in that it has slim soles to provide suppleness and the top part of the shoes is lighter so as to ensure air circulation.

In addition yoga shoes are vital as bacteria and germs will not form and also when you need to share yoga mat. On the other hand it can avert injuries like stepping on jagged pebbles or ants bite. With the yoga shoes, it will help ensure that you do not slip when you are carrying out certain postures.

Yoga Slip-Ons by Gaiam for example, have an outer sole tough enough for the road and a removable insole which includes a quick drying sock lining for easy air drying. It's 100% recycled rubber toe and heal bumpers make these shoes friends with the environment and friends with your feet. Last, but not least...they look good. They come in cool contrasting color combinations like black and lavender or tan and coral.

Adidas also make a beautiful pair of orange yoga/tai chi shoes called the Mei Mesh W. The Mei features a soft inner cushion for comfort, an airy perforated upper to help keep feet cool and gum rubber outsole pads in heel and forefoot for maximum flexibility, and traction on the mat.

Tips for buying a good Yoga Shoe:

1. Yoga shoes are very important for a pain free existence. If Yoga shoes do not fit properly then you can have pain in your knees, back, ankles or hips. Comfortable Yoga shoes are more important then some people think. It is a good idea when you purchase Yoga shoes to try the Yoga shoes on and make sure they fit properly. It's very nice to have a good looking shoe but the fit is much more important. Buy Yoga shoes that fit your foot properly and you will feel better.

2. Yoga shoes should be breathable to your feet. Yoga shoes made of natural materials are better for you then plastic or man made materials are. Leather or cotton lets your feet breath while nylon or other synthetic are more air tight. Pick out natural materials when ever possible when buying Yoga shoes.

3. When you try a shoe on it should bend at the same spot your foot bends. When you walk it is important for your comfort that your Yoga shoes bend along with your foot. A shoe that does not bend with the foot can create blisters and sore spots.

Next time you buy some Yoga shoes take some time and make sure you get a shoe that fits your foot. The better your Yoga shoes fit the better you will feel and the more you can do.

Summary:

Thus nowadays practicing yoga with yoga shoes is quite trendy and also gives proper support and balance to the foot while practicing yoga. What else one need then!!! So from now before you begin your yoga classes just buy a comfortable pair of yoga shoes which are light weight and allow you to move freely.

Yoga Props- Key to Comfortable Asanas!!

Yoga also has its own small set of apparatus. Called yoga props, they help make the yoga poses more comfortable, create resistance or give the body something to lean on or bend over.

These props help you achieve the proper alignment, balance and make the pose a bit easier. The use of props also minimizes the strain and supports your muscles, thus allowing you to save your energy by exerting less effort on a pose.

Choosing quality props is the first step in deciding which props to use, as incorporating cheaply designed props into your yoga practice can do more harm than good. Remember, just like people, all props are not made the same.

Where Did All of These Props Come From?

In the 1960's a Yoga Guru named B.K.S. Iyengar noticed that many yoga students weren't achieving proper body alignment in each posture. This was not only due to poor training, but also to the physical limitations of each person's unique body. For instance, a person who has tight hamstrings may compensate for this by keeping the knees bent in many standing forward-bending postures. Or, a person who has bow legs may not be standing correctly in Corpse Pose, or may have trouble balancing due to the misalignment of their legs.

Iyengar believed that by adding certain props to postures, everyone can achieve the same benefits and goals of their yoga practice, regardless of any physical limitations he or she may have. After continuous use of props, Iyengar noticed that a person can even retrain his or her muscles to stay where they are supposed to be, thus curing any misalignments a student may have.

So How Do I Choose the Right Props?

Choosing quality props is the first step in deciding which props to use, as incorporating cheaply designed props into your yoga practice can do more harm than good. Remember, just like people, all props are not made the same. Below, you will find a helpful list of things you should look for when you are purchasing props for your yoga practice.

YOGA BLOCKS- Yoga Blocks come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, and are widely used to modify poses so that anyone with any flexibility level can correctly perform each posture to the best of his or her ability.

YOGA BOLSTERS- Yoga Bolsters are large, firm, pillow-like props that are most helpful to postures relating to meditation, rest, and also prenatal yoga postures. Think of it as a giant pillow.

YOGA STRAPS- Yoga Straps can be used in a variety of different ways in many different poses. The can act as a connection from one hand to another, or a foot to a hand when you are not flexible enough to reach without any help. Yoga straps can also be used to bind areas of the body together. For instance, if you have bow legs, certain postures may require you to stand with your legs together. This can be achieved by placing a Yoga Block in between the calves, and then binding the legs together with a yoga strap.

YOGA BLANKETS- Yoga Blankets, also known as Mexican Blankets, can be used in a number of ways in Yoga Practice. One of the most obvious is that it can be used as a blanket to keep you warm as you lie on the floor in Savasana, or Corpse Pose. Yoga Blankets can also be used in the same manner as Bolsters are used, as added support in postures.

YOGA WEDGES- Yoga Wedges, just like Yoga Blocks, are used to provide support to modify poses for every flexibility level. Unlike Blocks, Yoga Wedges are longer and have an angled top. Since they are longer than Blocks, they provide more of a sturdy base. However, the Wedge is not as tall as the Block, and requires a bit more flexibility than using a Block.

YOGA BALL- Also known as Swiss Balls, Physio Balls, Exercise Balls or PE Balls, the Yoga Ball is becoming very popular in Yoga Practice. Because they are large and strong enough to support your entire body weight, they can be used in many different standing forward and backward bending poses. The Yoga ball can also be used in various Pilate’s exercises as well.

YOGA SANDBAGS- Yoga Sandbags are very useful tools in any Yoga posture. While it is not a good idea to force yourself into a stretch, Yoga Sandbags allow you to gently fall deeper into any stretch, slowly improving your flexibility over time. Yoga Sandbags can also be used for extra support in postures, the same way Yoga Bolsters are used.

FOAM YOGA PAD - Foam Yoga Pads are versatile props that can be used in a variety of different Meditative poses as well as Yoga Postures. Foam Yoga Pads add extra cushioning between your body and the floor when sitting in Meditative poses, or you can even stand on them in balancing poses for an extra challenge. You can even stack Yoga Pads on top of each other to shorten the distance between your hands and the floor in poses that require flexibility.

Summary:

Using props in Yoga practice is one of the best things you can do for your body, both as a beginner student or advanced. As you probably already know, every day of your Yoga practice can bring new surprises, and some days you may feel more limber than others. On those "hard to stretch" days, it's a better idea to use a Yoga prop in your practice rather than to sacrifice your form and technique.

Yoga Retreat- A Perfect Yoga Vacation

Vacation full of Spirituality and Relaxation

Everyone occasionally feels a need for inner rejuvenation. Whether you want simply to reclaim your inner peace in the midst of a hectic life, or do some soul searching over your life directions, or go deeper into your spiritual life, going on retreat can be a perfect solution. A true retreat is much more than a vacation – it can be a time of conscious, spiritual opening, of making an enjoyable effort to rise to an entirely new state of awareness. In keeping with the spirit of yoga, yoga retreats often take place in beautiful and peaceful environs offering participants an even greater level of relaxation and focus. Experienced yoga instructors – or gurus – will lead the yoga retreat, giving special guidance to beginners who need additional support.

Why go to a Yoga retreat?

Well to answer that question, you need to ask yourself a few questions about what you hope to get out the yoga retreat?

* Would you like to deepen your yoga practice?
* Would you like the chance to give yourself more time to open, change, purify, and cleanse in a retreat environment than in a daily practice (limited by rushing between work and home)?
* Are you looking for a reclusive, intensive experience that will pull you away from outer stimulus?
* Places to unwind, have fun, and are as much a vacation as a chance to deepen your yoga practice?

If you are looking for any other of those opportunities, which is why going an on yoga retreat is wonderful. You'll get the opportunity to develop and deepen practice where your body has more time to open, change, purify, and cleanse in the retreat environment.

Find the Right Environment

Seek out a place that is harmonious with your goals. The right environment can give you a tremendous boost – while the wrong one can leave you feeling flat, or even work against you. So do your homework and ask some questions, because even similar-seeming places can have quite different emphases. Look also for a place that uplifts you with its beautiful natural surroundings, and with space to be alone whenever you wish it. If you’re new to retreating, go to a retreat center that offers personal guidance. Optional, guided group activities are also a plus.

Prepare Yourself

Eat right and get rested before you go on retreat; otherwise, you may need the first day or two of your retreat just to pull yourself together. If you already engage in spiritual practices, get a head start by putting extra energy into them before departing. You’ll be glad you did.

As soon as you leave home, put all problems forcefully out of your mind. Preoccupation with problems can suffocate your retreat, while a worry-free retreat can actually help you solve problems more effectively by getting you into “solution consciousness” rather than “problem consciousness.”

Plan Variety in Your Retreat

Who wants to go on a retreat that seems like boot camp? Let it be fun, and plan a variety of activities. For example, you might use the mornings for your most interiorized efforts: prayer, meditation, journal writing, or spiritual reading. Then be more expansive in the afternoons: walk in nature, do something creative, or listen to uplifting music or lecture tapes. Reserve your evenings for lighter fare; a spiritual video, a humorous book, or simply relaxed, quality time with like-minded people. And always allow for the inspiration of the moment; don’t be locked into anyone’s agenda – even your own.

Above All, Relax and Enjoy Yourself

Don’t put pressure on yourself to see immediate, dramatic results. When you go on retreat, you are planting a spiritual seed. If you water it by your own continuing spiritual efforts, in time it will surely sprout into the flower of peace and joy that you seek.

What is the difference between a yoga retreat and holiday/vacation?

There differences include, but are not restricted to:

* Yoga retreats - Internal focus: You'll find retreats are typically held in secluded peaceful environments. They are under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor. There is typically regular yoga practice each day, sometimes twice a day in the morning hatha yoga and evening more restorative poses or meditation. Attending a yoga retreats offers the opportunity for self discovery and reflection.

* Holiday/vacation - External focus: You'll find a vacation involves time away from work, normal routine can be fast pace, have a sense of focusing on the external rather than internal. A vacation can include heavy travel from one spot to another trying to see everything.

Summary:

Yoga retreats offer those who are committed to yoga a place of relaxed community and focused learning where they can practice yoga within a social setting. Yoga retreats can last any length of time; the only requirement is to have a passion for yoga. In addition to practicing yoga throughout your time on a yoga retreat, you will have the opportunity to intermingle with other enthusiasts from all walks of life. The result can be lifetime friendships formed through the shared dedication to this ancient form of exercise.

Yoga Postures- Revitalize Your Body with Few Easy Yoga Asanas!!!

The practice of Yoga Exercises means practicing both your body and your mind. It takes willpower and perseverance to accomplish each Yoga Pose and to practice it daily. But the prize for your perseverance is really worth all the hard work. The practice of Yoga Exercises or Asanas can improve your health, increase your resistance, and develop your mental awareness. Doing the Yoga Postures requires you to study each pose and execute it slowly as you control your body and your mind.

Few Easy Yoga Postures that anyone can do:

Here’re brief descriptions on some of the most important, popular and easier Yoga postures:

1. Sukhasana ~ the easy pose

Sit on a mat with legs spread out in front. Bend one leg and place the heel under the opposite thigh. Bend the other leg and place under opposite thigh and sit cross-legged with erect spine. Place hands on respective knees, palms downward, eyes closed, head poised and relax. Time: 5 - 30 minutes
Value: Composure of body and mind leading to inner harmony and the favourable position to follow the other exercises.

2. Talasana ~ the palm pose

Stand erect with feet together or apart. Keep hands parallel to the sides, chest forward, neck straight, abdomen and chin in. Slowly raise one arm to vertical position and simultaneously rise on the toes and inhale. Breathe in deep and stretch to the maximum. Gradually return to normal. Repeat with the other hand. Time: 10 secs for each round
Value: It aims at increasing a person's height as it aims at stretching the thorax and the lower abdomen by a combination of anterior, posterior, and lateral skeleton movements when one is growing up and even upto some years after one has reached maturity.

3. Konasana ~ the angle-pose

Stand with the feet fixed at 20-24 inches apart, hands at the side. While breathing in bend the upper part of the body sidewise above waist with the arm sliding below the knee while the other arm slides up to the armpit. The thorax, neck and head should be right angle with the base. Retain the breath and maintain the position for 4 seconds. Reverse to normal while exhaling. Repeat with the other arm. Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: It contributes to flexibility of the body and makes muscles pliable.

4. Utkatasana ~ semi-standing pose on tiptoe

Stand; keep the hands stretched parallel in front or at the sides with palms down, then squat. While squatting, slowly rise on tiptoe as you inhale. When breathe intake is complete squat again exhaling with thighs pressing against the respective calves. Taking in breath rise up on toes to standing position. Then slowly lower the heels to the floor. Rest for 4 secs, and then repeat. Time: 2 minutes for 10 rounds
Value: Flexes the muscles of the legs and the pelvis.

5. Chakrasana ~ the wheel pose

Stand with feet 20 inches apart. Raise the arms upwards keeping it close to the ears, fists tight, inhale and bend backwards with abdomen forward. Then interlace the fingers of the up-stretched arms above head forming an anterior arc. Pause for 6 seconds. With arms up-stretched and exhaling, bend forward to touch the ground. With the head almost touching the knees freely swing the arms straight upwards till they are vertical and parallel to the legs. Maintain position for 3 secs. Then reverse while taking in the breath. Time: 18-20 secs for each round
Value: Exercise of the spine and the mid-trunk.

6. Bhadrasana ~ the throne pose

Sit on the floor with legs stretched out in front. While maintaining the contact with the floor, draw both the legs nearer the body with the knees bent outward and the soles of the feet together. Inhale and bring the feet close to the genitals - touching the perineum, with the toes pointing outward. Palms outward, place the hand on respective knees placing them down. Hold the pose and then slowly return to normal while exhaling. Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: Exercises the pelvic organs, the groin, the unused thigh muscles and the sex organs.

Summary:

Everybody is encouraged to try and practice the Yoga Postures by you at home or in the office. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable or are not able to complete a posture, do not push yourself. Yoga Exercise is not a competition, so just relax and try again. Moreover, do not try Yoga Postures which are beyond your capabilities. It will be helpful to actually sign up for some Yoga Classes where a professional teacher will guide you through each Yoga Pose and make sure you are doing the exercise correctly.

What is Yoga?

What is Yoga?

In practice, yoga is an applied science of the mind and body. It comes from the Hindu Vedas (scriptures). Practice and study of it help to bring about a natural balance of body and mind in which the state of health can manifest itself. Yoga itself does not create health; rather, it creates an internal environment that allows the individual to come to his own state of dynamic balance, or health.

Basically, yoga teaches that a healthy person is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. Therefore, good health requires a simple, natural diet, exercise in fresh air, a serene and untroubled mind and the awareness that main's deepest and highest self is identical with the spirit of God. As a result, to many devotees, yoga becomes a philosophy that offers instruction and insight into every aspect of life: the spiritual, the mental and the physical. Of course, because it is all-encompassing, people who want to pick and choose from its smorgasbord can do so without being disappointed. Yoga is equally satisfying as a physical therapy alone.

The Origin of Yoga

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.

In India, Yoga is considered one of the six branches of classical philosophy and is referred to throughout the Vedas - ancient Indian scriptures and amongst the oldest texts in existence. The Upanishads are also broadly philosophical treatises which postdate the Vedas and deal with the nature of the "soul" and universe.

However, the origins of yoga are believed to be much older than that, stemming from the oral traditions of Yogis, where knowledge of Yoga was handed down from Guru (spiritual teacher) to Sisya (spiritual student) all the way back to the originators of Yoga, "the Rishis," who first began investigation into the nature of reality and man's inner world.

Legend has it that knowledge of Yoga was first passed by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati and from there into the lives of men.

The Goal of Yoga

According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to reach "Kaivalya" (emancipation or ultimate freedom). This is the experience of one's innermost being or "soul" (the Purusa). Then one becomes free of chains of cause and effect (Karma) which tie us to continual reincarnation. In Kaivalya one is said to exist in peace and tranquillity, having attained absolute knowledge of the difference between the spiritual which is timeless, unchanging and free of sorrows, and the material which is not.

This is considered desirable as life is analyzed as ultimately full of sorrows and pain- even pleasure and joy leave pain and loss when they have gone as nothing in the material world is permanent.

Yoga is therefore a spiritual quest. However, along the path of yoga, the aspirant also gains health, happiness, tranquillity and knowledge which are indicators of progress and an encouragement to continue their practice. Buddhism and other Eastern spiritual traditions use many techniques derived from Yoga.

The Paths of Yoga

There are said to be 4 main paths (Margas), according to the Bhagavad Gita, by which to reach the ultimate goal of Yoga - "Kaivalya." There is the path of Knowledge (Jnana Marga) in which one learns to discriminate between what is real and what is illusory, the path of selfless work (Karma marga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Marga) and the path of control of the mind (Yoga Marga) where all the activities of the mind and consciousness are studied and brought under control.

From these have come the various paths of yoga which can be followed.

1. Raja yoga involves mastery of the mind and senses in Samadhi; essentially the advanced aspects of Patanjali's astanga yoga.


2. Hatha yoga is the yoga of the will which involves cultivating ones energy to arouse Kundalini primarily by means of asana and pranayama.


3. Mantra yoga involves reciting sacred syllables to reach perfection.


4. Laya yoga involves absorption in god to experience ultimate bliss.


5. Bhakti yoga requires absolute devotion to god to achieve the ultimate goal.


6. Karma yoga achieves this through selfless work without thought of personal reward.


7. Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge cultivating the discrimination between spiritual reality and the illusion of the material world.

Summary:

Yoga, thus symbolizes balance in every area of life. In the earlier times, the rationale of the Yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. In modern context also Yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and healthy mind.

Hatha Yoga- Purify your Body And Mind!!!

Introduction to Hatha Yoga:

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga in the western world. It is the use of yoga postures or asana. Many people practice hatha yoga solely for its physical benefit. However, the aim of hatha yoga is meant to be to condition the body, so that the mind can be prepared for its spiritual path. It is thought that when the body is in good physical condition, then the mind is freer to concentrate on spiritual matters.

Yogi Swami Swatmarama introduced Hatha yoga. In Sanskrit 'ha' means sun or hot and 'tha' means moon or cold. Hatha yoga is the union of the opposite forces. This yoga is meant to prepare you for a higher yoga form. It consists of breathing techniques (pranayama), special postures (asanas), and meditation. It is believed that by balancing the positive and negative forces in our body, we can regulate our vital force (prana), clear our mind and experience subconscious states. It is the most physical of all the yoga forms practiced today.

Hatha yoga begins with a cleansing process, which tries to open up psychic (pranic) channels. Ancient yogis believed by mastering our breathing patterns, we can clear the way to mastering the mind. This is believed to bring the body into a disease Free State, since opening blocked channels will allow for a body and mind balancing state. They saw breathing as one of the most important functions of the body. Since prana is in the air, breathing correctly can provide us with good health.

Objective of Hatha Yoga:

Exercising postures or Asanas in Hatha Yoga has two essential objectives.

The first is that to practice any real meditation, one needs at the least one posture in which one can be perfectly comfortable for a longer period of time. The more such postures one can master, the better the basis for developing the inner meditation techniques.

The second objective of exercising asanas in Hatha Yoga is to bring health and energy to body and mind by opening the nadis. When such exercises are regularly performed, the path of hatha yoga is opened automatically, though one still has to follow it further.

The exercise of Pranayama in Hatha Yoga is essential to master ones' breathing patterns. If one can master breath, then the mastery of mind is within reach. Through breathing exercises the flow of prana or vital life force through the body is regulated. That energy is certainly needed on the further steps of Hatha Yoga that ultimately may lead to Samadhi. Special breathing techniques, in which the flow of breath though both nostrils is alternated, brings balance to the two hemispheres of the brain, which is probably the central objective of Pranayama. Pranayama in hatha yoga also activates the Kundalini Energy.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga:

The practice of Hatha Yoga can help you recognize your hidden physical and mental potentials. Through the continued performance of Asanas, you will gain flexibility and strength, and learn to be more relaxed under otherwise stressful situations. Hatha Yoga's Relaxation Exercises will open the energy channels, which in turn allows spiritual energy to flow freely. Some Hatha yoga poses also massage and tone your internal organs, helping to prevent diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. They also bring balance to internal and glandular functions. Pranayama, on the other hand, can help manage asthma and bronchitis.

Hatha Yoga can also help you cope with stress, relieve tension, and deal with anxiety and depression. More importantly, it will help you put your mind in a focused state to prepare for Meditation and, eventually, the search for enlightenment.

Summary:

Hatha yoga is the physical part of Yoga practice. Hatha yoga lays emphasis on asanas, pranayama and dhyana (meditation). Another important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. Every movement in Yoga is planned and controlled as a result of that they prove revitalizing for both mind and body.

Hatha yoga is beneficial to the body both mentally and physically. It creates a balance in our physical and mental states. It reduces stress, rejuvenates us and improves circulation. By following the steps contained in Hatha yoga you can achieve a supreme state of spiritual happiness. You can reach the ultimate goal of yoga, which is a self-awareness and union with the self and the universe.

Yoga is Easy- Follow the Right Steps

Exercising the human body is essential. It keeps the body fit and the soul healthy too. Believe it or not exercising helps in keeping your mind stress free and also relaxes your brain muscles. And if the exercises are of therapeutic value like the ‘asana’ of the ancient old technique called –‘Yoga’, they can are known to have the ability to heal several chronic diseases too. Practicing yoga asanas keeps the body fit. It’s various postures, breathing techniques and meditation heals the body, mind and soul.

Benefits of Easy Yoga-

Research has shown that regular practice of yoga has helped in controlling severe problems like, anxiety, arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes, spondylitis, heart problems, stress, depression and several other diseases too.

Apart from being an easy exercise form, yoga is also about a disciplined lifestyle of which exercising is just a part. It acts as a connection between the body and the soul. It is a bridge that connects our busy life with the spiritual aspect of life and brings a balance in our daily routine.

Yoga is also known to improve the flexibility, strength and stamina of body muscles, boost self esteem, improve level of concentration, reduce body fat, improve blood circulation, and also teach a sense of well being to individuals who indulge in regular practices of the yoga asanas.

People who regularly practice yoga say that it is a tool that helps the body to evolve gradually by purifying the body, soul and mind; this is what gives yoga a therapeutic value.

Few Tips for practising Easy Yoga:-

Yoga postures and basic meditation exercises are simple enough to learn, even for a child. The major problem with most yoga 'drop outs' is not getting the techniques right, as most people have aligned their minds to believe, but the ability to establish the habit of following the practices through on a regular basis. The following tips may help you to do your yoga and meditation made easy.

* Determination: Start your yoga with a firm determination to see it through. Yoga begins and ends with the mind, if you can convince yourself you really want to do it, and then you should be able to keep the spirit.

* Be organized: Things go smoothly and are more interesting when they are well organized. Make a regular schedule for your yoga practice and stick to it. You will get best results from yoga if you do your practice daily.

* Free your Mind: When you decide to do your yoga practice and meditation, remember that the next couple of minutes have been reserved for the development of your mind and personality.

* Add Some Colour: Learning how to give and share is an important part of the personality yoga seeks to create in you. Add some colour and fun into your daily yoga practice by involving your friends who would also benefit from practicing yoga.

* Clothing: One should wear comfortable clothing to perform yoga. Comfortable and loose clothing will allow performing asanas easily. Stretchable fabric is pretty fine to wear while practicing yoga.

* Food: It’s recommended to practice yoga empty stomach. After having a meal, one should wait for at least 3 to4 hours before starting the yoga practice. It is recommended to perform yoga early in the morning.

* Time: The best suited time to perform yoga is either early when the daybreaks or late in the twilight. Morning is the time when one can perform yoga with fresh mind and stiff body. Whereas in the evening, mind is not that much fresh but by that time of the body becomes more open and flexible.

* Place: The place where one is going to start the yoga practice should be quite, warm and pleasant. It is better if one selects a location which is close to the nature. One performs breathing yoga practices in order to inhale clean and pure air. But if the air is polluted, there is no use of performing deep breathing. Practice yoga in pleasant atmosphere and in clean surrounding.

Precautions:

One should move carefully from one position to other. Often this is the time when muscle injuries can occur. Therefore, it is important to align the body properly while performing the asanas.

If one is suffering from any medical problem then one should concern the doctor or expert yoga instructor before beginning the yoga practice. A yoga instructor can guide give right advice that can effectively help one to get direct relief from the medical problem. It is recommended to avoid overstretching when it starts to pain in a particular position.

Summary:

Are you looking for a workout program that's easy to learn, requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body? If strengthening your cardiovascular system, toning and stretching your muscles, and improving your mental fitness are on your to-do list, that is none other then Yoga!!!

Surya Namaskar Yoga: Know About Its Constitution

The benefits of yoga asanas as well as rapid exercises can be derived from Surya Namaskar yoga, the sun salutation.

If a person cannot for some reason perform other exercises, he should perform at least Surya Namaskar 10 to 15 minutes per day. The total time devoted to Surya Namaskar and the speed of performing them should be progressively increased. If Surya Namaskar is performed in open air in the mild sunlight of the early morning, one derives the benefits of sun bathing in addition to benefits of the Surya Namaskaras themselves.

A sequence of twelve positions constitutes one Surya Namaskar.

A person can begin this exercise with 3 to 6 Surya Namaskaras in a session. And can gradually increase the number of repetitions and the speed of each cycle. All the twelve positions constitutes twelve asanas, namely namaskar asana, parvat asana, hastapad asana, ekpadaprasaran asana, bhoodhar asana, ashtangapranipat asana, bhujang asana, bhodhar asana, ekpadaprasaran asana, hastapad asana, parvat asana and finally daksh asana .

Surya Namaskar is an exercise which combines the benefit of two types of exercise, that is yogic asanas and exercises involving rapid movements. As it starts and ends with the same position, the body gets enough blood circulation in one complete routine of this asana. It is also scientifically proven for providing good blood circulation through out the body.

As per the popular saying, we are not human beings on a spiritual journey; we are spiritual beings on a human journey. And Surya Namaskar is in a way our respect to the sun god, our offering in grace. It has physical values and the same time instills devotional effect. Which is quiet an easy process to follow by simpletons and also children.

It is a good warm up exercise session before any type of yoga or work. And at the same time has the entire goodness equivalent to a heavy work out.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Thus yoga and exercise helps us reveal what lies within us through its innate features. And Surya Namaskar is the fundamental of such yoga which helps us to relax, refresh and revitalize one self.

Yoga With Ayurveda-Know The Blends Of Yoga

The term Ayurveda refers to the knowledge of life.

Ayurveda is a successful therapeutic medicine mainly formed from herbal compounds. It is mild in dosage and hence suitable for kids and the aged. It was commenced in India before several hundred decades and still implemented as a comprehensive form of medicine developed by the Rishis namely the sages, which in English could be termed as the physician or the surgeon.

“Yoga with Ayurveda always tends to form a good combo, as yoga asanas takes care of the body externally, Ayurveda directly reaches us internally.”

Ayurveda need not be treated only as a medicine but just like yoga it can also be substituted for a pre caution. Ayurveda also has sub branches such as beauty treatment, health food, and external as well as internal medicines .

Yoga Ayurveda can be followed regularly under guidance of experienced masters in the correct proportion for a total carefree, healthy & pious body and mind . Ayurveda differs from the rest of the medicine category because of the fact that it considers health as an integral part of spiritual life. And this blend is the fact which hooks up Ayurveda with yoga.

Ayurveda is generally considered to be the mother of all healing. It is the science of life and longevity, a universal medicine in fact. But there is also a myth that prevails regarding Ayurveda which says it is a divine revelation and it is never tested or experimented through any source and thus directly came into implementation.

Ayurveda generally comes in several forms such as herbs, foods, aromas, gems, colors yoga and mantra. But still yoga Ayurveda is considered to be the best combo out of the rest of the options as mentioned earlier.

Yoga Ayurveda cannot be taken as one more form of health care system as it is by itself a lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance in one's life. It can be also taken as the art of self-care and self-knowledge where we analyze our own mind and body needs, and give the appropriate care which is necessary. Yoga Ayurveda makes a wonderful blend to study ourselves better and give the exact care our body requires.

Yoga Aerobic: Find Out The Positive Effects

With tremendous growth in the fitness industry, aerobics is becoming more and more popular day after day.

It is a highly choreographed class with dance exercise that needs a lot of coordination with skill. Aerobics in general is practiced for good, flexible, and a heavy work out. Where as yoga can also be taken as an alternative for aerobics hence yoga itself consists of all movements which can implement an elevated heart rate equivalent to aerobics work out.

“Yoga aerobics however depends upon the practitioner's will power to perform all the asana's aptly and acquire the benefits of aerobics.”

It is better to follow an experienced master regarding this, as yoga aerobics involves streaming poses which can work wonders within one self when worked out relevantly under the right guidance.

Aerobics in general target the heart, all its movement constitutes a pull or push force from the heart. This incredibly boosts the block of glucose contents of the body along with fatty acids. Also boosts the oxygen content in blood through the heat it passes through out the body during the work out which further leads to burning of unnecessary fat in the body.

Yoga aerobics needs patience to skill to master it as it tends to give the best results of any kind of yoga practiced today.

Yoga aerobics also supplies a number of benefits as a package itself, improved and even blood circulation, burns unwanted fats and cholesterol, improves HDL and reduces LDL in the body. Moreover it refines our toxic intakes from our day-to-day life through various forms of pollution and toxicities, boosts up strength and stamina , and makes us more flexible through warm up of muscles and joints. And, it gets us relieved from excess stress and fatigue, hikes our confidence, realize our dignity, improved breath control, weight reduction and total fitness.

Yoga aerobics is differentiated from the other form of aerobics through its additional effect on mental clarity and balance in mood of its practitioners , thus training them also psychologically apart from physical exercise.

Yoga aerobics is a rare physical activity that concentrates on whole body fitness and health without creating any side effects in future and hence it is a must know for today's generation.

Get Success With Yoga

It is a common question asked by most people that, is it possible to fight failures and achieve success by practicing yoga. Well, the answer to this question is affirmative. It is very important to have a positive outlook towards the life. A person must encourage himself and not lose heart, on encountering a failure. It must be always remembered that failure is the path to success.

Many yogis say that, a person must take failures positively. When a person tries to achieve a goal and fails, he must not get disheartened, as failures are bound to be encountered on the way to success. A person must be hopeful and take the failure in an optimistic way. Also there always exist a scope to ameliorate the weaknesses and convert them into the strengths.

Yoga is a great way to control, how a person sees himself and the world outside. Performing the yoga exercises one can achieve a peace of mind, which is very essential to take the right logical and analytical decisions. A person, who has the sense of the good can bad, is always successful. Hence yoga helps fight failures.

Using the various exercises in yoga, a person can improve the physical as well as the mental well being. It is quite important to maintain a balance between the work and relaxation. Yoga helps relax easily and quickly. Doing yoga on a regular basis makes a person physically strong and mentally stable to take the right decisions.

The more important fact is that, failures are most of the times inevitable. A person trying to achieve a goal always confronts failures, but it should be kept in mind that, it is only a temporary phase and would change with better efforts.

Thus a person should expect failure on the way to success and not get disheartened under such conditions. Arduous work, and proper thinking can alone win many battles. Success is only achieved when a person has tasted failures in life. And to keep the mind fit, and to be able to take he right decisions by applying logical and analytical reasoning, yoga must be practiced.

Yoga Asanas: The Variations

Retaining youth and long live on this world is still an achievement far away from man even at this century, in spite of all new medicinal inventions and cosmetics.

But yogis who lived several centuries ago have left us their secret invention which is ‘ yoga asanas .' Yoga is an exercise which demands both mental and physical attention. The various postures in these exercises are said to be asanas in yogic terms .

“Yoga asanas demands flexibility of body tissues, and also involves a lot of breath exercises along with physical exercise.”

Like any other exercises, yoga also has its own poses . But the most important variation is that, yoga involves a massive role of breath control along with physical exercise. There should be a merge between the breath and the asanas as such it helps to improve our vitality.

Yoga also needs a lot of grace while doing it, as the main role of yoga is to provide stress free, relaxed, body tone up and a refreshed mind. That is why unlike any other exercise pattern, yoga reveals refreshment, stamina and energy after its session rather than fatigue and exhaustion.

According to yogic principle, the body is a vehicle that carries the soul on its journey towards perfection and yoga is always blended with the effect of spirituality in order to bring clarity for inner consciousness. Yoga asanas usually gives major concentration to the spine movements as it increases blood circulation, which provides sufficient oxygen that the body requires.

All traditional yoga asanas starts with the sun salutation which is known as Surya Namaskar in yogic terms. As per the scriptures say, there are more than 8,400,000 asanas in the entire yogic practice. But people in today's world have neither the time nor patience to learn as many asanas.

So they choose certain asanas according to its nature and benefits which suits their life style and practice only them. In such a way some of the most commonly practiced asanas these days are sirshasana (headstand), sarvangasana (shoulder stand), halasana (plough), matsyasana (fish), paschimothanasana (forward bend), bhujangasana (cobra), shalabhasana (locust), dhanurasana (bow), ardha matsyendrasana (spinal twist), mayurasana (peacock pose), pada hasthasana (standing forward bend), trikonasana (triangle).

Vinyasa Yoga: One Of The Best Yoga

Yoga originated in India and it generally means the balance or co-ordination of the mind, body and spirit or soul.

The word ‘ yoga ' means ‘ union '. Asana's refer to the physical postures or yoga steps performed as exercises , which give total flexibility to the body, balances the breath and calms down the mind.

There are different styles of yoga and Vinyasa is just another type of yoga which is generally practiced for breath synchronization.

It is also known as sun salutation or ‘ Surya Namaskar ' in Sanskrit. In this form of yoga the sun god is worshipped through a number of combined postures which give the practitioner a good breath balance, and body flexibility making it strong and increasing the general health and immunity.

“Sun salutation warms up the body and that if fact serves as a foundation for the more vigorous asana's to be followed.”

It helps the body to handle more intense stretching exercises, which is generally harder to perform. There is no set hard and fast rule to define Vinyasa and different teachers practice and teach in different ways. Thus the diversity is what makes Vinyasa yoga unique.

Vinyasa is thus a combination of various yoga postures which is followed by the flow of breath. A Vinyasa practitioner is benefited by a calm mind and it is a great mind silencing technique benefiting not only the mind but also the ‘ body ' and ‘ soul .'

After the yoga practice the body becomes light or weightless. You feel relieved and peaceful. In this form of yoga for each movement there is a breath which is either inhaling or exhaling or holding. It cleanses the practitioner internally and prepares him for the acquisition of the higher yogic knowledge.

Heat is generated while practicing this yoga thereby helping the blood circulation. It relieves body pain and joint pain. The heated blood becomes thin and flows freely removing all impurities and diseases.

These postures generate a lot of sweat which pushes out all the impurities of the body. When the physical impurities are removed a strong base is laid for the mental purification .

Yoga Positions-Learn The Art To Practice Better For Yoaga

To maintain health and good body fitness we follow different exercise patterns and routines like going to a gym, early morning walks and jogging.

Yoga is an ancient form of fitness process well formulated by the ancient Indian saints keeping in mind the overall development of a human being like the physical, mental and spiritual health. There are different types of yoga like the raja yoga, Hatha yoga, Pathanjali yoga etc. the best yoga for an aspirant should however be chosen keeping in mind his physical condition and the need for undertaking the yoga lessons.

“Yoga as we all known has many yogasana's or yogic body postures. There are sitting postures, standing postures, the back and forward bends, balancing postures and resting postures.”

These postures increase the body flexible and make it strong and balanced . Our stiff body might resist or hesitate to accept the posture at the beginning but as time goes by and as you continuously keep on practicing the postures set in perfectly and you can with ease advance to more complex yoga practices.

Certain things however have to be borne in mind before starting the yoga positions.

1. Always do yoga on an empty stomach. At least 3-4 hours after meals or one hour after any liquid consumption


2. Do not strain too much to get the posture right. And follow the strict instructions to breathe in or out as it effects the posture too


3. Stop and retrieve back to normal posture if you feel pain or discomfort in any body parts


4. People having heart ailments or high blood pressure should do yoga under the supervision of expert and under the supervision of a health care professional.


5. It takes time to master a yogic posture, so don't try to rush up or try doing advanced yogic postures without mastering the basic steps


6. Do not practice yoga using DVD's, self help books or videos. Always learn yoga from a professional yoga teacher


7. And last but not the least always don't forget regular practice to keep the health and fitness level optimized

How To Cure Back Pain With Yoga

Once an injury to the spine has occurred, regular, often persistent back pain can follow; medical science is still some way from discovering a back pain relief remedy that will work for everyone. Although some medication may be effective and bring pain relief, it doesn’t really help with the underlying problem of the condition causing the distress. As far as the sufferer is concerned, this medication should only be taken whilst under supervision by a medical expert.

Back pain is often caused by muscle strain and repeated strenuous exercises; spinal injury is one of the most common conditions around the world and even sitting incorrectly can create a long term problem. However, back pain is usually caused by a lifting accident or from lifting incorrectly and it is normally the lower back that suffers. However, a number of back pain relief treatments can be used without the need for drugs.

One of the simplest but also underused remedies is just the act of stretching which can bring relief to tense muscles as well. On the other hand reflexology is an alternative medical practice where pressure is applied to the feet to relieve pain in different parts of the body; some people are now discovering its benefits as a back pain remedy. Another benefit to reflexology is how it can improve the circulation which helps to ease tense muscles.

The Chinese medical art of acupuncture can also be used to help bring back pain relief, something which has only been recognized a short while in the West. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the theory that all people have this energy which flows through them called ‘chi’ or ‘qi’. Although the chi can become blocked, it can be released by using thin needles inserted into various points on the body. Like reflexology, acupuncture seems to be used by people who suffer with chronic conditions like back pain which requires relief.

Another ancient oriental discipline, Tai Chi is similar to many types of Yoga but the movements are much slower and deliberate. This method uses breathing control as the main source of relief with some stretching involved. It is so easy to learn by the young and old alike. Regular exercise is also one of the best preventative medicines available and can help with back pain relief; by exercising regularly there is less chance of a back pain attack.

Weight Loss With Yoga

Yoga deals with a number of easy to do exercises which can be very helpful in keeping the body fit both physically and mentally. Yoga can be practised on a regular basis, as it has easy to do exercises which can be done indoors. Also the time required to do these exercises is much less than the routine exercises. A person can easily take out time from the busy schedule to do these yoga exercises in the morning.

Like the regular exercises that a person usually does to reduce the weight or to keep the body fit, yoga comprises of exercises which are specifically intended to attack the extra fat a person carries around him. These exercises are to be done regularly so as to keep away from obesity. A person must understand the importance of a good health for a good living. A good health is very essential to lead a happy and trouble free life. In today’s hectic work schedule most people do not get time to think about their health and the food that they consume. This ignorance can eventually lead to obesity, and bad health. Not only does a person carry extra weight around him, but also there are several other disorders that come along with obesity. Some of these disease that are related to obesity and overweight include, heart related diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. Thus a person needs to be careful always about the food that one consumes, and must consume food with the right nutritional content.

Along with a proper diet, regular work out is equally important. One must have a regular exercise routine so as to keep the body fit and stay away from problems such as obesity. Yoga is another set of exercises which employs its own exercising techniques to help reduce the extra fat contained in the body.

There are a number of easy to do yoga exercises that actually boost the metabolism rate. If the metabolism in the body is increased then the extra fats in the body is burned up easily. Moreover a person’s body becomes more flexible and strong. Also the muscles get strong after practising the yoga exercises. Therefore if a person does these yoga exercises on a regular basis, the fats get burned easily and one can lose weight. Also these exercises lend peace to the mind and hence make a person feel relaxed. Doing yoga regularly helps a person to fight stress. To fight stress is also equally important to lead a healthy life. By practicing yoga exercises a person can get rid of stress and hence it’s related problem. Yoga is a great way of revitalising the body and staying fit.

In one of the exercises known as the sun salutation, one has to salute the sun. This salutation exercise is very helpful in reducing the weight around the abdominal area of the body. More details about all the postures in yoga with detailed diagrams can be seen in the many yoga reference guide books easily available in the market.

Yoga Benefits

Does Yoga have any health benefit? Well, to answer in short, Yoga is just great and works in countless number of ways.

Stress is the number one cause, troubling every section of our emotional, endocrinal and physical system. But with the help of yoga, you can easily correct these problems.

At the physical level, Yoga and its cleansing practices has been demonstrated as extremely substantial for various health problems.

Yoga helps in increasing flexibility. It has positions that build up particular joints of your body. Yoga helps to work on those joints, which aren’t stimulated with the help of everyday exercise methods.

Yoga likewise increases the lubrication of tendons, ligament and joints. The carefully studied yoga positions develop the various ligaments and tendons in the body.

It has likewise proven to be true that the body which may have started doing yoga as a rigid one can produce a quite astonishing flexibility all things considered - even in locations of the body which have not been intentionally put effort into.

Yoga contributes to a perfect detoxification of your body. It gently stretches the muscles and joints while massaging the various organs at the same time. It also makes sure of optimal blood flow to the different parts of the body.

This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every little crevice of your body as well as offering nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as slowed down ageing, higher levels of energy and a formidable appetite for life.

The benefit of yoga in terms of health acts in a variety of methods on the various parts of the body. The revitalization and manipulation of the organs for example, in turn helps us by repelling sickness and providing a forewarning at the first conceivable instance of a most likely outbreak of disease or health problem.

An example of the complex benefits of Yoga is the uncanny sense of mindfulness of an imminent infection or ailment that it develops in the practitioner. This as a result makes feasible for the individual to take preventative curative measures.

The Art Of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the Western world today. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused.

Hatha Yoga - in Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) “Ha” means “sun” and “tha” means “moon”. This kind of Yoga is somewhat gentle and slow paced, and is the right yoga to start with if you are totally new to Yoga and do not know any of the poses or asanas. Just like all the different forms of Yoga, Hatha Yoga intends to unite the spirit, body and mind.

Ashtanga Yoga - this kind of Yoga means “8 limbs” in Sanskrit. It is an intense and fast moving type of Yoga practice and is derived from a progressive sequence of poses, coordinated with the breath. This Yoga can be pretty physically demanding since you move constantly from one asana to the next in a sequence, thus you will find that it will develop your stamina in addition to your strength and flexibility.

Power Yoga - this is some kind of western version of Yoga and is derived from Ashtanga Yoga. Power Yoga might not essentially follow the exact order of asanas like Ashtanga Yoga, but it surely involves practicing a sequence of asanas without stopping and starting.

Iyengar Yoga - This kind of Yoga is founded on the teachings of B.K.S Igengar and works on the correct form and alignment of the body. Contrasting to Ashtanga Yoga, this yoga emphasizes on continuing with each pose for a longer time instead of moving continuously from one asana to the next. Iyengar Yoga makes use of props for instance straps and blocks to help support the body into the various poses.

Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa means synchronized movement of breath and is a differen and fast paced kind of Yoga, with a stress on breathing. A yoga practice usually begins with sun salutations and followed by excessive stretching. All through the yoga practice every pose balances with a counter pose.

Yoga Exercise For Beginners

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of yoga poses. Hopefully, your yoga practice will be a lifelong pursuit, giving you plenty of time to learn scores of poses. As your yoga practice advances, you will be at ease when working on increasingly challenging poses, however when you are just starting, it is a good thought to keep it uncomplicated.

In a typical yoga class, the students place their mats facing the front of the room in a loose grid. It’s best not to line up your mat exactly with the one next to it because you and your neighbor will need some space in certain poses. The students usually sit in a cross-leg position waiting for the class to begin or do a few gentle stretching.

The teacher might begin the class by asking the class to chant ‘Om’ 3 times. It depends on the teacher to start with short meditation or some sort of breathing exercise, at the beginning of the class.

After that there are some warm-up asanas, then more of brisk asanas, then stretches and finally relaxation. At any time, take Child’s Pose if you need some rest.

Sometimes the teacher will go around to each student during final relaxation and give him or her a little massage. Most of the teachers end the class with one more round of ‘Om’.

Congratulate yourself! You just had the first yoga class! You might be a bit sore the next day.

Dos and Don’ts

1. DON’T have a big meal right before class. Try eating a light meal a few hours prior to the class.


2. DON’T drink water for the duration of class, but have some after and before.


3. DON’T wear socks or shoes during class.


4. DO let the teacher know that it is your first class.


5. DO ask you teacher for help when you need it.


6. DO glance around and notice what other students are doing, particularly if the teacher doesn’t demonstrate each pose. On the other hand, remember that you might be looking at students of more advanced class, so don’t measure yourself up to them.

Yoga Practice

Yoga is a very popular discipline practice these days. It is practiced to keep our mind, body and soul in good shape. All the three should be good in order to feel good and healthy. Yoga is a discipline that cannot be practiced casually. A person needs to take it seriously and need concentration. The best part of yoga is that even if a person cannot concentrate but is willing to learn it then that person can be taught to have concentration.

A person can practice different poses while practicing yoga like Child’s Pose. In this pose first lie flat on the ground with face facing ground. Your body should be straight. Then rise your body up from the nee. Now you’re both the legs should form an angle of 90 degree with itself. Now rotate your bodies further backward so that you’re both the legs are forming angle of 180 degree with itself. Your body should be straight from waist. Now from the waist lean your body forward so that it form an angle of 180 degree with your hands held toughing the ground and are straight too. This is Child pose. Best part of this pose is that it is very comfortable and relieves stress quickly. This pose when practiced for 5 minutes improves the person spiritually. In this position take deep breath then hold it for 3 seconds and then release it starting form toes. During this imagine body weightless and stress free.

Another type of practice is Salutation pose. This pose can be practiced in sitting as well as standing position. In this pose user join their hands and keep their body straight. Then the user should inhale during which the user should bring its hands together and then rest the thumbs on the center of breast bone (in center) lightly. Now press the palms and fingers together firmly and evenly. During this if you observe that one of your hands is dominant then this means that there is imbalance. Now the user should bow head slightly and try to draw the neck towards the center of the head. Now using your thumb lift the center of breast bone upward and then down to back of the upper arms so that your elbow hangs heavily downward. This pose is used to improve your meditation process. For starters one can practice for 5 minutes and the longer. Benefits of this pose can be immediately realized. One will feel calmness in the heart and opening of mind.

Another very effective yoga pose is of Sun Salutation. When one comes home after hard day the person prefer to relax on the bed. This is wrong to do as the deoxygenated body parts will remain deoxygenated. In this pose person stand straight and try to bend forward, left and right to the expend it is comfortable. This way it will loosen up body joints and can get proper oxygen. This system can tone up digestive system also and its effects can be felt immediately.

There are many other poses that a person can practice in yoga and they all are very effective for their respective areas.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga originated in India roughly five thousand years ago to finding the path to enlightenment. It can give you relaxation to mind, body and soul, ability to communicate with its body. It helps in making body fit and that person’s mind will also be relaxed. Giving the ability to communicate from your within is itself great which is very well practiced in Yoga.

Yoga Therapies are used worldwide. It is used in many Health Cares in United States and almost 60% Health care use Yoga therapies in some or the other form in their classes. It is also used to cure or control various types of problems like joint pain, Internal Imbalances, Stress, Neck and back pain etc.

In yoga by interacting with owns body is very important. Human’s stomach is considered to be the energy center which process and give energy to body, similarly mind is considered to be a playful thing which want to jump from one place to another. If they ever have any problem in their working then severe effects can be seen on the body of that person. One should try to listen to their warning signals and if one doesn’t then that person has to face consequences.

So it is clear how motivation and yoga have connection between them. And Yoga can also be used as a tool for overall personality development. In fact it is the only disciple that does so. At the end I would say Yoga is must thing and everybody should try to practice this for their own good even if this is for few minutes a day.

Our body gives signal when there is some problem in stomach and it is our work to solve the problem (can be solved by choosing meditation). Yoga therapy says that we should be free and listen to the signal of the body, try to solve them through meditation and special exercise depending on the problem whether is it of stomach of mental tension.

In yoga a person can follow 3 steps therapy that will improve all mind, body and soul. They are:-

1. Stimulate relaxation -In this process move your shoulders 5 times clockwise and 5 times anticlockwise in which arms should rest. During this process neck should be erect. This process helps in frictionless flow of blood in and out of the brain.


2. Breathe Observation - the person should close eyes and try to free the mind from all tension or anything. Now try to observe your body’s breath process. If a person is able to observe and bring it to normal level then that person is at de-stressing level in which mind start losing all the stressful things.


3. Yogic Breathing - Again in this process your eyes should be closed. Try taking gentle and comfortable deep breath. Now the person should feel the air going to the stomach and them coming up to lungs. Now exhale the air. During exhaling the air one should try to exhale from the top and then from the bottom.
   

This way yoga therapy can cure many problems.

Yoga and Motivation

As you all know that Yoga originated in native India roughly 5000 years ago to finding the path to enlightenment. It can give you relaxation to mind, body and soul, ability to communicate with its body. A person practicing Yoga will have a fit body and that person’s mind will also be relaxed. It also has the ability to make a person more active then that person was ever before.
Motivation has strong connection with Yoga. To understand their connection we need to know answer to some basic questions that will be ultimately the answer to the connection. Firstly, we feel completely normal during a course of an event and on the other day with the same event we feel stressful. From where does this stress arise? When we are stuck in a traffic jam we get frustrated and when we think over it we feel that it is due to some external source while it is our own internal state. This is all because we want to achieve a set of things whether it be losing weight or getting promotion. We do all this to get happiness which is root cause of the suffering. This does not mean that we should stop having any preferences but it is that we should not get trapped in it. We should not bind our self with set of criteria. The easy way out of this is to free your mind. Don’t be crazy about achieving the thing you want to achieve. Try to let go your mind free and feel relaxed.

Secondly, people are confused on what fitness should they choose, should they choose a program that make them muscular looking or one which make them lean look? Well, it is not this way. According to yoga everybody have a limit and different requirements. A person should set the requirements after assessing self capabilities. For this the person has to work under the person’s guru and then set the requirements. After the person has set the requirements then that person is motivated by the person’s guru to achieve the target. The person can self motivate to accelerate the process and get more out of the workout but under any case this should not be overdone.

Thirdly, not much people know that stress and anxiety are caused by the persons own ego and also ignorance. So, a person can also go for this type to program in which yoga track these problem causing elements and try to remove them so that person have a peace of mind. This program requires lot of motivation as the person is fighting against itself (feelings).

So it is clear how motivation and yoga have connection between them. And Yoga can also be used as a tool for overall personality development. In fact it is the only disciple that does so. At the end I would say Yoga is must thing and everybody should try to practice this for their own good even if this is for few minutes a day.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is a popular and ancient technique used to combine mind, body and soul. It is also used to cure many type of disease including mental and physical. Yoga practicing person feel good and healthy. To practice yoga a person need to know how to meditate as it is the only source to interact with our body and inner-self. When a person meditates then that person is in a state to communicate with his body and soul, and can free the person from all the stress that the person is suffering form.
There are many people who suffer from different kinds of problems like migraine headache, full body pains etc. They go to doctor and take pills which show affect for few days then after few visits doctor tells you to consult to a specialist and again you start taking pills, this process keeps on going. This process can also have severe side effects like stomach upset or other problems. Instead of going through this entire painful process one can go for yoga classes and practice meditation. Best part of this is that it has no side effects and there is no pain in it. In meditation a person relaxes the body. The person has to take deep breath and hold it as long as it is not painful and then exhale out slowly. Then the person tries to free the mind from all the tension. The person should now try to feel light if the person is not feeling so. Now the person should try to observe the motion of the breath. After doing all this, the person can now do the specific exercise for the problem that the person is having. If the problem is of neck then the person can go for neck exercise, if it is headache problem then the person can go for related exercise.

In order to feel good the person should have positive attitude and can follow the three points which are:-

1. Awareness . we must train ourselves of what and how is our brain thinking. How are thoughts generated and handled by our brain. If we are able to do so then we will have right control on the processor of our body.


2. Acceptance . in awareness we learn to control our brain but this can lead to a problem of making judgment of what we are thinking. This can be a dangerous situation unless we learn to accept things that are happening around us. Try to be calm as mush possible at times of difficulty and say to you “I can solve this problem”. There can be a situation in which your partner refuses to go with your decision, in that case don’t be mad and accept that it is natural that your partner has such thinking and that’s what your partner is following.


3. Attitude . need to accept truth and your thoughts. If one is successful in doing so then that person can now actually start working on the problem. One should always have positive attitude of problem solving and not getting tense over the problem.

These three points can make whole lot of difference in Meditation and ultimately help the person himself.

What is Yoga

Yoga is misunderstood by people and they thing it is just like any other cool thing, yes it is cool but it cannot be compared with any other thing. Yoga originated in native India roughly 5000 years ago. Yoga was discovered for finding the path to enlightenment and it is.

It can give you relaxation to mind, body and soul. It helps the person to communicate with its body and understand it much better which unfortunately not body do these days. An experienced person can develop the ability to combine all the three elements and can become very powerful spiritually and mentally. If a person practice Yoga then that person’s body will be fit and that person’s mind will also be relaxed. A person practicing yoga is more active then that person would have ever felt.

As we all know that life these days are very hectic and we don’t get time for ourselves, plus we are always up to solving one or other problem. If a person fails to solve his or her problem then that person might suffer from depression and more devastation things can happen. There can be body problems with all these tension. As yoga has the ability to incorporate the power in a person to fight with all these problems so it is becoming more and more popular these days. Yoga has gained popularity not only in Asia but also in west. Its popularity can be easily felt by the fact that many Hollywood stars even judges there line up with their guru and practice yoga. According to the new review almost 75% of the Health care in United States includes some or the other form of yoga in their classes. The numbers of Americans that include some form of yoga in their exercise have risen to twice since last 5 years.

Looking at the power of yoga many questions has been raised like can yoga prevent heart attacks or can it rejuvenate looks of people. The amazing think about all this questions is that the answer is YES. Most people who have heart attack is due to mental tension and yoga is a very powerful way to relax your mind and free form tension even if it is for small time but this time is enough for the body to gather enough strength to fight with this tension again. It is been observed that people practicing Yoga live longer than usual.
If a person study Buddhism then that person can see that Yoga has great influence on this religion. Zen (is derived from Sanskrit work “dhyan”) Buddhism deals with “dhyan” of Yoga. Yoga is extensively used in Bhagavad Gita. In it Yoga is used for action, devotion, Knowledge.

There are different categories of people who are practicing Yoga. They are classified in following groups:-

1. People seeking for Spiritual Element


2. People who are more concern for Fitness and Flexibility


3. Finding solution for Health Disorder


4. Others for All-Round Development

At the end I would say Yoga is must thing and everybody should try to practice this for their own good even if this is for few minutes a day.