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India's most ancient gift to the human species is often considered to be Yoga. The word Yoga in Sanskrit literally means "Unite", which can be understood as meaning the unity of discipline. Yoga is used for mental and moral development and helps generate whole health - Yoga practitioners call this "arogya". Yogic exercise also cultivates "chirayu", which is longevity. Yoga in its whole aims to engender inner peace and positive, perennial joy. As such, Yoga is known to be essential for an individual's ultimate goal in life. Yoga is really a type of science that not only affects the consciousness of oneself, but also one's subconscious. Yoga's physiological training practice (Kriya Yoga) when done correctly, can raise human beings to a supra-mundane level. Yoga teaches people how to embrace life. It teaches mental control and self-development and brings forth the noble in any individual, thus removing the ignoble in any human. Yoga is relevant to all beings irrespective of their creed, position, religion and gender. Undoubtedly everyone can benefit from Yoga the sick and the healthy, the good and the bad, the non-believer and the believer, the educated and the ignorant and the young and the old. Age is irrelevent; anyone can reap the benefits of Yoga. Yoga began as wandering Hindu monks sought solitude in the forests to practice contemplative techniques. These monks (Yogis) passed on their knowledge with keen students who resided at Hindu hermitages. The Yogis were very guarded when it came to the practice of Yoga, and they did not think about popularizing the techniques. The postures alongside the different stages of the Yogic techniques were only handed down to students that deserved them, so the practice of Yoga remained in remote caves and forests and was not exposed to anyone but the Yogis and their students. Using Yogic techniques (like the Asana - a sitting position) helps the circulation of the blood. Other practices (like Pranayama - breathing exercises) reduce carbon dioxide in the body, and this ensures sound health: Yoga provides a world of benefits to people. Many doctors prescribe sun baths, shower baths, steam baths and air baths to maintain blood purity and toxin removal. Yogis have developed the "Neti" (nasal cleaning), the "Dhouti" (stomach wash) and the "Vajroli" (purging of the bladder, intestines and reproductive organs). Yoga can also have major benefits on the nervous system. Its physiological practices are non-tiring and also help composure of the body and mind. Almost every other form of exercise concentrates more on muscle activity whereas Yoga focuses on looking after every part of an individual's anatomy. Yoga is not a "reach down and touch your feet" exercise: for example, asanas is an all over system that develops ones mental and physical body function. The effects of Yoga are: - Physical through healing, relaxing, stretching and strengthening the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. - Spiritual the preparation of meditation. - Mental developing a tranquil and quiet mind, concentration and alertness. Yoga truly offers something for anyone.
Article Source: http://www.articlebase.info
Javier Melendez is a writer for various health web sites such as the Muscle-and-Fitness.co.uk site. His recent work concerns psyllium supplements research.
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