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Yoga is considered to be India’s most ancient cultural heritage. "Unity" is what the word Yoga means in Sanskrit and consequently we take this tiny word as having a very big meaning: the unity of discipline. Practitioners of Yoga aim to nurture "arogya", which is the cultivation of mental and moral growth so as to better the total wellbeing of the individual. Yogic exercise also cultivates "chirayu", which is longevity. Yoga in its whole aims to engender peace and positive, perennial joy. As such, Yoga is thought of as being essential for an individual's ultimate completion in life. Yoga is really a kind of science that not only affects the consciousness of oneself, but also the subconscious self. 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 promotes mental control and self-development and brings forth the noble in any human, thus purging the ignoble in any human. Yoga is pertinent to all beings regardless of their belief system, position, religious inclination and gender. Undoubtedly everyone can benefit from Yogic techniques – the sick and the healthy, the good and the bad, the non-believer and the believer, the educated and the ignorant and the old and the young. Age is irrelevent; anyone can reap the benefits of Yoga. Yoga began as wandering Hindu monks searched for solitude in the forests to practice meditative techniques. These monks (Yogis) shared their knowledge with ardent students who resided at ashrams (Hindu hermitages). The Yogis were quite possessive when it came to the teching of Yoga, and they did not consider popularizing the techniques. Yogic postures along with the different stages of the Yogic techniques were only passed on to students who deserved them, so the science of Yoga remained in remote caves and forests and was not shown to anyone apart from the Yogis and their students. Using Yogic techniques (such as the Asana - a sitting position) aids the circulation of the blood. Other practices (such as 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 air baths, sun baths, shower baths and steam baths to maintain blood purity and toxin removal. Yogis have created the "Neti" (nasal cleansing), the "Dhouti" (stomach wash) and the "Vajroli" (purging of the intestines, sexual organs and bladder). Yoga can also have a very strong effect on one’s nervous system. Its physiological practices are non-tiring and also help composure of the mind and body. Almost every other type of exercise centers more on muscle work whereas Yoga focuses on taking care of every part of the being’s anatomy. Yoga is not a "reach down and touch your feet" exercise: for example, asanas is an all over system that impacts one’s mental and physical body function. Yoga's effects 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 several health and fitness websites such as the Muscle Fitness UK website. His recent work concerns calcium research.
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