What is yoga?
Yoga is a sanskrit word meaning ‘the union of mind and body’. According to ancient text it is a science that allows us to live a harmonious life through the control of the mind and body.
Hatha yoga is about combining energy from Ha, the masculine sun energy and Tha, the famine moon energy. Together they balance the body and produce harmony and equilibrium; so you don’t suffer mood swings or depression. You are ready to cope with life.
Deep stretches and fluid movements unblock energy. Yoga improves flexibility, stamina and muscle tone. Stretching is the most natural way to release tension in the muscle groups and when combined with correct breathing distresses the nervous system and increases energy levels.
You will find that yoga produces powerful results: a feeling of total harmony and well-being.
What is asana?
Asanas are yoga postures. Most people do not realize how important it is to stand and sit correctly. A bad posture in the main cause of chronic back pain and contributes to painful ailments such as slipped disc and sciatica. In variably, people with bad posture lack energy and vitality. Their chests are slumped and they do not breathe correctly as they only use a small position of their lungs.
Asanas are designed to stretch the spine constantly and build the muscles in the lower back, enabling you to achieve perfect posture. The final posture of an asana is achieved when all the parts of the body are positioned correctly with full awareness and intelligence. Asanas keep your body, as well as your mind, healthy and active.
In each asana, different organs are placed in different anatomical positions, and are squeezed and spread, dampened and dried, heated and cooled. The organs are supplied with fresh blood, and are gently massaged, relaxed and toned into a state of optimum health.
Groups of asana
There are different, which bring different benefits (main benefits are written).
Sitting asanas: elasticity in hips, knees, ankles, groins removes tension in the diaphragm.
Standing asanas: strengthen the leg muscles and joints and increases the suppleness and strength the spine.
Forward bends: beneficial for abdominal organs has an unique effect on the nervous system.
Twists: healthy spine and inner body (abdominal organs). Improve the suppleness of the diaphragm.
Inversions: King and queen of asanas (Salamba Sirsasana and Salamba Sarvangassana) generally the health of your body and mind.
Back bends: Stimulate the central nervous system and increase its ability to bear stress. Energize the body, are invaluable to people suffering from depression.
Reclining asanas: soothe the body and refresh the mind.
Moderation
Moderation is the key to a healthy balanced lifestyle, and if the mind is in harmony there is no inner need to excesses. This is not a question of abstinence but a matter of controlling your habits and urges. If you practice, your body will reach its optimum weight and your temper will be even. You will find your outlook on life is more positive. As your concentration improves, you will be more organized and find yourself able to handle several tasks at the same time equally well. Little effort will bring immense returns like wisdom, strength, peace.
As your awareness of your body increases, you will learn to listen to your ‘higher self’. Each person is different and should follow their own inclinations.
Asanas relax body and mind, boast metabolism, lymphatic circulation and hormonal secretions and bring about a chemical balance in the body.
Breathing correctly is an integral part of yoga. All the movements you perform, if they are to be beneficial, require correct breathing. To breathe correctly means breathing through the nose. This rejuvenates and revitalizes the cells, resulting in increased energy levels and a strong, healthy body. For good health, the joints, tissues, muscles, cells, nerves, glands and each system of the body must be in a state of perfect balance and harmony. In yoga, you will use breathing techniques, knows in sanskrit as pranayama, that will balance the energies and focus the mind. Within the body there are seven energy centers known as chakras.
Pranayama techniques unlock blockages so the stream of energy flows smoothly. It acts like a tranquilizer, calming the nervous system.
Yoga is for everyone
Yoga can help us to find the freedom, not only freedom from our aches and pains, but also from ours fears.
Doctors recommend it for bad backs, prenatal exercise and stress relief – and it works wonders.
The stress of modern life can lead to mental or physical suffering. Yoga offers balance.
Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability. After a session of yoga the mind becomes tranquil and passive.
First, yoga deals with health, strength and conquest of the body. Lastly, it leads us to peace and unalloyed purity.
Iwona Kawa