Yoga, long known for its meditative benefits, is also an excellent way to achieve and maintain optimum health. The practice of yoga restores your body to a perfect balance of mental, physical, and spiritual health. Yoga can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, combat diabetes and provides an amazing sense of well being.
Brief Background
The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to unite or to join. The ultimate goal of yoga is to connect with your inner spirit and in turn connect to the the Universal Spirit or God. Yoga is more of a lifestyle than just a way to “get fit” There are five basic underlying principles of yoga- proper relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation. Each principle is key to ensuring that your body truly reaps the benefits of your yoga practice. Hatha Yoga, or the yoga of postures and breath is the most commonly practiced branch in the West.
There are a number of styles of Hatha Yoga. Three of the most well known are Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Vinyasa. Ashtanga yoga is a fast paced style of yoga, that has a proscribed set of postures that build stamina, strength, and are designed to foster an internal heat that assists in detoxifying muscles and organs. Kundalini yoga focuses on wakening life energy thru postures, meditation, and focused breathing. Vinyasa yoga flow is similar to Ashtanga in that it is fast paced, and geared towards building strength and concentration. Vinyasa varies from the Ashtanga style in that it does not follow a set series of postures.
Asana and Pranayama (movement and breath)
Asanas(postures) are the backbone of hatha yoga and it is thru these postures and the accompanying free flow of breath that the health benefits of a regular yoga practice are grounded. Asanas work to increase the circulation of your blood flow, stimulate the internal organs, and jump start the glandular system which boosts your immunity and serotonin levels. Pranayama (breath) is the essential key for a truly beneficial yoga practice. It is thru these breathing exercises that the flow of prana (life force) is maintained. Proper breathing allows for proper oxygenation of the entire body, while calming the mind and the spirit.
Health Benefits
The benefits of yoga are virtually endless. Doctors are suggesting yoga more frequently to treat or assist in the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Many people suffering from a variety of ailments such as asthma, allergies, migraines, fatigue, back pain and more, have attested to the alleviation or obliteration of symptoms. A frequent yoga practice will result in an increase of strength and flexibility, keep you focused and infused with calm energy throughout your day; yet allows for a peaceful deep sleep at night.
Even with all of the benefits to your mental and physical health, practicing yoga without a teacher present, can cause serious harm if you are a beginning practitioner. Most yoga studios will offer a free introductory class so you can experience yoga without financial commitment. For those of you that have already developed a yoga practice there are a number of online options that allow you to practice from the comfort of your home, or even when you are away from home, but don’t want to miss a session. Myyogaonline.com is a great subscription site that provides over 100 different video classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. A wide variety of practice styles are offered including meditation, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and gentle restorative classes. The site also offers podcasts, audio classes, and a host of information regarding the yoga lifestyle. Yoga is truly a beautiful way to obtain total mind, body, and spiritual awareness. Namaste!
Informative Links:
http://www.sanatansociety.org/yoga_and_meditation/hatha_yoga.htm
http://www.ashtanga.com/
http://www.myyogaonline.com/
Yoga, A Natural Way to Maintain Your Health 
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