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What
is Yoga
Yoga
is a form of exercise based on the belief that by
controlling the breath and keeping the body steady, one can
control the mind and create perfect harmony between the Soul
and the Universal spirit. In short, Yoga is the “ union of the mind, body and
breath”.
How
Yoga works as a Therapy
Yoga practice consists of five key elements: Proper Breathing, Exercise,
Relaxation, Diet and Meditation.
The exercises or ‘Asanas’ are designed to ease the tensed
muscles, tone up internal organs, and improve the flexibility of
body’s joints and ligaments.
Proper Breathing : Since most of us use only a fraction of
our breathing capacity, it is necessary to use our breathing
capacity thru’ nasal techniques to cleanse the lungs of stale
air, unlock energy & vitality and eliminate toxins from the
body.
Proper Exercise : Proper exercise or Yoga ‘asanas’ not only
increase the flexibility and strength of the body, but also keep
each and every part of the body in perfect health and harmony.
Regular exercise leads to a healthy body & healthy mind, and
perfect equilibrium between the two.
Proper Relaxation : Proper relaxation results in release of tension
and keeps the mind and body healthy. It is necessary to begin and
end each session of Yoga exercises with relaxation, and also relax
between postures, in order to allow released energy to flow freely
and to expel waste products from the muscles.
Proper
Diet : The recommended diet for a person during Yoga is simple
wholesome natural vegetarian food, easily digestible. This keeps
the body vital and healthy, the mind calm and free from
restless thoughts. Processed or tinned food should be avoided.
Meditation : Meditation is a state of consciousness,
in which the overactive mind is calm, and all mental energy is focused
and turned inwards. This recharges the batteries by relieving
stress and replenishing energy.
Meditation
increases physical stamina and spiritual strength, improves the
power of concentration, helps you to think more clearly and
positively, hence creating a great sense of inner power.
How
Meditation works
Let’s
take an example. That of a lake. When the surface of a lake is
still, you can see the bottom clearly, but when the surface is
agitated by waves, you can’t. The same is true for the mind.
Only when it is still, does one experience inner calm and peace.
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Precautions
for Yoga |
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It
is best to do Yoga under the supervision of a qualified
teacher or Guru.
Avoid
eating for at least 2 hours before starting Yoga exercises.
Before beginning Yoga 'Asanas', it is necessary to know your
body’s capabilities. Never try to go beyond limits by
forcing your body into a posture it is not capable of.
Always exercise both sides (left and right) of the body
equally to achieve equilibrium and harmony.
Avoid tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and non-vegetarian food for
better results in Yoga.
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YOGA &
MEDITATION
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