The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word for union. Practicing Yoga in correct way helps to bring union of mind, body and spirit and helps to restore the whole person to balance. Yoga helps to improve the proper balance of body and mind. It helps to control stress, destructive emotions and ill habits. It helps to bring proper concentration of mind. It helps to strengthen the power of memory.
There are different forms of Yoga such as Bhakti Yoga, Raj Yoga, Jnan Yoga, Hatha Yoga etc. The great Indian sage “Patanjali” of eighth century was the master of Yoga and wrote Books on Yoga and it bears testimony to the fact that how developed this education was at that time.
Yoga concentrates on “ Pranayama, Asana & Dhyana ”. Through the right practice of Yoga one can develop self -enlightenment, i.e the development of soul. Through the right practice of Yoga one can keep a clear conscience.
Can everyone benefit from yoga?
Yes, if you want to get the highest benefit of yoga you should learn the proper technique of it and you should practice it regularly. As mentioned above, yoga includes a variety of techniques and you need to choose those that are useful to you and most suited for your individual needs. For example, the needs for specific techniques of yoga would differ for a housewife, a child, an athlete, a teacher, a student, or a factory worker. This is because their ways of life are quite different from each other. Due to the wide range of techniques in yoga, it can fulfill needs in almost all people and can cure any type of diseases if you can perform it in a right way from a efficient teacher in yoga. Basic fitness in daily life is a common need of everyone. Yoga can fulfill this need irrespective of the type of work you do, your role in life or the type of food you eat. Yoga helps to maintain a sound mind as well as a sound body. Yoga helps to maintain a peaceful mind. Yoga can help everyone play his or her roles more efficiently, more smoothly and more comfortably.
What are the advantages of yoga?
Yoga has many advantages over other methods of maintaining health, such as gymnastics, athletics, aerobics, games, and various other forms of exercise. It does not need any costly equipment and materials, or playgrounds, swimming pool, gyms, etc. Yoga can be practiced throughout the year. It can also be practiced inside the house or in the open, singly or in groups. The only requirement is a thick carpet spread on the floor and covered with a clean sheet of cloth. Yoga should only be practiced on empty stomach. You can do it at any time during the day. It will benefit you irrespective of whether you are young or old, lean or heavily built, highly educated or unlettered, rich or poor, from higher or lower middle class, busy, over busy, or retired or worker in the factory or in the field. Yoga has something very valuable, and useful to offer to everyone. It is often described as the best form of health insurance for all from the age of seven to seventy seven or more. Two main advantages of Yoga are prevention of disorders and ailments and maintenance of health and fitness in daily life. Other advantage include flexible muscles, supple joints, relaxed and tension-free mind and efficiently working vital organs such as the heart, lungs, endocrine glands, liver, pancreas and good balance between various functions, such as neuromuscular coordination, etc.
Can all the yoga techniques be practiced in all age groups?
Although yoga can be practiced in all age groups, some techniques are more suited and desirable for specific age groups. For example, some asanas that involve forward and backward bending are good for children aged five to ten years. At about ten years of age, the asanas that have an upside down position and deep breathing can be started. Shuddhikriyas should not be practiced everyday. They need to be performed as and when required for removal of impurities from the body. However, Kapalabhati Nauli can be done every day. They are generally most suited for people in age group of twenty to sixty years. Relaxation is necessary for all, irrespective of age. People in all age groups can therefore practice mediation regularly. It is desirable that older people avoid asanas that involve excessive stretching, such as the plough pose or halasana. Strenuous poses such as the scorpion or vrischikasana head-stand or shirshasana should also be avoided older people. When yoga is practiced for therapeutic purpose to overcome or cure ailments, other restrictions are necessary. This is why yoga should not be practiced unless you have learned the correct technique from an expert.
