Yoga is a centuries-old science that incorporates a variety of mind-body disciplines.It was first practiced in India 2500 years ago and still works to improve one's overall health and well-being when done regularly.The Sanskrit verb yuja serves as the basis for the word yoga.It means to connect, reach a conclusion, or agree.It is the union of mind and body, or Jiva and Shiva (the soul and the universal spirit) coming together.It is also the Yin and Yang (Purush and Prakriti) at their peak. Exipure
The definition of yoga is extremely broad.Yoga is taught by a variety of schools or systems.Dnyanayoga, also known as "yoga through knowledge," Bhaktiyoga, also known as "yoga through devotion," Karmayoga, also known as "yoga through action," Rajayoga, also known as "royal" or "supreme yoga," and Hathayoga are all forms of yoga.There aren't necessarily a lot of differences between these yoga schools.They are entwined into one another, sort of like identical threads.Yoga has been regarded as an effective means of spiritual enlightenment and self-improvement for thousands of years.In essence, all of these systems serve the same purpose:The only difference between them is how they get there.The term "Yoga" has come to be associated with the last of these systems, Hathayoga, in its most popular form.The same meaning is applied to the term "Yoga" throughout this article as well.However, the term "Yoga" will have a broader meaning when referring to the philosophy of yoga, which is discussed at the conclusion of this article.
Asana and Pranayama Let's take a closer look at the two main aspects of Hathayoga—asana and pranayama—in greater detail.
a) Anatomy:
Getting into an asana is holding a posture for as long as your body will allow.When performed correctly and in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines, asana provides significant physical and mental benefits.Pranayama is considered to be a precursor to asana.The body and mind can be brought into harmony through the practice of Asana.It also aids in eliminating inertia.Asana has more advantages when practiced for a longer period of time.Asana should be pleasant and steady.The most important general guidelines for performing Asana are listed below.
Rules in brief:
1.Normal respirationspecialized stretchingPostures that are comfortable and stable (sthiram sukham asanam)Efforts that are minimal (Prayatnay Shaithilyam)No competition or comparisons to other peopleNo jerks or quick activities.Keep the tempo slow and steady.
While each asana has its own benefits, there are a few benefits that are shared by all asanas, including improved hormonal secretion, stability, and a sense of renewed energy.It is a common misconception that performing an Asana (Yoga stretch) must be challenging for it to be beneficial.Most of the common benefits of yoga can be achieved with the simplest asana.Additionally, the beauty of yoga lies in the fact that even at a less-than-perfect level, the majority of its benefits remain.This indicates that Yoga is beneficial to both novices and experts alike.
The founders of yoga found some of their answers in nature in their search for a remedy for the ills of the human mind and body.They observed the animals and birds flexing their bodies in specific ways to break free of their inertia and malaise.In view of these perceptions, they made Yoga extends and named them after the birds or creatures or fish that roused these stretches.For instance, matsyasana (the fish pose), makarasana (the crocodile pose), shalabhasana (the grasshopper pose), bhujangasana (the cobra pose), marjarasana (the cat pose), mayurasana (the peacock pose), vrischikasana (the snake pose), gomukhasana (the cow's mouth pose), parvatasana
Based on the type of abdominal pressure, many Asana can be broadly classified.The majority of forward bending asanas, such as Pashchimatanasana, Yogamudra (Yoga symbol pose), Hastapadasana (hand and foot pose), Pavanmuktasana (windless pose), and so on, are positive pressure asanas because they crunch the stomach.Dhanurasana (bow pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Naukasana (boat pose, etc.), and other backward bending asana are examples of negative pressure asana.Both types of asana strengthen the abdominal and back muscles and provide excellent stretch.On the same part of the body, switching between positive and negative pressure intensifies and improves blood circulation.Because of the pressure in that area, the muscle group that is being used gets more oxygen and blood.For instance, Kundalini is awoken when the symbol of yoga, Yogamudra, applies positive pressure to the lower abdomen.Hastapadasana revives all nerves toward the rear of the legs and furthermore toward the back.As a result, you feel rejuvenated and fresh.Because it provides a beneficial massage to the liver and pancreas, vakrasana is recommended for diabetic patients.
2.Pranayama One of the ways to get rid of mental and physical problems is to practice pranayama.Pranayama is a controlled and extended breath hold.Prana refers to breath.Life force also means it.Ayama refers to control or lengthening.In the same way that it takes twice as long for a pendulum to return to its original position, exhalations in Pranayama take twice as long as inhalations do.By controlling your breathing, the main goal of pranayama is to bring mental stability and control your desires.The nervous system on its own is what allows us to breathe.The scope of volition is expanded by mind-controlling the involuntary process of breathing.Pranayama serves as a link between Antaranga (introspective or esoteric) Yoga and Bahiranga (exoteric) Yoga.Pranayama is ready for a body that has been cleansed by Kriya (cleansing processes) and become stable through Asana.Pranayama, on the other hand, prepares the mind and body for the spiritual and meditational practices of yoga like Dhyana, Dharana, and Samadhi.On a physical level, pranayama practice increases oxygen levels in the blood, which in turn refreshes and rejuvenates the brain and nerves.Some of Pranayama's physical benefits are listed below.