WHY YOGA?
The scientifically proven benefits of yoga are numerous, including an
increase in flexibility, reduction of stress, reduction of inflammation
and pain associated with arthritis and other chronic conditions, and a
decrease in hypertension. Everyone who practices yoga can gain some
level of benefit. The only requirements are proper instruction and
regular practice.
WHO IS PRACTICING YOGA?
Based on a survey by Yoga Journal, over 15 Million people from all walks
of life are practicing yoga in the US; another 15-25 million have
expressed an interest in trying yoga. There is a Yoga style for
everyone, including children, teens, business professionals,
politicians, celebrities and seniors.
IS YOGA A RELIGION?
No! Yoga is a lifestyle or philosophy on life, but it does not ascribe
to a specific set of religious practices. Yoga can be done by anyone of
any faith. In fact, yoga or yoga-related lifestyle modalities can be
found in many religions or faiths around the world. By lowering stress
and facilitating physical, emotional, mental balance, yoga has been
known to deepen one's faith.
Yoga Month specifically focuses on the health benefits
of yoga and how practicing yoga can improve your physical, emotional and
mental health and quality of life.
WHAT TYPES OF YOGA ARE AVAILABLE?
Here are brief descriptions of some of the most common types of yoga:
- Ananda:
This is a gentle practice that emphasizes the importance of
meditation, breathing, and affirmations while flowing through yoga
postures.
- Anusara:
When translated, Anusara means “following your heart.” This style
celebrates the heart, positive and balanced energy, and the freedom
to change and adapt the practice as needed.
- Ashtanga:
Often referred to as power yoga, Ashtanga provides a heart-pounding,
intense, and very challenging workout. The physical goals of the
practice are to increase stamina, strength and flexibility.
Mentally, students appreciate the sense of calm the practice can
provide. Those who adhere to this style of yoga experience deep
detoxification due to the profuse sweating that takes place during
the session.
- Bikram:
Bikram is called hot yoga for a reason – the temperature in the room
is approximately 105 hot and steamy degrees. Every session consists
of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.
- Hatha: The
most popular style of yoga in the United States, Hatha focuses on
both physical and emotional well-being. With more than 200 postures
to choose from, students utilize these asanas to enhance
circulation, flexibility, balance, and a supple and vibrant mind.
- Integral:
This style of yoga emphasizes relaxation through controlled
breathing and meditation.
- Iyengar: A
form of Hatha, Iyengar focuses on symmetry and alignment to obtain
mental and physical balance.
- Kripalu:
Meditation in motion, Kripalu utilizes three stages to achieve
reliance on the body’s inherent wisdom. Eventually, students are
able to flow through postures spontaneously without conscious
thought.
- Kundalini:
A mix of breathing, chanting and poses, this style awakens natural
energy and encourages self healing through the stimulation of the
immune and nervous systems.
- Sivananda:
A healthy lifestyle is promoted by embracing 12 sun salutation
postures, chanting, meditation, positive thinking, and a vegetarian
diet.
- Tantra:
Tapping into the body’s natural energy, students are guided through
postures, chanting, and visualizations to achieve pleasure, joy and
a sense of completion in their everyday existence.
- Viniyoga: Gentle
flow yoga emphasizes the connection between breath and a series of
poses that are easy on the joints and easy to adhere to in private
practice as well as therapeutic settings.
HOW OLD SHOULD ONE BE TO START YOGA?
You can start yoga at any age.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PRACTICING
YOGA?
Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are increased flexibility,
stronger muscles and connective tissue, alignment the vertebrae, toned
and rejuvenated internal organs. In addition, the epidermal, digestive,
lymphatic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins
and waste matter; the nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and
toned; brain cells are nourished and stimulated. The end results are
increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of
overall well-being.
Yoga is one of the 10 most used Complementary Medicine
methods in US. Because Yoga works on so many different levels, it has
great potential as an effective therapy for chronic diseases and
conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatment methods.
In addition, a regular Yoga routine can help develop greater
concentration, balance, and composure. |
