Yoga is all the rage these days, and indeed, it has many benefits. It has a low incidence of injury, reduces stress and tension, and increases muscle strength. Best of all, perhaps, it doesn't look like exercise. Why don't more people practice simple yoga, then?
Those who are uninitiated to yoga think that it's mystical and passive, a "New Age" activity that doesn't relate to everyday life. Oftentimes, these days, people experience a vacuum in their lives because most of their activity is directed outward. And just as often, to get back to health and balance, they're going to have to redirect their attention inward, to go back to experiencing self.
Yoga is an Indian discipline that has been practiced for more than 5000 years. Yet in most western societies, it still has relatively few followers. About half of the American adult population swims, while about 25% run or jog, but only 2% practice yoga.
The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or connect. Through yoga's various techniques, one is said to arrive at mental and physical equilibrium, better health and inner peace. It has been described as providing, in effect, a "work-in" rather than a workout.
There are at least eight main branches of yoga, with several variations of each. Essentially, though, only two are concerned with exercise. Those are kundalini yoga and hatha yoga.
Hatha is the most popular type of yoga in the Western world. It is a slow-paced discipline that emphasizes controlled breathing and assuming various physical poses. It is said to aid the nervous system, the glands and the vital organs.
Kundalini, which was introduced to this country in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, is more active, combining various modes of breathing, movement and meditation. It is based on the idea that body energy that is coiled below the base of the spine can be tapped so that it travels upward through different energy centers or chakras until it reaches the head. At this point one arrives at one's highest potential.
There are 84 basic yoga positions, classically speaking, also called asanas. These are done in tandem with special breathing techniques. The asanas or yoga positions can be simple twists and bends, or can be as complicated as pretzel-like contortions that only the most advanced practitioners are capable of. These various positions help build flexibility and make muscles longer. When used with proper breathing, they can help you rid your body of tension. The utilization of static holds helps isolate and strength in particular muscles.
Asanas have evolved over the centuries so that they now exercise every nerve, muscle and gland in the body. They can give you a fine and toned physique that is elastic and not musclebound, but strong. In addition, these asanas can help keep the body well and free of disease. Asanas can also help soothe the nerves and reduce fatigue. However, perhaps their real importance comes from the way they discipline and train one's mind.
Those who are uninitiated to yoga think that it's mystical and passive, a "New Age" activity that doesn't relate to everyday life. Oftentimes, these days, people experience a vacuum in their lives because most of their activity is directed outward. And just as often, to get back to health and balance, they're going to have to redirect their attention inward, to go back to experiencing self.
Yoga is an Indian discipline that has been practiced for more than 5000 years. Yet in most western societies, it still has relatively few followers. About half of the American adult population swims, while about 25% run or jog, but only 2% practice yoga.
The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or connect. Through yoga's various techniques, one is said to arrive at mental and physical equilibrium, better health and inner peace. It has been described as providing, in effect, a "work-in" rather than a workout.
There are at least eight main branches of yoga, with several variations of each. Essentially, though, only two are concerned with exercise. Those are kundalini yoga and hatha yoga.
Hatha is the most popular type of yoga in the Western world. It is a slow-paced discipline that emphasizes controlled breathing and assuming various physical poses. It is said to aid the nervous system, the glands and the vital organs.
Kundalini, which was introduced to this country in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, is more active, combining various modes of breathing, movement and meditation. It is based on the idea that body energy that is coiled below the base of the spine can be tapped so that it travels upward through different energy centers or chakras until it reaches the head. At this point one arrives at one's highest potential.
There are 84 basic yoga positions, classically speaking, also called asanas. These are done in tandem with special breathing techniques. The asanas or yoga positions can be simple twists and bends, or can be as complicated as pretzel-like contortions that only the most advanced practitioners are capable of. These various positions help build flexibility and make muscles longer. When used with proper breathing, they can help you rid your body of tension. The utilization of static holds helps isolate and strength in particular muscles.
Asanas have evolved over the centuries so that they now exercise every nerve, muscle and gland in the body. They can give you a fine and toned physique that is elastic and not musclebound, but strong. In addition, these asanas can help keep the body well and free of disease. Asanas can also help soothe the nerves and reduce fatigue. However, perhaps their real importance comes from the way they discipline and train one's mind.
About the Author:
Learn more about the practice of yoga at Simple Yoga Essentials, a guide to simple yoga exercises that will improve your body, mind and spirit.
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