Wherever you go today, you hear people talking about the multiple benefits of yoga and attesting to its indispensability in daily life. It is no surprise, considering the significance of yoga in the resolution of physical and mental problems all over the world today. When you hear the word ‘yoga’, chances are that an image of people twisting in, seemingly, impossible poses may pop into your head. Perhaps you never dreamt that any non-acrobat could bend and twist like that!
While asanas are immensely effective and helpful, yoga is more than the asanas or poses it is known for today. It is, also, not just a passing modern fad that evolved over the last few decades. The fact is that it dates back as far as a few millenniums! Yes, incredible as it may sound, it goes way back to BC times. So, it is no wonder that so many around the world are attracted to such a time-tested practice.
he word yoga was derived from the Sanskrit word which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. This union is not, merely, about your nose touching your knees as you bend to touch your toes! The union referred to is that of your mind with your body. You integrating with your surroundings and nature. And, finally, your individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.
In olden times, people lived lives that were intertwined with nature. They were in their natural state and evolved in that state. There was an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the body and the mind. That only when both are in communion are bends and twists possible. To achieve this, control of breath and self-realization are important.
The idea of using it for treatment of diseases, physical fitness and to achieve freedom from stress is a modern, and rather, superficial perspective. In ancient times, yoga was not just a means to remove diseases. For instance, the emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness was present in ancient times as well. But, this did not refer to only brushing, washing and general morning ablutions. It included keeping your mind, and by extension, your thought process also, pure and clean. In other words, it led to all-round wellness.
Benefits Of Yoga
- In the health fields, yoga techniques are being applied in health promotion programs, substanse abuse treatment programs, and as a complementary treatment for diseases such as anxiety disorder, coronary , heart disease, cancers. Yoga is a low-cost self-help approach to well-being.
- The origin is a Sanskrit word Yoga meaning union. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind, and energy (or soul or spirit) to bring about a state of equanimity (calmness). Progressing to an even more advanced state, blending science and philosophy, one experiences a union of body, mind, internal energy, and the all-pervading cosmic energy, resulting in better physical health, mental control, and, ultimately, self-realization.
Changes one may feel after doing it
- Physical
- Improved body flexibility and balance
- Improved cardiovascular endurance (stronger heart)
- Improved digestion
- Improved abdominal strength
- Enhanced overall muscular strength
- Relaxation of muscular strains
- Weight control
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced immune system
- Mental
- Relief of stress resulting from the control of emotions
- Prevention and relief from stress-related disorders
- Intellectual enhancement, leading to improved decision-making skills
- Spiritual
- Life with meaning, purpose, and direction
- Inner peace and tranquility
- Contentment
Yoga is good for
- body flexibility,
- performance,
- stress reduction,
- attainment of inner peace
- self-realization
Common Diseases it can fight with
- coronary, heart disease
- depression
- anxiety disorders,
- asthma,
- extensive rehabilitation for disorders including musculoskeletal problems and traumatic brain injury.
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