Alternative Medicine
Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. In more recent years, it has become popular as a form of physical exercise based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind and body and enhance well-being. What is Yoga ?
There is no written record of the inventor of yoga. Male yoga practitioners are known as yogis, and female yoga practitioners are called yoginis. Both practiced and taught yoga long before any written account of yoga came into existence. Over the next five millennia, yogis passed the discipline down to their students, and many different schools of yoga developed as the practice expanded its global reach and popularity. History of Yoga
Yoga is well known for its postures and poses, but they were not a key part of original yoga traditions in India. Fitness was not a primary goal. Practitioners and followers of yogic tradition focused instead on other practices, such as expanding spiritual energy using breathing methods and mental focus. The tradition began to gain popularity in the West at the end of the 19th century. An explosion of interest in postural yoga occurred in the 1920s and 1930s, first in India and later in the West.
To convey its spiritual message and guide sessions, yoga often uses the imagery of a tree with roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruits. Each "branch" of yoga represents a different focus and set of characteristics. Philosophy Approaching yoga with a specific goal in mind can help a person decide which branch to follow.
Modern yoga has evolved with a focus on exercise, strength, flexibility, and breathing. It can help boost physical and mental well-being. There are many styles of yoga, and no style is more authentic or superior to another. The key is to choose a class appropriate for your fitness level. Types of Yoga
his type of yoga uses ancient yoga teachings. However, it became popular during the 1970s. Ashtanga applies six established sequences of postures that rapidly link every movement to breath. Ashtanga yoga
Also known as "hot" yoga, Bikram occurs in artificially heated rooms at temperatures of nearly 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. It consists of 26 poses and a sequence of two breathing exercises. Bikram yoga
In the late 1980s, practitioners developed this active and athletic type of yoga, based on the traditional ashtanga system. Power yoga
This is a quiet, meditative yoga practice, also called taoist yoga. Yin yoga allows the release of tension in key joints, including: Yin yoga · the ankles · Knees · hips · the whole back · neck · shoulders
Yoga is low-impact and safe for people when a well-trained instructor is guiding the practice. Beginners should avoid extreme poses and difficult techniques, such as headstand, lotus position, and forceful breathing. Risks and side effects
Yoga is a five-millennia-old practice that has changed over time. Modern yoga focuses on stretches and poses designed to stimulate inner peace and physical energy. Yoga can help support a balanced, active lifestyle. Takeaway
