Yoga has long been one of the most popular and widely enjoyed fitness regimens in the world. The benefits that can be derived from the practice of yoga have been documented many times over. Yoga can provide a peacefulness and clarity to the mind while helping to tone and condition the body. It has been described by many as a combination of meditation, exercise and stretching. The practice of yoga goes back hundreds of years in the east and has taken many forms as it has been adopted by various countries over time. While the basis of yoga has not changed much in the 3000 or so years that it has been practiced in its many forms throughout the world, the details have been altered and adapted to the times of the people who live with it in their lives every day. Many of the things that make up the modern yoga regimen would be easily recognizable to its founders but some practices would be quite foreign indeed.
Yoga originated over 3000 years ago and is an outcropping of many of the foundational Hindu teachings. The original intention was to calm the mind and open the soul to a stronger spiritual connection with the world and the universe. The original concept of yoga, as it plays a role in Hinduism refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Today the practice of yoga is more involved with fitness and mental health than with spirituality, although many still connect the two even outside of India. In its modern secular form, what most people know as yoga is actually a derivative form of the practice known as Hatha Yoga which uses postures or “poses” that are taught are used as a form of exercise and meditation for personal enrichment.
Hatha Yoga which literally translates to Yoga of the Sun and the Moon, and is comprised of a series of asanas, or poses which are intended to purify the body and as a result calm the mind. These asanas may have funny sounding names, and may even look odd to the casual observer but to those who practice yoga they are significant and vital components of the philosophy that they adhere to. Medical science has even proven that the practice of yoga has significant health benefits for those who practice it including increased flexibility, lower blood pressure and greater energy levels. Other health benefits have been shown to include better tendon strength, more stamina, better respiratory function, improvement in health problems related to stress and anxiety, helping with dieting and losing weight, as well as improvement of concentration and focus with school, work, and life.
Some of the more basic and common positions associated with yoga are Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend, Adho Mukha Savasana or Downward Facing Dog, Bhujangasana or Cobra, Vrukshasana or Tree Pose, and of course the classic Lotus Blossom seated position most commonly used for long term meditation. These positions are relatively simple to learn but the connection to the mind and body that is created during each of these positions may take the practitioner years to master.
For a person who is interested in improving their overall sense of self and getting a clearer and more focused perspective to their life, yoga can be a great benefit. This is an age old practice, that can make a major difference in the life of those who commit to it in their lives.
Brent McNutt really enjoys socializing and networking with healthcare professionals online and also likes talking about Landau Scrubs and cherokee scrubs and also likes writing articles about various topics.