Yoga, an ancient philosophy born thousands of years ago, is now one of the most popular forms of exercise. Whether young or old, flexible or not, strong or weak, yoga unites people of different strengths and ages, bringing a sense of wholeness and unity to both body and mind. Think of it this way: the moment you step onto your yoga mat, you embark on a journey to explore your inner world. On this journey, not only does your body stretch, but your mind, spirit, and heart also open doors to new rooms. Now, let’s delve deeper into this ancient philosophy!
How much do you know about yoga, the harmonious dance of body and mind that was born thousands of years ago in the mystical lands of India and has reached us today? Let’s set sail on an inspiring journey to bring peace and balance into our lives through the vast ocean of yoga!
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a type of exercise that engages both the body and mind through various physical movements, concentration, and deep breathing. Depending on the source, yoga is known to be an ancient practice that is 3,000 to 5,000 years old. It is also recognized as a popular form of exercise worldwide.
Yoga involves physical poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation exercises. To practice yoga, start by choosing a suitable space. You should move to a clean, quiet room where you can comfortably perform movements. It’s important to use a yoga mat to prevent slipping and falling.
Remember, yoga is a practice that can be done at your own pace and according to your body’s needs. If you are new to yoga, it’s advisable to practice under the guidance of a yoga instructor. Otherwise, you might risk injuring yourself with improper movements.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga?
Yoga encompasses a variety of practices beyond physical poses, including meditation, mantra, prayer, breath work, and self-discipline. Therefore, the benefits of yoga extend far beyond just stretching the body. Yoga allows individuals to get to know their bodies better and to move forward in life with more confidence. According to a study conducted on yoga in 2011, regular yoga practice can provide strength, flexibility, endurance, and calmness.
What Are the Types of Yoga? What Are the Benefits of Yoga?
There are seven fundamental types of yoga, which serve as the basis for many contemporary yoga practices.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga forms the foundation of all yoga styles. It combines asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. Hatha yoga progresses at a slower pace compared to other types, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those seeking a more spiritual and relaxing experience.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is characterized by a flow of specific poses. This type of yoga involves a faster and more continuous transition from one pose to another. Vinyasa yoga appeals to those who want to focus on physical exercise while also exploring the traditional and spiritual aspects of yoga.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga emphasizes flexibility and strength. It is practiced by people of all ages aiming to achieve a more flexible and strong body, often utilizing various props and accessories.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is practiced in rooms heated to 40 degrees Celsius with 40% humidity. It involves a specific routine of 26 poses. The focus of Bikram yoga is on detoxification through sweating, hydration, and testing one’s endurance.
Hot Yoga
While Bikram yoga is a type of hot yoga, not all hot yoga practices are Bikram. Hot yoga typically involves performing Vinyasa yoga movements in a room heated up to 40 degrees Celsius. The increased heat helps to warm the muscles more quickly, promoting faster flexibility.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga has three different levels, each with specific poses. As you become ready to advance, your instructor guides you through the movements of the next level. Since Ashtanga yoga focuses on strength and endurance, it is not recommended for beginners.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga aims to awaken the kundalini energy believed to reside at the base of the spine. This type of yoga includes physical exercises as well as spiritual practices like chanting, focusing on awakening the root chakra.
In today’s world, yoga practices are not limited to just the body and mind. There are also yoga techniques designed for facial and skin beauty. For example, face yoga helps the face and neck areas appear more youthful, and eye yoga exercises the muscles around the eyes. You can explore these practices to enhance your appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga? How Is Yoga Practiced?
Flexibility is one of the most significant benefits that yoga brings to the human body. Yoga aims to increase flexibility through various levels of practice. According to a 2016 study examining the results of a 10-week yoga program, even beginner-level yoga practices were found to improve flexibility.
Another benefit of yoga is its ability to reduce stress levels. A 2018 study titled “The Effect of Yoga on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women” found that 52 women with an average age of 33 who practiced Hatha yoga regularly for 12 sessions experienced significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress.
What to Wear While Practicing Yoga?
When practicing yoga, it’s essential to choose comfortable, flexible, and breathable clothing. This allows you to move more freely and sweat less during your yoga session. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear clothes that fit well but do not constrict your body.
What is a Yogi?
A yogi is a person dedicated to the practice of yoga. However, simply dedicating a few hours of your life to yoga does not make you a yogi. To truly be considered a yogi, you must fully embrace the philosophy of yoga in all aspects of your life. According to the article “What is a Yogi? And How Do You Become One?”, to become a yogi:
- You must practice yoga movements regularly every day.
- You should have a pure heart and a strong desire to learn new things.
- You must maintain balance and harmony in your life at all times.
- You should follow a balanced and healthy diet.
- You must have a healthy sleep routine.
What Are the Basic Yoga Poses?
Mountain Pose: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and bring your hands together above your head without bending your elbows.
Downward Dog Pose: Start on all fours. Spread your hands and knees shoulder-width apart. Lift your hips up while letting your head hang freely.
Child’s Pose: Sit on your knees and extend your hands forward. Pull your hips back toward your heels and rest your forehead on the floor.
Tree Pose: Stand upright and place your right foot on the inner thigh of your left leg. Bring your hands together at your chest and maintain your balance.
Yoga includes a wide variety of basic poses, ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. Poses like Warrior Pose, Cobra Pose, and Easy Seated Pose are just a few examples. As you gain experience, you can try these and more challenging poses either on your own or with a yoga partner.
You can take lessons from a yoga instructor to fully apply the philosophy of yoga, work your mind and body simultaneously, and over time, increase your flexibility and strength to bring balance into your life!