While the word "yoga" may conjure up images of people sitting on floor mats twisted in pretzel shape positions ... this Ancient practice is much more than just stretching, sweating, and breathing deeply.
Yoga, which originated in India, is a combination of exercise and meditation and has been practiced in Eastern cultures for over 5,000 years. The word yoga means to bring together or unite, as in the mind, body, and spirit.
The Physical, Mental, and Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga are Numerous!
The Physical and Anti Aging Benefits of Yoga Include:- Enhanced Energy and Endurance
- Develops Balance and Coordination
- Promotes Cardio and Circulatory Health
- Improves Flexibility
- Increases Lubrication of the Muscles, Joints, and Tendons
- Strengthens, Tones, and Builds Muscles
- Strengthens your Core
- Helps with Pain Management
- Accelerates Body Detoxification
- Improves Digestion and Elimination
- Improves and Corrects Posture
- Massages Internal Organs and Glands
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Improves Sleep Quality
- Boosts Immune System
- Boosts Sexual Health and Intensifies Orgasms
- Promotes a Strong Lymphatic System
- Improves Metabolism Function
- Enhances Weight Loss
The Mental and Spiritual Benefits of Yoga include:
- Increases Body Awareness
- Relieves Chronic Stress
- Relaxes the Mind and Body
- Teaches you to Quiet your Mind
- Teaches you to Live in the Moment
- Increased Self Knowledge
- Improves Mood and Helps Alleviate Depression
- Sharpens Concentration and Memory
In the East, yoga is perceived as a route to spirtual enlightenment. In the West, the emphasis tends to be more as a physical discipline. Western yoga usually focuses on physical postures, known as asanas, and breathing techiniques, known as pranayama. In the West when the word yoga is used, we are most often referring to Hatha yoga.
Below are a few of the most common Hatha yoga styles:
ASHTANGA: Power
Ashtanga is a vigorous, fast paced style of yoga that builds up intense heat, to purify the muscles and organs. Ashtanga yoga does little meditation, but strongly emphasizes building strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Best For: Ashtanga yoga is for people who are already in excellent physical condition.
BIKRAM: Heat
Bikram yoga is generally referred to as "Hot Yoga" and is quickly rising in popularity. Bikram is practiced in a room heated from 100 to 110 degrees, which allows for loosening tight muscles, while the heat causes profuse sweating which helps to detoxify the body. The Bikram method is a set of 26 poses that are performed in a standard sequence for 90 minutes.
Best For: While the Bikram practice is considered an intense workout and may seem a little overwhelming to begin with ... Bikram is believed to be a powerful and effective natural health treatment for people with chronic diseases and medical conditions such as hepatitis-c, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
IYENGAR: Alignment
Iyengar yoga is most concerned with body alignment, and holding poses (asanas) over long periods, in a slow controlled manner. Iyengar uses props such as chairs, yoga blankets, blocks, straps, and pillows, in order to bring the body into alignment.
Best For: Iyengar yoga is perfect for beginners and those who haven't exercised in a while.
KUNDALINI: Awakening
Kundalini yoga emphasizes breath in conjunction with physical movement. Kundalini yoga is aimed for enlightenment through the release of energy up the spine through breath, poses, chanting, and meditation. Kudalini uses fast, repetitive movements rather than holding poses (asanas) for a long time.
Best For: Kundalini is considered a holistic form of yoga and is suitable for all fitness levels.
SIVANANDA: Healthy Lifestyle
Sivananda yoga is one of the least strenuous forms of yoga. Sivananda integrates (5) lifestyles: 1. Proper Exercise 2. Proper Breathing 3. Proper Diet 4. Proper Relaxation 5. Positive Thinking and Meditation. Sivananda yoga emphasizes yogic breathing, physical postures, deep relaxation, and meditation.
Best For: Sivananda yoga is a less athletic, gentler style of yoga and may appeal to someone looking for a more holistic form of yoga.
VINIYOGA: Gentle Flow
Viniyoga emphasizes safe movements. This slower paced yoga is a more individualized form of yoga. By practicing yoga postures along with yogic breathing, Viniyoga develops strength, balance, and healing. The length and intensity is adjusted to each person depending on their needs and capabilities.
Best For: Viniyoga is ideal for beginners, senior citizens, and people with chronic pain or in rehabilitation.
BOTTOM LINE: Yoga works as an anti aging therapy! It rejuvenates and revitalizes the mind, body, spirit, and soul! It keeps your body fit, your mind active, your skin glowing, and makes you feel young and alive! By practicing yoga consistently on a regular basis, you can literally add (quality) years to your life!
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Here's to Health and Longevity! Amy
