The importance of Yoga

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self and to the self” — The Bhagavad Geeta.

Yoga helps liberate your body, mind and soul. You attain a blissful state of mind through asanas and meditation. International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st every year. It was internationally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN Address had suggested the date of June 21, as it is the longest day of the year. Yoga has its roots in India and was developed during the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5000 years ago. The word ‘yoga’ was first mentioned in the oldest holy book, the Rig Veda.

Types of yoga:

Yoga isn’t necessarily a ‘one-size-fits-all’ practice. Different types of yoga might be best for different people. “A 20-year-old and a 70-year-old probably don’t need the same things. Here is a list of different types of yoga practices practised across the world:

1. Hatha Yoga – The Sanskrit term “hatha”  refers to any yoga that teaches physical postures. It’s all about the basics in these slower moving classes that require you to hold each pose for a few breaths.

2. Vinyasa Yoga – This is a dynamic practice that links movement and breath together in a dance-like way. The pace of each pose is quick.

3. Iyengar Yoga – This yoga is about precision and detail, as well as your body’s alignment in each pose. Props, from yoga blocks and blankets to straps or a ropes wall are used and each posture is held for a period of time.

4. Ashtanga Yoga – If you’re looking for a challenging yet orderly approach to yoga, try Ashtanga. Consisting of six series of specifically sequenced yoga poses, you’ll flow and breathe through each pose to build internal heat.

Here are some of the common health benefits of practising yoga:

• Helps reduce stress
• Relieves anxiety
• Improves concentration levels
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Can improve cardiac health

• • Common mistakes in Yoga:

  • Have you been practising yoga watching videos or through a book. Make sure you are not making any errors and accidently causing harm to your body. Here are a few tips to take care:

    1) Skipping the warm-up – Skipping warm up makes your body prone to injuries and muscle pulls.

    2) Uneven Breath – Holding your breath is the biggest sin in yoga practice. And, forced retaining of the breath can lead to breakdown of the alveoli walls. Thus, practice a smooth and consistent breathing pattern, as it relaxes the muscles and nervous system.
  • 3) Pushing too hard – Do not be in a hurry to get an asana right. Unnecessary pushing may lead to injuries.
  • This International yoga day make a resolution. Dedicate a few minutes every day for your mind and body and see it reflect on goof health. Yoga with its many health benefits changes you for the better into a fitter and happier person.
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