Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing.
A regular yoga practice can promote Trusted Source endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.
The first mention of the word “yoga” appears in Rig Veda, a collection of ancient texts. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “union” or “to join.”It is time to roll out your yoga mat and discover the combination of physical and mental exercises that for thousands of years have hooked yoga practitioners around the globe. The beauty of yoga is that you don’t have to be a yogito reap the benefits. Whether you are young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Don’t be intimidated by yoga terminology, fancy yoga studios and complicated poses. Yoga is for everyone.
Philosophy
The overall philosophy of yoga is about connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
There are six branches of yoga. Each branch represents a different focus and set of characteristics.
The six branches are:
-
Hatha yoga: This is the physical and mental branch that aims to prime the body and mind.
-
Raja yoga: This branch involves meditation and strict adherence to a series of disciplinary steps known as the eight limbs of yoga.
-
Karma yoga: This is a path of service that aims to create a future free from negativity and selfishness.
-
Bhakti yoga: This aims to establish the path of devotion, a positive way to channel emotions and cultivate acceptance and tolerance.
-
Jnana yoga: This branch of yoga is about wisdom, the path of the scholar, and developing the intellect through study.
-
Tantra yoga: This is the pathway of ritual, ceremony, or consummation of a relationship.
Modern yoga focuses on exercise, strength, agility, and breathing. It can help Trusted Source boost physical and mental well-being.Studies have suggested possible benefits of yoga for several aspects of wellness, including stress management, mental/emotional health, promoting healthy eating/activity habits, sleep, and balance.Research has been done on yoga for several conditions that involve pain. Studies of yoga for low-back pain and neck pain have had promising results, and yoga is among the options that the American College of Physicians recommends for first-line treatment of chronic low-back pain. Preliminary evidence suggests that yoga may also be helpful for tension headaches and knee osteoarthritis pain.About one in seven U.S. adults practiced yoga in the past 12 months, according to a 2017 national survey. Among children age 4 to 17, it was about 1 in 12. The percentage of people who practice yoga grew from 2007 to 2012 and again from 2012 to 2017. This was true for both adults and children.National survey data from 2012 showed that 94 percent of adults who practiced yoga did it for wellness-related reasons, while 17.5 percent did it to treat a specific health condition. Some people reported doing both.
Benefits of yoga
According to a 2012 surveyTrusted Source, 94% of adults who practice yoga do so for wellness reasons.
Yoga has many physical and mental benefits:
-
-
building muscle strength
-
enhancing flexibility
-
promoting better breathing
-
supporting heart health
-
helping with treatment for addiction
-
reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
-
improving sleep
-
enhancing overall well-being and quality of life
-
- a health care provider about a medical problem.
- Ask about the training and experience of the yoga instructor you’re considering.
- Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
-
You must be logged in to post a comment.