Yoga and the benefit of yoga is generally defined as a Hindu discipline that helps to unite body and mind. Aiming to attain the state of proper spiritual insight and serenity, it is practiced in the West as a physical exercise practiced as part of the discipline.
The benefits of practicing yoga are not new. It has been recognized for many years as the right discipline to help one attain peace, better health and longevity.
Many consider the benefits of yoga to be some different discipline, including the unnatural state of the yogi, performing strange acts on the body, and living on a mountain top somewhere in India. I personally remember a TV documentary many years ago about a yogi splitting his tongue and using it to clean sinus cavities! Anyone interested in yoga may have seen pictures of yogis supporting more weight with their genitals.
In this modern age, much has been learned about the benefits of yoga. Yoga practitioners achieve greater mobility, longevity and inner happiness through their art. Yoga, as we know it today, aims to unite the mind, body and spirit. The magic of Hindu morality is no longer a myth and is accessible to all who wish to learn.
Yoga practice is roughly divided into three categories - yoga poses (asanas), yoga breathing (pranayama) and meditation. These types adapt to physiological, psychological and biochemical effects. In addition, doctors have compared these results with Western practices such as jogging, aerobic exercise and weight training and found comparable results.
The most popular yoga style in the West today is Hatha Yoga. It is designed to focus on the physical well-being of a person and in practice believers regard the body as the vehicle of the Spirit.
Ananda Yoga, the traditional style of Hatha Yoga, uses asana and pranayama to focus on the energies of the seven chakras to awaken, experience and control the subtle energies in the body.
Anusara (a-nu-SAR-a) yoga is defined as "stepping into the stream of divine will", "following your heart" and "moving with the current of divine will". This new style, developed by John Friend, is defined as "yoga positions that flow from the heart". It is heart-based, spiritually motivating and based on a deep knowledge of external and internal body alignment. It is based on the principles of Hatha Yoga and biochemical practices. Students of this discipline are based on their practice in terms of attitude, action and alignment.
Ashtanga yoga may be the perfect yoga for those who like an intense workout. Ashtanga is Q. Developed by Pattabhi Joyce, and it is very physically necessary. Continuous runs, moving rapidly from one posture to another, are used to build strength, flexibility and endurance. This style is not good for the beginner trainer as it requires 6 series of difficulty. Ashtanga does not have the physical requirements of a normal practitioner embarking on a journey of yoga fitness.
Bikram Yoga, named after its founder Bikram Chaudhary, is practiced in a room with a temperature of up to 100 degrees. Twenty-six asanas are done in a regular session, focusing on warming up and stretching the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Each pose is accompanied by kapalapati breath, "breath of fire". Training in this style promotes body cleansing, release of toxins and ultimate flexibility. One has to be in good physical condition to practice Bikram Yoga.
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