December 7, 2021

ROLE OF YOGA IN YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. The practice aims to create a union between body, mind, and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviors, creating a sense of spiritual awakening.

HISTORY OF YOGA

Yoga is more than five thousand years old and the practice that was formerly exclusively for Hindu holy men is now practiced by billions of people worldwide.
Some researchers say yoga is fifteen thousand years old, while others say it’s five thousand years old. Despite the age disparity, yoga has been practiced for many years and it’s even older than many world religions. 

As the legend goes, Shiva (the third god of the Hindu triumvirate) was the first yogi who achieved enlightenment in Mount Kailash, where he danced all over the mountains or sat in complete stillness. In the yogic culture, however, Shiva is known as the first guru and not as a god.
Here is a  brief look at the evolution of yoga:

Vedic period (3000 BC to 800 BC)

During the Vedic period, yoga was practiced ritually, to develop concentration, and transcend the mundane. The rituals practiced during this period are quite different from the present practices of yoga. The rituals of the Vedic period are close to the definition of yoga: the union of the individual self with the supreme self.

There are four Vedas:       

  • Rig Veda (Knowledge of Praise)
  • Yajur Veda (Knowledge of Sacrifice)
  • Sama Veda (Knowledge of Chant)
  • Atharva Veda (Knowledge of Atharvan; the procedures of everyday life)

Vedic Yoga was deeply rooted in the ritual life of ancient Indians, revolving around the idea of sacrifice as a way to connect the material and spiritual worlds.

Classical period(184 BC to 148 BC) 

Classical yoga consists of the Rāja-Yoga (also known as the eightfold Yoga),  Patanjali’s views of Raja Yoga. 

The classical eight limbs:

  • Yama (social conduct)
  • Niyama (personal conduct)
  • Asana(physical postures)
  • Pranayama (breathing regulation)
  • Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
  • Dharana (concentration)
  • Dhyana (meditation)
  • Samadhi (transcendence)

Modern Yoga (From 1863 AD onwards)

Modern yoga known as Hatha Yoga was introduced to the rest of the world by Swami Vivekananda when he mentioned it in his historic speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Since then, the practice quickly spread throughout the US and the greater North American continent. 
The form of yoga we practice today may be different from the original form of yoga but is based on the same classical concepts propounded by Patanjali. The only difference seems to be that today, we work on our bodies before we begin working on our minds.

Benefits of Yoga

Nowadays people used to be very health conscious, literally following a very strict diet with different types of unhealthy tips to become slim, etc.
This is not at all unfair right? Why should we spoil our health like this without any pain? There is no gain, try to be fit and work out on it won’t stop eating. In ancient days our ancestors used to eat everything they do yoga and meditations to keep their bodies under their control.

These days are really busy hours for us Mentally we are very stressed and physically very weak but try to make simple workouts for your body and take a break from your stress people may think we have simple asanas.  For every Asanas, we have benefits to our health. Health is more important than any other thing.

YOGA ASANAS POSES FOR YOUR HEALTH 
  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Breathing
  • Relaxation
  • Meditation

Some of the Yoga asanas and yoga tips for weight loss & health as given below

Trikonasana – Triangle pose

The trikonasana helps to improve digestion as well as reduce the fat deposited in the belly & waist. It stimulates and improves blood circulation in the entire body. The lateral motion of this asana helps you burn more fat from the waist and build more muscles in the thighs and hamstrings. 
Though this pose does not make your muscles shake as others do, it does give you the benefit that other asanas do. It also improves balance & concentration.

Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Pose

Sarvangasana comes with multiple benefits, from increasing your strength to improving digestion.
But it is known for boosting metabolism and balancing thyroid levels.
Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand strengthens the upper body, abdominal muscles, and legs, improves the respiratory system, and improves sleep.

Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

Are you looking for the best way to lose that belly fat? Dhanurasana helps massage the abdominal organs, improves digestion, and strengthens the thighs, chest, and back. It stretches your whole body and strengthens and tones your muscles with improved blood circulation.

 

Surya Namaskara – Sun Salutation Pose

The Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation does more than warm up the muscles and get the blood flowingSurya Namaskar comprises 12 steps that are purposefully woven together to benefit the mind and body in various ways. Surya Namaskar is a practice in itself as well as a warming-up before performing further yoga asanas.  It allows for the “opening” of the body as it stretches, strengthens, and lengthens all muscle groups. Surya Namaskar stimulates prana, life force energy through the body helping to regulate our mental and physical faculties.    It stretches and tones most of the major muscles, trims the waist, tones the arms, stimulates the digestive system, and balances the metabolism.

The Cheek Plumper

This face yoga exercise is perfect for those who want to achieve a more youthful appearance.

  •  
    • Start by sitting in a comfortable position on a mat or in a chair. Keep your spine straight.
    • Make an ‘O’ with your mouth and suck in as much air as you can. Bring both corners of your mouth together.
    • Fill your mouth with air like a balloon and let the cheeks stretch from both sides.
    • Hold for ten counts. Then slowly exhale all the air out.
    • Suck in your cheeks, join your lips, and make a pout. Hold this pose for ten counts.
    • Repeat by filling in your mouth with air.
    • Repeat the process at least 5 times.

 

Summary

Yoga, an Indian form of mind and body rejuvenation, has significant benefits for all, from people who are obese and want to shed weight to people who want to relax.
“Getting a stretch in before sunrise with the goats is a good way to start the day”. ??  let’s make everyone stay fit and healthy.