
Yoga is relatively new in the Western landscape, but it is well established. It may take courses in recreation centers and health clinics, both in the metropolitan region - courses aimed at children, the elderly, people with stress, healthy, pregnant women, to Athletes ...
Is that yoga has several features that suit. The courses are usually in groups, in a safe and noncompetitive. Yoga requires no special skills. It makes almost instantly mental and muscular relaxation. In the medium term, it develops flexibility and helps treat many musculoskeletal problems. Regular practice can enable them to alleviate serious health problems and promote better overall health.
A part of a wholeDeveloped in India over many millennia, yoga (in its broadest sense) is a comprehensive method of personal development and a science of spiritual practice. It includes several dimensions, including the main ones are as follows.
* The devotion (bhakti yoga)
* The right action (karma yoga)
* Knowledge (jnana yoga)
* Health and concentration by lifestyle and postures (hatha yoga)
Yoga classes posted on bulletin boards and in newspapers more often relate to the latter dimension, hatha-yoga. His role in the traditional spiritual path, is to discipline the mind and keep the body in optimal health so that the person can think better and longer.
Tools of hatha yoga breathing exercises (a practice called pranayama) and over 1 000 postures (called asanas). The latter often carry evocative names - the tree, the plow, bow, cobra, etc.. - And their degree of difficulty is progressive. The famous lotus position (legs crossed) being adopted by many meditators from yoga.
Postures require stretching movements, bending and twisting that promote flexibility in the spine, solicit joints, nerves and muscles and exert an effect on all organs and glands. The digestive system is thereby stimulated, and blood circulation improved. In addition, maintaining a posture for a while causes the mind to develop perseverance and concentration, and it provides the benefits of meditation.
As for the breathing techniques, they ask, for example, be particularly attentive to inspire very slowly or jerkily, to alternate nostril, placing the language in certain ways, etc.. According to Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine), the life of a human being is not measured in days, but the number of breaths ... The ultimate objective is to develop breathing techniques and control the prana, the "lifeblood".
Yoga states that a healthy body is vital for the mental and spiritual evolution. As the yogis say: "Health is wealth. Mental peace is happiness. Yoga shows the way. "