Benefits of Yoga

Scientists today ascertain that the intrinsic organic health of a human being is of prime importance along with the outer development of the body. This was realized thousands of years ago by the ancient Indian yogis. The practice of yoga has a substantial foundation in science. Yogic asanas accelerate blood circulation in the body and Pranayama abates carbon dioxide content ensuring sound health. Yoga provides all-round benefits to a human being:

To maintain the purity of blood and elimination of toxins, both outer and inner cleanliness is indispensable. Scientists prescribe sun-bath, steam-bath, shower-bath, air-bath and to this the yogis include the nasal cleansing (neti), stomach wash (dhouti), the depuration of the alimentary canal (basti), the purgation of the intestines, the bladder, and the sexual organs (vajroli).

Yoga exercises have a strengthening effect on the nervous system through its non-tiring physiological activities that bring about poise of body and mind. Unlike the normal workouts that concentrate more on the inflation of the muscles, Yoga takes care of every little part of the anatomy.

Yoga is much more than "a new-found ability to touch your toes." Asanas have an all-pervading effect on the physical and mental functioning of the body:

• Physical - Through healing, strengthening, stretching and relaxing the skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardio-vascular, glandular and nervous systems.
• Mental - Through the cultivation of a quite and a peaceful mind, alertness and concentration.
• Spritual - By preparing for meditation.

Types of Yoga

Yoga is more than a physical discipline of keeping fit. It's an ancient concept, and has a lot to do with the philosophical and the spiritual. So there're a lot of Yoga-related terms or types of yoga you'll come across. Don't get confused. Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Astanga Yoga are the most common disciplines of Yoga, which give you the strength, relaxation and flexibility - the combined benefits one looks for. But there're are various other disciplines and kinds of Yoga. Here's a guide to help you as a ready reference to the various types of Yoga.

Quick Yoga Tips

• The time most suitable for Yoga is in the morning before breakfast when the mind is calm and fresh and the movements can be done with ease and vitality.
• The most important things you'll need to get started - as they say - are a big heart and a small ego.
• A person must seek a place of quietude, which is well ventilated, free from dust, insects, unpleasant smell, draught, and moisture. There should be no distraction whatsoever.
• You must empty your bowels and bladder, clean your nostrils and throat of all mucus, consume a glass of lukewarm water and then begin the exercises after 15 minutes.
• Always remember that you should begin with the easy postures and then proceed to the difficult ones. One must follow the graded steps of Yoga.
• In the beginning, all movements should be practiced lightly and you must cease to go further if fatigue shows.
• Yoga must pep up and not impart weariness and despondency.
• Periods of relaxation are advisable if a particular exercise proves to be tiring.
• Yoga trainers recommend a balanced diet (sattwik). There should be an interval of 4 hours between meals.
• The ratio for the composition of meals should be:

  • grains and cereals 30% of the calorific value
  • dairy products 20%
  • vegetables and roots 25%
  • fruits and honey 20%
  • nuts remaining 5%
• Regarding the quantity of food, it should be moderate (mitahara), only that which satisfies one's appetite.
• One should avoid overeating, fasting or eating once a day. Stale or non-nutritious food, you know, is harmful.
• The clothing should be loose and as scanty as possible, because maximum amount of the skin should be exposed to air.
• Form-fitting cotton/Lycra pants and shirts are the best.
• The breathing should be long and deep. The mouth should be closed and inhale and exhale only through the nose.
• Always take a mat of kusa or any other grass or hay for sitting postures.
• For lying postures use a woolen carpet, and spread a clean sheet over it.
• You can check out some other commercial Yoga accessories, like Yoga belt, foam blocks, Yoga pillows and rubber mats.