Benefits Of Yoga And Types Of Yoga

Yoga is the oldest system of personal development encompassing body, mind, and spirit. The origin of Yoga goes back more than 5000 years. This valuable science developed by the ancient sages of India, and modified through generations, took many years to spread :around the world. In the modern times, the value of Yoga is being increasingly recognized for general health, and its preventive and curative effects.

How to Practice YOGA?

It is very important to practice Yoga with the full mind. Best time to practice Yoga is either in the morning or in the evening; Beginners find it easier to practice in the evening because the body is supple. It is best if practitioner practices Yoga at a time that best suits his or her schedule, as long as the stomach is empty prior to the practice.

Abhâva-Yoga:

A concept found in the Purânas meaning the power of nonexistence; the higher yogic practice of plunging into the Self without any external support such as mantras.

Bhakti-Yoga:

The collective discipline of love and devotion that is extolled in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ, the Bhâgavata-Purâna, and in the scriptures of the Vaishnavas and Shaivas.

Sanyâsa-Yoga:

The procedure of renunciation, which is often pitched against the concept of Karma-Yoga in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ.

Anusara Yoga:

Is a relatively new form of yoga (1997), which pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Postures can be challenging, but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

Jnana Yoga:

Jnana Yoga is the process of converting intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. It is a discovery of human dharma in relation to nature and the universe. Jnana Yoga is described by tradition as a means to obtain the highest meditative state and inner knowledge.

Kundalini Yoga:

Kundalini yoga aims to awaken the potential energies at the base of the spine (Symbolized as a coiled snake) and direct this energy upwards through the spine and the Chakras thus bringing about increasing degrees of enlightenment. When the energy reaches the head (Sahasrara Chakra) then intuitive enlightenment is triggered.

Bikram yoga:

This form is also known as "hot yoga" because it is done in a very warm room. Bikram yoga is excellent for increasing flexibility because the heat helps tissues to stretch. This type of yoga is not appropriate for those with cardiovascular disease because of the strain placed on the body when vigorously exercising in the heat.

Sahaja yoga

The basic aim of the sahaja yoga practice is to provide people with a true and authentic means of personal and spiritual growth, considering that it tries to help each individual in becoming more peace loving, and therefore it is considered that practices such as this type of yoga will end up benefiting society and the world as a whole.

Yoga Benefits

1. The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure (hypertension). A combination of biofeedback and yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication in people suffering from it.

2. Back pain is the most common reason to seek medical attention. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.