Yoga and Ayurveda

Yoga - The perfect way to perfect health

Regular practice of yoga provides us with immunity against all diseases. Lakhs of People in the west have appreciated the benefits of yoga and are now regular practitioners of this form due to the benefits it brings. Though yoga was an offshoot of Hindu philosophy and was intended to bring human beings in union with the creator, it has now been practiced primarily to improve the physical and mental health in an individual. Yoga Sutra, written 2000 years ago by Patanjali, provides us with the earliest and the most authentic treatise on yoga. He dwelt at length on all aspects of yoga and has also described the eight stages of yoga discipline.

Eight principles

1- Yamas- Restraints

2- Niyamas- Observance of austerity, purity, contentment, study, surrender of ego.

3- Asanas- Physical postures or exercises.

4- Pranayama- Breathing control.

5- Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses.

6- Dharana- Concentration of the mind.

7- Dhyana- Meditation.

8- Samadhi- Attainment of the super conscious state.

Rules and Regulations

As yoga is a time tested and proven scientific system meant for physical, spiritual and mental excellence, certain rules and regulations are to be followed for successful results.

1- Though there is no specific time for doing yoga, morning is the best time to perform yoga. One should then stick to this time regularly and should practice regularly for 15 minutes each day, 5 days in a week.

2- The place where one practices yoga alone should be neat, clean and airy.

3- Yoga should as far as possible be practiced on an empty stomach. In case one has consumed food, he should wait for at least 2 hours before practicing yoga. Hot and spicy foods, excess intake of tea, coffee, alcohol and drugs are best avoided.

4- One should relax for 5 to 10 seconds between asanas.

5- One should be neat and clean both in person and also in his dress and should neither be tired nor under physical stress.

6- The mind should be free from worries, tension and anxiety while practicing.

7- Women should avoid practicing yoga during their menstrual periods and pregnant women should practice moderately.

Asanas

Asanas are certain body postures that an individual takes in the course of performing yoga and these form an integral part of the yoga. These asanas are designed to promote the physical, spiritual and mental well being in an individual. There are several asanas and each one has a special name, form, offer particular benefits, and have a distinct way of performing. Asanas are highly beneficial and help to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire body constitution in to a state of equilibrium. We give below a few of the common asanas that are widely practiced in India.

1- Surya Namaskar. This means greeting and bowing to the sun. This is the most widely practiced asana. And all asanas usually begin with greeting the sun. This form is useful in nourishing and energizing the upper part of the human body.

2- Uttham Pada Asana. In this form of asana one lifts the legs upwards. This posture is particularly beneficial in strengthening the spinal cord.

3- Paschimothan Asana. Also called the forward bend, this completely stretches the entire back of the body. Though a bit strenuous, this is a very helpful pose for the entire body right from the skull up to the heels.

4- Bhujanga Asana. This is called the cobra pose and is done to give flexibility to the spine.

5- Salabha Asana- This is known as the locust posture and is helpful in strengthening and activating the lower part of the body from the waist downwards. And to derive maximum benefit from this posture, one should practice it after the cobra pose.

6- Sarvanga Asana. This is considered as one of the most important of the asanas. In this posture the weight of the entire body is made to rest on the shoulders. This also helps to stretch the neck and the upper back regions to the maximum.

7- Matsya Asana. Also called the fish pose, this form helps to fill the lungs with air and improve the ability to float in water. It is recommended that this asana be performed after the sarvanga asana.

8- Dhanur Asana. This pose helps to give a backward bend to the spine and all the muscles of the back from neck to the lower back. It is advised that dhanur asana be performed together with the locust pose.

9- Hala Asana. This is called the plough pose. In this form the person bends forward to the maximum. This is highly useful in providing strength and flexibility to all parts of the back and neck.

10- Shava Asana. This is called the corpse pose as the position adopted resembles the posture of a corpse. This is one of the most commonly practiced asanas and is helpful in giving relaxation to the body and mind.

Benefits

Regular practice of yoga provides immense benefits to all who practice it. Its wide acceptance throughout the world is a measure of its efficacy and the help it provides in improving the physical, mental and spiritual health in an individual. Yoga alters brain wave activities reflecting in increased relaxation and a better focused mind. It is effective in preventing heart diseases. Yoga also helps lower blood pressure. It guards against insomnia and improves memory and strengthens the muscles. It brings in psychological changes that will reflect in the overall health and well being of an individual. Yoga techniques are being increasingly used as a supplementary therapy for such diseases as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma etc. It helps to kick the habit of smoking. The modern world has much to gain from yoga. Yoga is the way and the means