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Yoga is one of the most famous and
globally widespread of India’s traditions. It has existed as a
system of exercise, breathing, and meditation for over 5,000 years.
The word “Yoga” means “to join or yoke together” – bringing
the body and mind together into a harmonious experience. The
exercises are designed to apply gentle pressure to the glandular system
thereby toning the glands and improving total health. The breathing
techniques are based on the principle that the “breath” is the
source of life in the body. Meditation calms the mind and body and
prepares one to handle stress.
The Upanishads (ancient Hindu texts) define
Yoga as a state of gokumu jisho; “extreme nothing self nature.”
Essentially, one’s consciousness becomes himself. According to
Tsuruji Sahota: “When the five senses stop their function and the
judging mind stops its function as well, people call it the ultimate
state. To control the organs of the body is regarded as Yoga.”
The organs are controlled and toned by drawing energy up through the
seven major energy centers, or chakras. The ultimate goal is to
reach the topmost chakra and achieve self-illumination. When
certain postures and disciplines are followed, energies that have
accumulated and stagnated are moved through the chakras. The
practicing of Yoga releases these stagnant energies that would
potentially cause various ailments (TABLE I).
TABLE I: THE SEVEN MAJOR ENERGY
CENTERS (CHAKRAS)
CROWN CHAKRA - SELF-ILLUMINATION
RELATED TO BRAIN, PITUITARY AND PINEAL GLANDS
THIRD EYE CHAKRA
RELATED TO EYES, PITUITARY AND PINEAL GLANDS
THROAT CHAKRA (ETHER)
RELATED TO LUNGS, VOICE, EARS, NOSE AND THROAT
HEART CHAKRA (AIR)
RELATED TO HEART AND CIRCULATION
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (FIRE)
RELATED TO DIGESTION
SACRAL CHAKRA (WATER)
RELATED TO GENERATIVE AND SEXUAL FUNCTIONS
BASE CHAKRA (EARTH)
RELATED TO GENERATIVE AND SEXUAL FUNCTIONS
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Each chakra is related to a specific area of
the body, such as the head, heart, sacral area. Some
add an eighth Thymus Chakra.
Even though Yoga predates Hinduism by
several centuries, it is often mistakenly associated with this
religion. It must be emphasized that Yoga is not a religion; it
has no creed or fixed set of beliefs. One does not need to be
concerned about conflicts with one’s beliefs.
The scholar, Patanjali, compiled one of the
earliest texts related to Yoga. He devised basic Yoga theories
and practices in his text called Yoga Sutras as early as the 1st to
5th century B.C. Most forms of Yoga practiced today are based on
variations of his system often referred to as Classical Yoga.
Even though Americans were first introduced to Yoga during the late
1800’s, it didn’t become popular until the 1960’s, and then as
part of the youth culture. In recent years, many are realizing
the value Yoga to manage stress, limber a stiff body, improve health
and well-being and better understand oneself.
One can better decide if Yoga offers
something of personal benefit by considering the eight steps of
Classical Yoga:
1. “Restraint” – Refraining from violence, stealing,
lying, hoarding and casual sex.
2. “Observance” – Attributes of purity, contentment,
tolerance, remembrance and study.
3. “Physical Exercises” – The actual exercising step.
4. “Breathing Techniques” – Special breathing techniques.
5. “Preparation for Meditation” – Refers to “withdrawing
the mind from the senses.”
6. “Concentration” – Being able to hold one thing in the
mind for a period of time.
7. “Meditation” – Being able to focus on one thing, or
nothing, indefinitely.
8. “Absorption” – The realization of the essential nature
of self.
Physical exercise, breathing techniques, and
meditation are the core of most modern Western Yoga classes.
Yoga practice is non-competitive. You proceed at your own pace.
Relaxing the muscles and keeping them warm is very important.
There is an old Yoga quote that states: “Even iron will bend
when it is warm!”
There are actually over a hundred different
schools of Yoga. Some of the more popular schools to consider include:
Hatha Yoga - Based on physical movements,
postures, and breathing techniques (most
familiar school).
Raja Yoga - Called the “Royal Road,”
it incorporates exercise, breathing, meditation
and study (a well rounded school of Yoga).
Jnana Yoga - The path of wisdom (considered
the most difficult path of Yoga).
Yoga is a system of techniques that can be
practiced by most adults of any age or physical condition. Even
those with physical limitations can benefit from yoga. Women
menstruating, pregnant, or nursing should not practice Yoga.
Ideally, the best way to start the practice Yoga is to find a
qualified instructor. A second alternative would be to purchase
a good book or tape. If you’re not sure where to start your search
for Yoga classes, check out adult education programs, holistic
centers, family YMCA programs, health food or nutrition stores or
community newspapers. CAUTION: A qualified instructor is
essential to learn proper technique and to prevent injury.
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Copyright © Jonathan Klemens 2002
Excerpted from author’s book, Mountains and Rivers: Complementing Your
Healthcare with Alternative Medicine. Available from www.1stBooks.com
Website: www.freelancewriters.com/viewmem.cfm?id=216
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