Yoga and

Stress Relief

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a complete system of holistic living. It was a lifestyle in ancient India. The physical aspect of Yoga is asanas which one can vaguely call stretching, is a small part of Yoga. The other aspects of Yoga are Pranayama (Controlled breathing), Dhyana dharana (meditation) etc.

Yoga has a origin in India and its history dates back thousands of years.

Benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, muscle tone and general body fitness.

Minimum prerequisites for Yoga:

1. Practicing of yoga for children should be under the strict supervision of a certified Yoga trainer.
2. Even adults should seek guidance from a certified Yoga trainer at least in the beginning.
3. Best time of the day for performing the Yoga is early morning, but this rule is not strict. The main requirement is that Yoga should not be done for at least 2 hours after a meal.
4. For maximum health benefits Yoga should be performed for 30 minutes or more.
5. The best suited time to practice is early morning hours, but it can be practiced in the afternoon after following food restrictions.
6. Yoga practices should be performed preferably in a spacious, clean, well ventilated and  bright place which is devoid of noise.
7. Wear loose and comfortable preferably cotton clothes for practicing Yoga.
8. There is no gender divide on rules for Yoga except that pregnant and menstruating women should avoid Yoga.

Yoga Asanas (Yoga Positions)

1. The founder of the Yoga system– Muni (the sage) Mr. Patanjali has described Yogasana as "Sthir Sukham Asanam". The meaning of this is a posture which is stable (sthir), comfortable (sukham).
2. If you think that Yoga is same as exercise, you are wrong. Yoga is distinctly different from exercise.
3. Yoga does not clash with the basic philosophy of exercise and fitness. On the contrary, it is complimentary to exercise (not a substitute)
4. If you are already doing regular exercise like jogging, cycling or swimming, you don’t “switch” over to Yoga, but add Yoga to your daily routine.
5. Avoid speedy movements and  jerks while practicing Yoga. Slow, steady and graceful movements is the main feature of Yoga.
6. Yoga helps achieve relaxation reducing physical and mental stress & strain.

For more info on yoga click here:(external link)

http://www.a2zyoga.com/

http://www.yoga4fitness.org/

http://indianmedicine.nic.in/html/yoga/yoga.htm

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