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Yoga originated in India as long as 5000 years back, is one of the ancient boughs of philosophy of physical and divine discipline. The word Yoga derived from the Sanskrit word called “Yuj” meaning to conjoin or unite. It is related to integrating the body with mind and soul, to achieve a balanced, relaxed and peaceful life. The ultimate aim of yoga is to reach the emancipation or in Sanskrit, “kaivalya”.
There is practically no written document of the inventor of Yoga as it was practiced way before people were literate. The practitioners or Yogis used to pas down their knowledge to students, and further many yoga schools began to spread with time.
The earliest written record was documented by Patanjali, a yogic erudite about 2500 years ago. He is believed to have been credited for writing yoga sutras, which means “thread”. These are the principles, practices and philosophy of yoga, which are still pursued eve today.
Though many yoga schools have developed over the years, the fundamental principles are still the same.
How does it work?
Yoga is mainly related with postures or “asanas”, which are aimed at focussing the concentration on particular parts of the body. And berating techniques called pranayams, which integrate the body with mind and soul.
Yoga asanas are aimed at revitalizing the body. There are as many as thousands of yoga postures and these poses are know as “kriyas” meaning actions, bandhas meaning locks and “mudras” meaning seals. The kriyas are focused on moving energy all throughout the spine, yoga bandha is the technique used to hold muscular contractions and focus awareness, and mudras which is pose or movement to hold energy and concentrate on awareness.
Benefits of yoga
Yoga also spotlights on the mind to concentrate on certain body parts. This awareness helps the body to connect with mind. The focus is something eternal, between the body and mind. The result is to maintain a peaceful, relaxed and calm state of mind.
Yoga also exercises breathing techniques which helps in merging with the body, mind and soul. The breathing techniques or pranayams help in controlling the flow of energy within the body. It slow down the heart rate, soothes mind, and creates a feeling of deep, sense of relaxation.
Yoga may be a great alternative to aerobic and other resistance exercise, and one may be completely surprised with the benefits which they experience. This is an activity which improves muscle flexibility and strength while focussing on thoughts and soothes the body. It is beneficial to reduce stress, muscle contractions, blood pressure and asthma symptoms.