Imagine meditating while repeatedly chanting aum...aum...aum...aum...For some this is enough to make them fall into a deep slumber (unintentionally, that is), for others this is just one example of a disciplined and effective way of achieving total relaxation and control over the mind and body.
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Yoga has been around for a very long time, originating in India more than 5000 years ago. Evidence of these origins were found by archeologists in the early 1900s. While excavating at the Mohenjo Daro in the Indus Valley, Sir Mortimer Wheeler, a renowned British archeologist discovered carvings and sculptures depicting poses of humans and animals resembling those practiced by yogis. The artefacts have been dated to 3000 BC.
Sir Mortimer Wheeler's discovery of horn-capped figures sitting in positions which are advanced Yogic postures.
The most famous of these seals is that of an ithyphallic deity now recognised as Shiva.
The word 'Yoga' means “to join or yoke together”, and it aims to bring the mind and body together into one harmonious experience. In yoga, the body is viewed as a temple - a sacred sanctuary that helps us function and evolve in the world.
"The whole system of Yoga is built on three main structures: exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health."
YOGA FOR FITNESS
There are many different types of yoga practiced around the world. I will discuss in further detail some of the more well known practices.
TYPES OF YOGA
ASHTANGA/VINYASA ASHTANGA
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic form of yoga consisting of powerful, athletic movements. The movements are sequential and must be performed in this order. Ashtanga literally means 8-limbed which represents the 8 spiritual practices:
- Yama (moral codes)
- Niyama (self-purification and study)
- Asana (posture)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (sense control)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (absorption into the Universal)
"This method of yoga involves synchronising the breath with a progressive series of postures — a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind."
BIKRAM
Bikram yoga is a sequence of 26 postural poses performed in a heated room. Developed by Bikram Choudhury, an Indian yoga guru, in the 1970s, as a way to "systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function" while at the same time flushing out impurities due to increased perspiration in a 37°C/105°F room.
So why the need for heat? Heat warms up the muscles faster allowing them to work deeper and develop greater flexibility.
HATHA
Hatha yoga is what most people refer to a simply 'yoga'. It is gentle and slow-paced, focusing heavily on the breath and stretching the muscles in static positions with meditation playing a vital part.
'Hatha' means Ha (Sun) + Tha (Moon) and is a union of opposing forces providing "a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites." This form of yoga is all about creating balance between the physical and the psychological and to "further promote the energy flow of the body & relaxation to settle the nervous system & calm the mind".
This is perfect for beginners - giving them an introduction into the world of yoga.
In this day and age where life is so chaotic and fast, practising yoga can help you to relax and slow things down (even if only for a hour). So give it a go and invite some calm into your life.
JW
References
- www.americanyogaassociation.org
- www.ashtanga.com
- www.bikramyoga.com
- www.exoticindiaart.com/articleprint/yoga
- www.hathayoga.com.au
- A history of yoga (1982). Vivian Worthington
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