Understanding Yoga

Yoga originated in ancient India more than 5000 years ago. The word Yoga is derived from the root Yuj which means union. It indicates the union of the individual soul to the cosmic soul or the union of body, mind and soul. According to the great Indian sage Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra, Yoga is a technique to get mastery over the mind. There are many definitions for Yoga indicating its skillful effects on mind and body.

Rather than being only a practice for physical and mental fitness, Yoga is a group of disciplines including physical, mental and spiritual practices. Various streams of Yoga were mentioned in the ancient texts to suit different temperaments, attitude and nature of human characteristics. The ultimate aim for every stream is liberation.

Yoga and Pranayama which we practice commonly come under Ashtangayoga (eight limbs of practices) propounded by Patañjali. These are,

By the regular practice of Yoga and Pranayama we can control our thoughts. It enhances positive energy and good habits. Stress and anxiety are the root cause for many lifestyle disorders. Once the mind gets purified, we can prevent many diseases. Today, Yoga is a popular and preferred way to control stress, anxiety, depression, obesity, back pain, skin diseases, menstrual disorders, digestive disorders, Asthma, Diabetes,  etc.

There are two common questions regarding Yoga. One is how Yoga differs from exercise and the other is how it works on body and mind.

When we do Yoga, along with physical postures, we need to give our attention towards breathing patterns, Steps and Vision. Relaxation after each Yoga practice is also necessary.

In some Yoga and Pranayama practices, we need to hold our breath for some time. It stimulates many nerves and helps in mind relaxation. Likewise, when we chant mantras (mantras are the combination of specific sounds which are designed to produce effects on our body and mind) the vibrations created by the sound have effects on our body which are capable of nerve stimulation. So, Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation balance our endocrine and nervous system and through these they regulate our whole-body system functions.

Health can be maintained by practicing Yoga regularly. It brings stability, lightness, flexibility and muscle strength to the body. Proper guidance is necessary for doing Yoga, because there are many physical conditions where we have to refrain from doing certain Yogasanas.