All About Yoga
HISTORY OF YOGA
YOGA IS OVER 4000 YEARS OLD BUT IT MAY BE NEW TO YOU.
This incredible science was created by the first yogis who, on studying animals were greatly impressed by their strength, flexibility and grace. They then started to mimic them hence the reason why a lot of yoga postures are named after animals, fish, mammals and birds.
In the past twenty years Yoga has become hugely popular in the West especially since Madonna announced on national TV in the U.S. that she no longer went to the gym but practised yoga instead. It has now become a household word, practised by hundreds of thousands. People are realising more and more that this ancient science is the way forward to combat an extremely stressful life style and deal with many common ailments.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
These are endless. If practised regularly for example one class a week, you can expect noticeable changes after about three months. Having said that most people feel a difference after their first class.
The benefits you can expect are as follows:
- To be much more relaxed
- General aches and pains may disappear, if not improve.
- Especially back ache and headaches
- More energy and vitality
- Better concentration
- Better sleeping
- Better flexibility
- Quality of life in all aspects
Yoga is a science and all of the above benefits have been now medically proven. Having said that the practise is very much preventative rather than curative. meaning if you practise you shouldn't get sick.
some of the things it can cure is.
- Asthma
- Digestive problems
- Insomnia
- Aching joints
- Hyper tension
N.B. There are always a number of contributing factors which cause dis-ease, that need to be taken into consideration.
whatever your reasons for coming to yoga you will not be disappointed.
TYPES OF YOGA
When most people refer to yoga they mean the practise of yoga postures known as asanas.
All styles of physical yoga are under the umbrella of Hatha Yoga.
Most commonly known are Sivananda, Iyengar, Bickram, Astanga Vinyasa
Sivananda:
Soft gentle style, but a good work out. Includes breathing excercises, stretching, meditation. Leaves you feeling very calm and relaxed.
Iyengar:
Close attention to detail, more physical than spiritual.
Astanga Vinyassa:
Very strenuous. Originally known as Warrior yoga designed for soldiers going into battle. Not for the faint hearted!
Vickram:
This is practised in a very hot room. The reason being the heat relaxes the muscles.