| |
 |
Learn More
about Therapies and Treatments for Back & Joint Pain
On this site you can find comprehensive descriptions
about many of the natural therapies and traditional treatments
available in the US. Reading about these is the first learning
phase for you, then contacting a practitioner will guide you
toward the healing experience.
|
|
|
February 21st, 2007
 |
Yoga is an ancient practice with its roots in Indian culture and Indian
philosophy. The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘union’
or ‘to join together’. Yoga is a therapy that aims to
unite the mind, soul and body. Most yoga styles are derived from hatha
yoga, a type of yoga that focuses on the body and breath and aims
to develop control of the body through poses (or asanas). Hatha represents
the two sides of life – the yin and the yang, the dark and the
light – and aims to bring these two sides into harmony and balance.
- The physical benefits:
Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body. Improves respiration,
energy, and vitality. Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism.
Promotes cardio and circulatory health. Relieves pain. Helps you
look and feel younger than your age. Improves your athletic performance.
- The mental benefits:
Helps one become more mentally and emotionally centered. It leaves
one feeling emotionally grounded and, at the same time, it helps
the individual release a lot of bound up tension and emotion that
creates illness and dysfunction in both the body and the mind.
- The spiritual benefits:
Yoga helps improve individual self-esteem. The improved physical
condition of the body and consequently better mood all contribute
to higher self-esteem. With increased self-esteem individuals
are more likely to head towards self-actualization. They also
become more giving and help others. Yoga also helps individuals
become aware of their own bodies. It raises self-awareness and
helps us understand our place in the larger scheme of things.
Styles of Yoga
Although there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually
about emphasis, such as focusing on strict alignment of the body,
coordination of breath and movement, holding the postures, or the
flow from one posture to another. All of the styles share a common
lineage. In fact, the founders of three major styles -- Astanga,
Iyengar and Viniyoga -- were all students of Krishnamacharya, a
famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India.
Two other styles, Integral and Sivananda, were created by disciples
of the famous guru Sivananda. No style is better than another; it's
simply a matter of personal preference. More important than any
style is the student-teacher relationship.
The great thing about yoga is that anyone can practice it, as there
is bound to be a style to suit everybody.
Yoga centers USA
http://www.yoga-centers-directory.net/usa/usa.htm
|
|
|
|
Back