About Yoga

     The term "yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "union." Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. Yoga originated in ancient India and is considered one of the longest surviving philosophical systems in the world. Some scholars have estimated that yoga is as old as 5,000 years.                                                                                                                              The yoga philosophy maintains that the breath is the most important facet of health, as the breath is the largest source of "prana," or life force, and hatha yoga uses "pranayama," which literally means the science or control of Breathing

A typical hatha yoga routine consists of a sequence of physical poses, called asanas, and the sequence is designed to work all parts of the body, with particular emphasis on making the spine supple and increasing circulation. Each asana is named for a common thing it resembles, like the sun salutation, cobra, locust, plough, bow, eagle, tree, and the head to knee pose, to name a few. Poses named after animals are especially appealing to children, and children's yoga programs focus on those poses that mimic animals and trees. Each pose has steps for entering and exiting it, and each posture requires proper form and alignment. A pose is held for some time, depending on its level of difficulty and one's strength and stamina, and the instructor cues participants when to inhale and exhale at certain points in each posture, as breathing properly is a fundamental aspect of yoga postures. Breathing should be deep and through the nose. Mental concentration in each position is also very important, which improves awareness, poise, and posture. During yoga routine there is often a position in which to perform meditation, called dyana, if deep relaxation is one of the goals of the sequence.

 

Importance of yoga

·                                    Physical

                    ·   o    Improved body flexibility and balance

o    Improved cardiovascular endurance (stronger heart)

o    Improved digestion

o    Improved abdominal strength

o    Enhanced overall muscular strength

o    Relaxation of muscular strains

o    Weight control

o    Increased energy levels

o    Enhanced immune system

 · Mental

o    Relief of stress resulting from the control of emotions

o    Prevention and relief from stress-related disorders

o    Intellectual enhancement, leading to improved decision-making skills

                             · Spiritual

o    Life with meaning, purpose, and direction

o    Inner peace

o    Contentment 

• • Yama: rules for successful living in society
  •  Niyama: techniques for managing and purifying self

  ·          Asaana: posture techniques for physical and mental balance (what most people think of as yoga)

  •  Pranayama: breathing techniques for physical and mental balance
  •  Pratihara: techniques for detaching the mind from the senses for mental balance and calm
  •  Dharana: concentration techniques for mental balance and calm
  •  Dhyana: meditation techniques for mental balance and calm
  •  Samadhi: ultimate advanced meditation techniques and psychic  procedures    attained after regular practice for universal consciousness

 

 

     Yoga Activities