Yoga
is a generic term for a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline
originating in Ancient India. Specifically, Yoga aims to use meditation
movement to attain spiritual insight and tranquility.
Hundreds of thousands of people in over 90 countries have
experienced that yoga leads to a unique inner transformation that brings
one closer to their own spirituality, no matter what the individuals’
beliefs may be. It’s popularity is increasing globally.
Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning Yoke, Union or Join. It is all about
joining and balancing the body, mind, and spirit. The term "yoga" first
appears in the Hindu scripture Katha Upanishad, a primary Upanishad
where yoga is defined as the steady control of the senses, which along
with cessation of mental activity which leads to the supreme state
Yoga has gained popularity among masses as it is an easy way to
reduce stress, improve mood, calm the mind, improve concentration,
bringing relaxation, flexibility, strength and endurance to the muscles,
joints and overall body systems. It increases the stamina of lungs and
improves oxygen consumption. It also balances the nervous system,
reduces high blood pressure, improves symptoms of heart failure,
enhances cardiac rehabilitation, and lowers cardiovascular risk factors.
Since the beginning of Twentieth century, the popularity of yoga in
the USA has been on a constant rise and is now more extensively
practiced in the States than in its country of origin, India. There has
been some media attention in which Yoga has been criticized for being
potentially dangerous and being a cause for a range of serious medical
conditions
However, if yoga is taught by an experienced qualified instructor
who emphasizes proper alignment and moving within a pain free range of
motion, the practitioner will be safe and will easily experience all the
good benefits of the practice. As more yoga studios pop up in
neighborhoods, it is important for the aspiring yogi to look for
instructors who have the certification and experience to recognize their
students’ limitations and be capable of modifying the poses to fit the
individual’s needs and placing the student in an class level that meets
their physical limitations.