Yoga: Your Gateway to Inner Perfection (1)

1
Yoga Your Gateway to Inner Perfection
2

• The existence of Yoga goes way back to the times
  unknown. The word itself is of Sanskrit origin
  that is derived from the word Yuj meaning join
  or unite. Here union basically signifies the
  alliance of inner self with peace, integrity and
  calmness of both mind and body. Yoga and
  meditation was believed to have been originated
  at the Golden era which somewhat dates back to
  5000 years ago. At this time, the civilization
  was getting formed and people were discovering
  the styles of living. And Yoga was said to be one
  of the most prominent form of exercise that was
  practiced largely by them. Its complete account
  has been given by a sage named Patanjali.

3

• The previous exposition and the latest ones
• As described by Patanjali in his book
  Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, he described that Yoga
  has 8 stages of art form that every practitioner
  must master. These 8 stages were called Ashtanga
  Yoga. These stages were named as
• Yama
• Niyama
• Asana
• Pranayama
• Pratyahara
• Dharana
• Dhyana
• Samadhi
• With every passing time, Yoga gained popularity
  and spread from this eastern to western world.
  Wherein Yoga used to be a stillness of mind with
  the meeting of spirit for Hindus and Buddhist,
  the western culture saw it to be a means of
  physical activity. There are various Asanas or
  postures that have been developed and have
  affected the body and mind equally for the doer.

4
Some of those asanas are mentioned below

• Sun salutation Also known as Surya namaskar
  yoga. It is a great practice that maintains the
  flexibility and weight of the body. The various
  postures are good for people as it circulates
  blood throughout the body.
• Mountain Pose Traditionally known as Tadasana
  Yoga. Practising this asana is very effective as
  it maintains or corrects the posture of back and
  spine while you stand erect with your hands
  joined above your head.
• Cobra pose Called as Bhujangasana. This is one
  of the perfect asanas for those who want to lose
  weight and increase metabolism in the body. It
  has been claimed to reduce any spine disorder,
  indigestion, constipation or poor blood
  circulation problem.

5

• Tree pose This is called as Vrikshasana. In this
  the person stands erect with hands above his
  head. One of the leg is bent at the knee and is
  joined to the thigh of another leg by feet. This
  gives best result when done in the open air. It
  increases focus, balance and concentration.
• Half Wheel pose Ardh Chakrasana- its other name.
  In this you need to bend your back in an arch but
  do not fully touch your hands to the ground. This
  posture will tome up your body for good and will
  give flexibility as well.
• Neck stretches This is one of the simplest Yoga
  forms. It could be done by just sitting on a
  chair. It is actually a few neck stretches from
  one side to other and full rotation and loosen
  ups the muscles of neck. The stretches should be
  made very slowly or else it might become painful
  afterwards. It is perfect remedy for those who
  are suffering from neck and shoulder pain.

6

• Standing Forward Fold pose This is known as
  Uttanasana. In this the person bends forward
  fully while touching his feet from behind with
  his hand. It gives deep shoulder stretch. It also
  stretches your legs and increases blood
  circulation in the process.
• Kapalbhati Asana This is one of the finest
  breathing exercises. It has helped people in
  reducing weight mainly belly fats while curing
  any indigestion problem in the process. It works
  wonder for people who have sinus or any
  respiratory problem.
• King Dancer The other name for this pose being
  Natrajasana. This pose strengthens your balance,
  improves flexibility and stretches your
  shoulders. For this you need to bend your leg
  backwards up in the air, touch the arm of the
  same side to the leg and out stretch the other
  arm and head in a forward stance.
• Inner peace is the elixir for a good health and
  ultimately good life. Yoga helps in attaining
  that by improving our concentration and bringing
  in a calmness of mind that is essential in every
  walk of life. Adopt the practice and feel the
  changes within you.