Yoga

Yoga Although it neither a medicine nor a treatment, yoga is often considered as therapeutic and therefore merits inclusion.

Yoga uses physical postures together with breathing exercises and concentration to obtain a harmony of mind, body and spirit. It can bring tranquility and awareness to the mind, and overall improvements to bodily strength and suppleness. Yoga takes many different forms, and regular practice may be expected to bring about specific benefits, which include:

• increased oxygenation of the blood
• muscle toning throughout the body
• a clearer and more relaxed mind
• improved posture
• improved circulation of blood and lymph
• regulation of bodily functions.

Yoga practices or disciplines include:
• asanas - postures which can be dynamic or static
• bandha - internal energy locks which hold in prana or direct it elsewhere – they are formed when muscles are contracted
• chakra - there are seven chakras along the vertical midline of the body They are powerful areas that connect mind and body together
• mantra - a chanted sound used to assist meditation practices or focus the mind
• mudra - a hand position that allows prana to be channeled through the body, and connect with the mind
• pranayama - a breathing technique to focus on prana carrying channels
• samadhi - the state of bliss that yoga aims to connect with
• viniyasa - a flow of asanas and pranayamas linked together to attain maximum benefit

. . . read about yoga styles »

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Yoga