Yoga
Yoga to the Western world primarily as a far-Eastern relaxation method. Using flowing sequences of movements performed in rhythm with the inhalation and Exhalation, should be strengthened, the body and the mind calms.
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The original teaching of Yoga includes much more than that. She is a 5,000 year old, holistic philosophy, which aims to bring the body, mind and soul in harmony, and contains, in addition to the body – and breathing exercises, for example, meditations and prayers.
The World Health Organization (World Health Organization – WHO) recommends Yoga as a good way to incorporate daily exercise into the daily routine. This chronic, potentially deadly health risks such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and Diabetes prevented. In order to make the positive effects of Yoga more widely known, calls the WHO therefore, since 2015, every year on the 21. June as “International day of Yoga”.
What is the meaning of „Yoga“?
The word Yoga originates from the old Indian language Sanskrit and means “yoke”. The body and the spirit of the image are considered as two oxen, Both need to be clamped in the yoke together, to harmoniously work together. It’s this harmony of body and spirit is to be achieved through the practice of Yoga.
Historical Review
Yoga has developed over thousands of years in India and is one of the six Darshanas. These are the classical schools of Indian philosophy. Some of the first depictions of Yoga postures are 5,000 years old. Thus, Yoga may be the oldest exercise system in the world, which is still used to this day.
Between 800 BC and 200 ad, the first writings about Yoga: Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutra originated. Originally, Yoga was located in the religiosity. This was approximately referred to 500 before Christ, as a Religious Yoga.
Later, between 200 and 400 after Christ, there developed in the classical philosophy of Yoga. This was to be free of certain beliefs, principles, and served rather in the everyday life and the General, not to a specific Religion-related spirituality.
Thereafter, the body-oriented Yoga originated, approximately in 12. Century after Christ. Yoga was here mainly as a means for self-development.
At the end of the 19th century. and in the course of the 20th century. Century Yoga in Germany has become increasingly popular. The modern Yoga types, which are here offered are different, most of the traditional Indian values. Mostly the body will be in Germany and, more generally, of the Western world – and breathing exercises associated with Yoga, and in part supplemented by meditations. Religious aspects, instructions for self-knowledge, as well as certain diets are mostly lacking.
Different types of Yoga
From the beginnings of Yoga have developed in the last thousands of years, a variety of currents. So today there are various types of Yoga, each has its own philosophy and form of Implementation. Doing Yoga types to be more responsive to the spirit and the mental concentration to influence exist; others deal in more detail with the body and the breathing. All forms of Yoga the holistic approach, the harmonisation of body and mind, however, will be the focus.
The best-known and most popular in Germany Yoga types include Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga.
Hatha-Yoga in this country is probably the best known Yoga. Hatha-Yoga are opposites in the body can be compensated by the sun-breath (Ha), with the moon-breath (Tha) is connected. Breathing exercises, called Pranayama, and therefore play a significant role. Strengthen the lung power, support the breathing and bring more life energy. In addition, the body exercises are the focus of Hatha Yoga. They are called Asanas and affect the muscle activity is positive, increase the flexibility of the body and contribute to a good body awareness. With your help, anxiety and Stress can be reduced. Hatha Yoga also includes Exercises for deep relaxation, have a favorable effect on the General relaxation, stress hormones reduce, and thus a strengthening effect on the immune system. In India, the more body-oriented Hatha Yoga is only regarded as a preparation for other Yoga types, focusing rather on the spiritual work.
Kundalini Yoga deals mainly with energy: The energy that the body surrounds and flowed through the body, is the focus of this Yoga. Kundalini means “serpent power” and refers to the idea that in the area of the sacrum at the each person, the energy in the Form of a coiled, sleeping snake.
With the help of Kundalini Yoga, the serpent should be awakened and your energy via specific pathways in the body from the lower spine towards the apex exude. With the tracks, the chakras (energy centres) and Nadis (energy channels). Kundalini Yoga includes Exercises for the purification of the energy pathways to bring the body back into its natural balance and to harmonize the various chakras (energy centers). The Exercises are dynamic and are often perceived as physically demanding.
In Vinyasa Yoga the physical exercises are fluent in connection with the breathing. The result is to harmonize in the best case, a kind of “Flow”, or flow, of the body and the spirit. The movements are dynamic and the various positions are ranked in a brisk exchange with each other.
Effect and application areas for Yoga
Yoga is a complex System that considers the human being as a wholeness of body, soul and spirit. Yoga is used in the Western world, especially for relaxation, gentle muscle strengthening and stretching. So is trying to bring with the help of certain Exercises of the mind, which ultimately can affect the whole body cheap. The positive effect of the Yoga is now scientifically recognized. The circulation of the blood, especially of the internal organs can be promoted, and the circulation is stimulated, the heart rate will slow down, the breathing become calmer and deeper. As a result, the content generally decreases in stress hormones in the blood. In addition, Yoga is said to have a favorable influence on blood pressure.
Yoga often comes with back pain. It special Exercises that strengthen the back and muscles, but also relax. Further areas of application are muscle tension headaches and neck. People who suffer from sleep disorders, can benefit from targeted Exercises that calm your mind and thus inner Calmness promote. Also to mental disorders such as anxiety (anxiety disorder) or Depression could have a Yoga, therefore, is positive. For this purpose, there are already first studies. You can find more information in the Link at the end of this text.
Yoga provides vitality, strengthen the immune system and improve concentration. In addition, Yoga could be inflammation Exercises but also in diseases such as, for example, acute articular, rheumatism, in the prevention of heart attacks or the accompanying treatment of cancer quite a positive effect; in these cases, Yoga belongs in the hands of an experienced therapist or a seasoned therapist.
If you want to use Yoga for specific complaints, let this before, in principle, of a doctor to clarify and discuss whether Yoga is for you to sole or accompanying treatment. Furthermore, you should your Yoga teacher or your Yoga teacher before the beginning of the course about their complaints, inform; so he or she can ensure that all of the Exercises are suitable for you and may give you alternative Exercises.
Learning yoga techniques
Everyone can search from the wide variety of Yoga types of the individually appropriate one, to do more for the body and/or spirit. It is advisable, different classes to try out. Most yoga studios offer cheap “taster courses”.
Yoga may be used alone or also in the group are carried out. To learn first the most important Exercises, and their precise execution and their areas of application, it is advisable to visit a yoga class. Clubs, people’s universities, but also private educational institutions or private teachers, and private teachers offer yoga classes. The base is learned, it can also be practiced at home, for example, with DVDs, or Videos. It is important, when you Exercise the Asanas mindfully with your own body deal with it, and not to overwhelm him. Your limits should be accepted and not exceeded. With a lot of patience and regular Practice, the body will be strong and tensile. The relaxation and meditation exercises, it usually takes a certain amount of settling in time, until you have mastered it and can benefit. You give yourself time to Learn this new practice, and try, power of thought, if possible, as they are the relaxation experience, in the way.
Since the classical Yoga and its health is recognized promotional effect scientifically, to assume some of the insurance companies, in the meantime, even the cost of yoga classes. Ask your health insurance company whether, and if so what are the yoga to be promoted courses financially.
When should Yoga be practiced?
During an acute febrile common cold or even flu should be avoided Yoga. For Pregnant women there are special yoga exercises, which should, however, be carried out under professional guidance. Consult in case of symptoms in case of doubt, your doctor or your treating Doctor, whether they are allowed to practice Yoga. (sw, kh)
Sources and reading recommendations: