STRETCHING TO GOOD HEALTH An Introduction To Yoga

Of all the disciplines associated with the renewed passion for a healthy lifestyle that began in the latter years of the most recent century, Yoga is without a doubt at the forefront of such renaissance. Boasting of a union between the mind and the body through a series of exercises and breathing patterns, Yoga has quickly transformed from a spiritual practice into a daily routine for many health buffs the world over.

Yoga incorporates breathing exercises and meditation in its discipline to attain a perfect harmony between the mind and the body. The benefits of this process cannot be denied. The body is kept in tiptop shape while the mind is relieved of the pressures and stress that it was probably burdened with by enduring the rigors of everyday living. The discipline is accompanied by stretches and specific positions that apply regulated pressures to the limbs. This promotes balance and flexibility, making the body more formidable against the daily activities it has to undertake.

There are, of course, many kinds of Yoga. And as is usually the case, the sheer variety that is offered intimidates a novice to the point that he would tend to shy away from the discipline. This would be quite unfortunate. The types of Yoga can easily be mastered within hours, and an ideal program can be chosen through further study. Such would be a small investment for an activity that would immensely reward the would-be participant.

Let us take a look at these types:

* Ashtanga Yoga. This branch of the discipline is probably the most physically demanding of the traditional types of Yoga practices. The word “ashtanga” literally means eight limbs, and it is quite an appropriate label because the exercises involves would require the active participation of the same. Ashtanga Yoga is comparable to modern day aerobics. Though cardiovascular in nature, synchronicity with the breath is given focus, hence assuring that the principles of general Yoga are not lost.

* Hatha Yoga. Perfect for beginners, Hatha Yoga is a slower paced variation consisting of precise and gentle movements that aims to extend the limbs to increase resistance and flexibility. It is coupled with predetermined breathing patterns as well. It is believed that with such a breathing model, oxygen can freely circulate to the brain and cleanse the mind of the impurities that may have clustered in its regions.

* Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga is much akin to Yoga in a Spa. Think of Yoga exercises conducted in a refreshing steam bath and you’d have a good idea of what this variation of the discipline is all about. 26 different exercise sets are conducted in a session of Bikram Yoga, and the humid environment is said to relax and loosen the muscles, thus facilitating a more effective class.

* Vinsaya Yoga. This type of Yoga is similar to Ashtanga Yoga because it also consists of rapid and extraneous movements that would test the limits of the human body. The pacing, however, is more forgiving, as each session starts slow and proceeds to faster levels. Breathing patterns are not neglected in this variation.

* Iyengar Yoga. Whereas the other types of Yoga exercise sets focus on movements, Iyengar Yoga concentrates more on keeping a certain position for a certain amount of time. By aligning the body in a specific stance, all the while controlling the same through a determined breathing pattern, it is believed that the harmony between body and mind that is promoted by Yoga shall be more efficiently achieved.

* Power Yoga. This is perhaps the most modern incarnation of the Yoga discipline. It is a hybrid of Ashtanga Yoga and modern aerobic exercises. Unlike its Eastern cousins, Power Yoga was invented in the West, and has been globally embraced as a discipline that promotes the best of both worlds.

As one can clearly see, Yoga offers so much variety by which its benefits can be reaped. There is an exercise set that is perfectly suited for any particular person. Indeed, Yoga is a gift from the past that is making our future so much healthier and brighter.