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Yoga
Despite what people think yoga is not just for those who are already flexible like to be still and don't want sweaty workouts. There are different types of yoga and they can be used for the different phases of life, e.g. loosing weight, increasing cardio vascular fitness, improving flexibility and stamina all while achieving piece of mind.
Yoga can be used to help conditions such as asthma, back ache, migraines, joint pain, stress, insomnia, digestion, ibs, menstruation and weight problems.
Yoga means 'to grow with life' it is a form of activity made up of hundreds of poses known as asana's which each effect and stimulate different body parts and systems. A series of postures is called a sequence, the most well known yoga sequence is the 'salute to the sun' once each of the 12 postures have been mastered you can flow through them in sequence this adds benefits and challenges to the yoga practice.
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Origin of yoga |
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The origin of yoga is thought to be at least 5,000 years old. In Pakistan in the Indus valley stone relics of the postures have been found. These relics are dated circa 3000bc. The yoga we use today is thought to have come from Patanjali 'the father of yoga' in 3000 bc he created the 8 limbs of yoga and described the postures and breathing techniques in text. Since then different styles have developed, each of the styles still focuses on the eight limbs,and usually has very similar positions. The sequences and the breathing techniques seem to be the major differences. Yoga has also become well known around the world as well as in the traditional cultures. |
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The 8 limbs of yoga |
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Yama; 5 moral ethics: peace, truth, not stealing, moderation and alturism.
Niyama; Ethical codes: purity, contentment, austerity devotion to god.
Asana; Right postures, right movement.
Pranayama;- Regulation; awareness of breath
Pratayhara; Control of the senses
Dharana;- Practice concentration and calming of the mind
Dhyana; Meditation
Samadhi; Enlightenment;super-consciousness;... living in the moment and in union with all that surrounds you in your life.
Each different style of yoga practises the limbs differently. |
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