Yoga

YOGA

For a sound mind and a sound body, exercise is an essential part of life. Many new researches say that yoga is equally important to attain a healthy body and a peaceful mind. Yoga is a complex and ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Yoga is so old that nobody knows about its actual origin date or time. The transmission of its teaching on palm leaves in early times was either lost or damaged that’s why it is hard to track down its origin time. Some researchers say it is 5000 years old practice and other says 10,000 years old.

Anyhow, the beginning of yoga goes back to 5000 years old Indus valley civilization modern day India and Pakistan. The most renowned of the yogic scripture is Bhagavad-Gita written, between 400 BC and 200 CE. The Bhagavad Gita is an epic poem which took place on a battlefield according to the Hindu beliefs.*

The word YOGA is originated from the Sanskrit language, the ‘’YUJ’’ which means union. Literally speaking, a holistic approach to unite body, mind and, soul where you should let go of your egos and submit yourself to love, peace, and serenity.

In ancient times the Yoga was for attaining enlightenment, a kind of spiritual journey or attaining eternal peace. But, modern time’s yoga varies among its followers.

For some people Yoga is a tool to gain spiritual element, others have personal fitness and flexibility goals, while some use to fight disorders and for some it is a complete package to gain everything.

The long history of Yoga is divided into four periods of its innovation and development.

· Pre-Classical Yoga

· Classical Yoga

· Post-Classical Yoga

· Modern Period

The yoga practices of modern-day countries including, India (origin state of Yoga) and USA typically emphasize on physical postures, breathing techniques, and mediation.

Many researches have documented immense health benefits of Yoga. Anyhow, Yoga doesn’t free us from health concerns or neither is it a cure for all disease, but it definitely improves our health. Many researchers say Yoga is very beneficial for elderly people with chronic heart diseases. Many other health benefits are as follows;

· It relives from stress and pressure

· One may attain a well-balanced sleep cycle

· Healthy habits develop and you may quit smoking

· The body stretching gives you relief from backache and neck pain

· It also deals with menopause symptoms

· Yoga might manage your anxiety, but studies don’t suggest that it can treat clinical depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder

· It helps you in losing weight.

Yoga is indeed a very healthy practice, but everything has a down side as well. Yoga involves physical activities so it is important to do Yoga under the guidance of a supervisor otherwise it can cause strains and sprains. If you are new to yoga, then do not indulge in tough and complicated body postures i.e. headstands or lotus postures. The pregnant women and elderly people should take advice and tips before practicing Yoga. Don’t use Yoga to treat your mental or chronic disorders yourself.

19 June is celebrated as an International Day of Yoga.