yoga

just sharing some facts on yoga. and these are stuff that will be going into my elective report

What is yoga?
The word “yoga” means “union”: union of mind, body and spirit- the union between us and the intelligent cosmic spirit of creation- “The oneness of all Things”
Yoga is one of the six classic systems of Hindu philosophy, distinguished from the others by the marvels of bodily control and the magical powers that are attained by its advanced devotees. Yoga affirms the principle that through the practice of certain disciplines one may achieve liberation from the limitations of flesh, the delusions of sense, and the pitfalls of thought and thus attain union with the object of knowledge.
Yoga has achieved much popularity in the west and is practiced in many parts of the world. It is considered as a form of exercise that is suitable for people from all walks of life, no matter how old you are or what your fitness level is. Yoga is a non-competitive, personal and enjoyable activity and brings many benefits.

Yoga encompasses five principles.
1. Relaxation
Rests your entire system and releases tension in the muscle. Exercise followed by relaxation dislodges blockage in the system and restores the body’s normal energy flow. It helps to calm the mind

2. Exercise- the asana
The yoga posture (known as asanas) helps to stretch and tone all the muscles and strengthens bones and ligaments. Asanas help improve circulation and keep the spine, muscles and joints more flexible. They also help relieve by increasing endorphins in the body

3. Breath control (pranayama)
Breathing techniques increases the capacity of the lungs, enabling you to breathe fully. They help to strengthen the internal organs, improve mental control and deepen your ability to relax

4. A nourishing diet
A well balanced diet will boost the immune system, ensure better health and help to calm the mind. As a result, your body will become more resistant to illness and diseases and you will feel a greater sense of general well-being

5. Positive thinking and meditation
Yoga promotes positive thinking as one of the most important principles. It will train your mind to purify your thoughts so that a more confident you emerges. Meditation will ultimately lead to self-realization- the real purpose of yoga

Source
The New Guide to Therapies: pilates, yoga, meditation and stress relief, Paragon publishing, 2002
Encarta Encyclopedia