| Yoga is one of the six longest surviving classic | | | | doctrines of yoga. As the results of Roper Poll stated, |
| systems of Hindu philosophy in the world, which | | | | that at least 11 million Americans do yoga routines |
| originated from ancient India some 5000 years ago. | | | | occasionally and 6 million perform it frequently. |
| The term yoga comes from the sanskrit word "yuga", | | | | With so many people adhering to the yoga system, as |
| which means union. Yoga masters (yogis) believed | | | | can be due to the notions cited above, equal number |
| that the union of all aspects of an individual: body, mind | | | | of people might think that yoga is only for unhealthy, |
| and soul and the reunion of all opposites: mind and | | | | sick and disturbed people suffering form mild to severe |
| body, stillness and movement, masculine and feminine, | | | | and chronic disorder or disease. Or in some extreme |
| sun and moon would lead to an inner illumination, the | | | | cases, yoga might be perceived as something |
| ecstasy of the true knowledge of reality. | | | | other-worldly and non-practical activity as can be due |
| Yoga practitioners designed physical and mental | | | | to the perversions of the media and entertainment |
| exercises to achieve this union. Physical exercises | | | | industry labeling yoga with some negative remarks. |
| include yoga postures called asanas, which the yogis | | | | Contrary to most misconceptions, people of all ages |
| claimed to have maintained and perfected for millennia. | | | | could perform the yogic exercises, though cautions |
| Asanas are performed to purify and strengthen the | | | | should be kept in mind. And of course, yoga doesn't |
| body and control and focus the mind. It aimed to | | | | need any serious preparations. All that is needed is a |
| improve blood circulation and functioning of specific | | | | vacant space with flat floor surface large enough to |
| organs in the body. It also served as stable postures | | | | stretch out on, a mat or towel, enough overhead |
| for prolonged meditation and often practiced in | | | | space to fully raise the arms and loose and |
| conjunction with the mental exercises, which include | | | | appropriate clothing. Yoga should be done with an |
| breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation. | | | | empty stomach, preferably three or more hours after |
| Yogic breathing techniques and meditation are | | | | meal. And there's nothing more important than mental |
| powerful tools to quiet, calm and discipline the mind and | | | | and spiritual readiness. |
| energize, harmonize and balance the body. | | | | Yoga is such a powerful exercise, that proper |
| Yoga would not have survived thousands of years | | | | precautions are prerequisites to its use. Hence, noted |
| had it not been beneficial to its devotees. Medical | | | | are the following: people with disabilities severe, acute |
| research has confirmed that yoga is indeed helpful in | | | | or chronic health conditions should first consult their |
| alleviating problems concerning high blood pressure, | | | | medical practitioner and yoga instructor to keep away |
| pain management, backaches, sleep problems, | | | | from any dangers that might arise. Although there is no |
| diabetes, digestive disorders, arthritis, chronic fatigue, | | | | age requirement, certain poses and techniques vary |
| asthma, obesity and heart conditions. Hence, it is not | | | | according to the abilities of the practitioner, thus, it is |
| unusual to see more and more people adhering to the | | | | better to consult a qualified yoga trainer for advice. |