What is yoga?
The word "yoga" means "union." Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots that go back about 5,000 years. There is a lot more to yoga than physical postures (Asanas), or the breathing exercises (Pranayama) or even the meditation. In the true tradition of yoga the goal is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. Most people now, however, approach yoga to obtain the very real benefits of health, mental clarity, stress release and fitness. The wonderful thing about yoga is its flexibility. Practitioners can focus on the spiritual, psychological or physical benefits of yoga, or all of the above.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga defies categorization. Whatever your method of contacting the Divine, Yoga can accelerate movement in that direction. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender or religion or race. Yoga is truly universal. Most people find that they can practice Yoga without any conflict with their religious beliefs.
Is Yoga Good for You?
Studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga can help conditions such as stress, anxiety, and even epilepsy. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years and evidence suggests numerous physical and psychological benefits.
How many styles of yoga are there?
There are many different styles, and this is a good thing because people have such differing temperaments. There are four basic paths of Yoga: 1) Jnana, which is the path of knowledge and wisdom; 2) Bhakti, the path of devotion; 3) Karma, the path of action; and 4) Raja, the path of self control. Within this path (Raja) is found Hatha Yoga, which is the most popular path in the West. In India, Bhakti is perhaps the most popular. Many paths such as Iyengar, Kripalu, Astanga, Integral and Jiva Mukti, to name a few, are Hatha Yoga styles. A common lineage dates back to Patanjali's Yoga sutras, the text which outlines the basic philosophy and practices of classical Yoga.
Is Yoga a New Age Practice?
Yoga and New Age movements share a common focus on the improvement of the body and mind and their connection to the soul. Yoga goes back thousands of years.
What is Om?
It is a sacred Hindu sound symbolizing the Absolute. It can be spelled Aum. It is used as a mantra during meditation. Correct pronunciation rhymes with "home."
Is Yoga Aerobic Exercise?
The physical Yogas are certainly aerobic, because they improve oxygenation of the blood through increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Astanga and Vini Yoga are good examples.
What if I am out of shape?
Finding a good teacher is the optimum way to go. Also books and videos can be very helpful. Remember, if you have any condition or physical situation you are in doubt about, consult your health care practitioner.
How is Yoga different from normal exercises?
Yoga focuses more on process than goal. Gym activities or other more goal-driven exercises are quite different. You are not competing with anyone when you do yoga. Toning is the way in which Yoga achieves muscular strength, in contrast to, for example, weightlifting, which breaks down muscle to build it.
Do I need to be vegetarian to practice Yoga?
Recent surveys suggest that only one out of three yoga practitioners is vegetarian. The traditional yoga diet is vegetarian, but one's awareness keeps evolving, and at each stage a person can tune in to what is best for her/his own body.
How often should I do Yoga? For how long? length
Any yoga is better than none. Ideally, practice every day for 60-90 minutes. If that is not possible, do what you can--and do not come down on yourself for not doing more. Shorter sessions like 20-30 minutes a day are better than one 90-minute session a week.
Will yoga help me to reduce weight?
You will look and feel better very soon if you practice regularly and eat healthy food, fresh vegetables and more water will soon improve your physique. Also your muscle tone and strength will improve.
Which style is best?
Try a few different styles and when one clicks, commit to that one. Any style you choose will help you. Availability of a teacher whom you like can also play a big part in your enjoyment.
Should I do Yoga while I am pregnant?
Yoga is a great way to strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid function and blood pressure, and reduce stress, all of which are good for the baby. It is fine to continue modified practice if you were doing yoga before; if you are just beginning, it is best to work with a teacher who has prenatal Yoga experience. In general you should avoid strain, compressing the abdomen, and inverted postures, especially in the later stages.
Should women do Yoga during menses?
Avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners, extended holding of any pose or energizing breaths (Kapalabhati). These practices may interfere with the downward flow and cause discomfort. Otherwise, it is largely a matter of choice; some women like to continue practice during menses and some do not.
Can yoga help with social anxiety?
Stress and anxiety levels can be drastically reduced by Yoga practice. A stronger sense of self is built with regular practice, and over time this increased confidence and well-being can reduce or nullify feelings of anxiety. Nadi Shodhana, which is a breathing technique, can help alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety attack. You may also become more able to observe the factors that lead to an anxiety attack, and deal with them before the symptoms escalate. There can be significant improvement within months.
Can yoga help to control high blood pressure?
Yoga promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation as well as bodily awareness, so some people can experience help in this. Belly or diaphragmatic breathing reduces stress. Pranayama (controlled breathing) techniques, called Nadi Shodhana, are very helpful. Avoid the Shoulder Stand, Headstand and Downward Dog. Also approach the Warrior 1 and 2, the Mountain, Triangle, Half Moon, Tree, Standing Squat and Symbol of Yoga with care and do not hold these poses for more than a few breaths.
How do I recognize a qulified teacher?
There are no universal standards. Someone who is certified may have just done a weekend course or may have studied for many years. Yoga is so diverse and broad that some people in the yoga community feel it would be impossible to create uniform standards. However; the Yoga Alliance has outlined some minimum requirements that yoga teachers must meet in order to become "registered." Yoga teacher registration has no national or official significance. The training requirements for registration are very reasonable and are followed by most training organizations.