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The secret is out! Yoga relieves stress

Practicing yoga helps in the unity of body and mind. Yoga is an ancient technique and a forgotten therapy which is being revived in this modern era. Yoga can be effectively used to tackle stress. This article gives you an insight on:
  • Find more details on yoga
  • How yoga postures helps in relieving stress?
  • What are the different sections of yoga?
Yoga is a Sanskrit term which means 'Union' or 'Harmony'. The practice of Yoga results in the union of body and mind. Yoga and stress relief are not a newly related phenomenon. Yoga is an ancient technique and a forgotten therapy which is being revived in this modern era. Practicing Yoga for stress management is part of all stress management programs. Though Yoga has its origin in the East, it is practiced world wide. Yoga doesn't pertain to any religion. Any one in the world can perform yoga and still follow their religion.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice of controlling body and mind which originated in India a few thousand years ago. It is a practice by which there occurs a physical and mental harmony. The Yoga that is practiced all over the world is actually called 'Hath Yoga' a component of the wholesome Yogic practices. There are many sections in yogic practices which have got different implications. The different sections of Yoga are

Bhakthi Yoga - It is way of devoting love and faith to God

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Dhyana Yoga - It is a form of concentration leading to trance state.

Karma Yoga - It is related to selfless services

Kriya Yoga - It is concerned with rituals and related religious activities.

Kundalini Yoga - It is related to releasing the piled up energy by chanting sacred words.

Hatha Yoga - It is related to exercise induced health and vitality.

Gnana Yoga - It is related to knowledge

Raja Yoga - It is the highest form of Yoga

Acu Yoga - It is a new addition and it is a hybrid variety of modern yoga.

The Classical Yoga or the Ashtanga Yoga

This is the type of yoga as described by the scholar Patanjali during the 1st century B.C. This consists of 8 parts or limbs. They are

Yama - meaning restraining from evil acts like stealing, violence etc

Niyama - means Observance of purity , contentment, tolerance

Asana - means posturing and physical exercises

Pranayama - means breathing control

Pratyahara - means withdrawal of senses from external objects

Dharana - means concentrating on a particular object for a specific time

Dhyana - means meditation

Samadhi - means self realization

The outcome of Samadhi is called Kaivalya which is the final thing achieved in Yoga. The first five limbs are called the external limbs and the next three limbs are called the internal limbs.

The whole concept of modern yogic practices revolves around three components or limbs of the total of the above mentioned eight limbs.
  • Yogic postures or Asanas
  • Yogic breathing or Pranayama
  • Yogic meditation or Dhyana
The postures are designed to exert maximum pressure on different glandular structures so as to keep the body healthy. Prayanayama is done to get the maximum oxygen. By proper posturing and breathing the body gets ready for meditation which is done for harmony of mind and body so that the ultimate goal of peace is attained.

Yogic Postures or the Asanas

Asanas can be considered science of body physics. Wrong and bad postures causes stress in the body by inhibiting the flow of energy and by accumulating toxic products inside. All kinds of body aches are said to be due to bad posturing and the subsequent accumulation of toxic products in the body. By performing yogic postures there is a free flow of energy in and out of the body which helps in the proper functioning of the body and the subsequent relief of muscle tension. Among the different asanas the following are very popular.

Makarasana or Crocodile Posture

In this posture, the person lies flat on his tummy with face downwards and remains still without moving (resembling a crocodile under water). It relaxes the muscles and keeps the mind away from distraction. It is very much useful in women suffering from premenstrual tension.

Bal asana or the Child's pose

The person assumes posture of the fetus inside uterus by curling forwards. By doing this, there is relaxation of back muscles.

Savasana or the Corpse pose

In this posture, the person emulates a dead person. Though it appears very simple, it is one of the toughest asanas to perform and most effective one also for relaxation.

Continue to: Breathing or Pranayama

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