Yoga is a method of treating diseases by means of Yogic exercises which are physical or mental or both. It is a specialized form of yogic culture. This method of treatment has its origin in India and is practiced from the very ancient times. Maharishi Patanjali is known to be the founder of Yoga. The term"Yoga"derives its meaning from the Sanskrit root "Yug" which means "to join”. It signifies the union between the individual soul (human-being) and the universal soul (God). Its aim is to obtain relief from pain and suffering. Basically evolution of human takes place on three different planes namely Physical, Mental and Spiritual.
Yoga is a science of attaining perfect and sound health by maintaining a balance and achieving optimum functioning on all the three levels through complete self-control. Yogic asanas, Pranayamas and Kriyas constitute the physical basis of Yoga. Performing all these asanas, Kriyas leads to excellent circulation. It provides energy and stimulation to the major doctrine glands of the body. Yogic exercises promote internal health and harmony, and their regular practice helps to prevent many common ailments. They also eliminate stress, tensions be they mental, physical or emotional.
Pranayama reverts the ageing process. Normally an ordinary person breathes roughly fifteen times per minute taking in approximately twenty cubic inches of air. But Pranayama slows down the breathing rate to once or twice a minute with full and deep inhaled breath taking nearly hundred cubic inches of air. All Yogic exercises should be practiced on a clean carpet, mat or blanket covered with a cotton sheet. During practice the clothes should be light and loose fitted to allow the movement of limbs freely. The mind should be free from all disturbances and tensions. Punctuality and regularity in practicing Yoga is essential. The ideal time to practice Yoga is 5am to 8am in the morning.
Yogic asanas and Pranayamas should be performed under the guidance of a competent teacher and stomach should be empty while practicing asanas. "Shavasana should be practiced for a brief period before starting other exercises as it creates the right mental condition. Asanas should be performed at a slow motion pace maintaining poise and balance. Pranayama is a method of breath control. Even healthy people and sportsmen can practice Pranayama to increase their energy level, children can practice it to improve their memory and reasoning and aged people can practice it to improve their body functioning. The importance and advantages of practicing Yoga are listed below:
- The body becomes more healthy, flexible and strong.
- It enhances blood circulation.
- It restores normal breathing balance.
- It helps to reduce weight in case of overweight persons.
- Tones up the muscles of the body.
- Clears the respiratory and nasal passages.
- Makes yourself calm and cool.
- Improves your meditative and concentrative powers.
Thus we can conclude that Yogic asanas Pranayamas and Kriyas are extremely useful to maintain a sound body, healthy mind and correct mental and physical energy.
