Yoga
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Yoga Indian practice that dates back to ancient times, it uses physical postures to obtain a harmony of mind, body and spirit. It is a discipline of breathing and concentration during practice will make you.
In the modern world Yoga is taking many different forms, regular practice can bring benefits, these include increased oxygenation of your blood stream, a clearer and more relaxed mind, more toned body, better posture, improved circulation of blood and many more.
Yoga Terms:
asanas - postures which can be dynamic or static
Bandha - internal energy locks which hold in prana or direct it elsewhere – they are formed when muscles are contracted
chakra - there are seven chakras along the vertical midline of the body They are powerful areas that connect mind and body together
mantra - a chanted sound used to assist meditation practices or focus the mind
mudra - a hand position that allows prana to be channeled through the body, and connect with the mind
pranayama - a breathing technique to focus on prana carrying channels
samadhi - the state of bliss that yoga aims to connect with
viniyasa - a flow of asanas and pranayamas linked together to attain maximum benefit
Yoga Styles:
Astanga - A set sequence. The sequence will move through a Primary, Secondary, and then Advanced Series, the aim of which is to leave you feeling energized and balanced with an inner alertness. It is not a beginner’s method as knowledge of yoga and its postures is required.
Bikram - A form of yoga that teaches 26 postures in a set sequence in a room heated to about 38 degrees C. It is both suitable for the beginner or the advanced student the main focus will be on the physical aspects of Yoga however some spiritual connection is possible.
Hatha - Fundamental Yoga this is what most Yoga is based on from ancient times. Its aim is to balance you both physically and mentally and will leave you feeling both stimulated and relaxed. It is suitable for both beginners and more advanced students, and classes will vary from teacher to teacher.
Iyengar - A very thorough form of yoga that pays attention to detail,The emphasis during a class is on correct alignment. The class is very suitable for beginners as it helps to learn each asana. The concentration involved in perfecting technique also goes to help focus the mind. A class will leave you feeling stronger, longer and calmer.
Kundalini - Perhaps the most spiritual of all the yoga disciplines. Kundalini combines asanas with mudras, mantras and breathing to allow connection with the charkas.
Power Yoga - Similar to Astanga yoga, this form was developed in America recently to offer a tough cardio workout. The classes will vary from teacher to teacher as there is no set routine.
Sivananda - This form may use mantras and meditation. It is based on 12 basic hatha postures and has a strong emphasis on breathing technique. Much of a class will also be devoted to relaxation. You will be left feeling uplifted and mentally focused.
Viniyoga - A specific one-to-one form of yoga, that aims to address as individuals needs – both mental and physical.