Origins & meaning of yoga
At least 4,000 years ago (possibly much longer), the early yogis in Northern India drew on their deep experiences and formulated practices for man to achieve and maintain a state of balanced existence. Although the Sanskrit word yoga is commonly interpreted as ‘union', it's primary meaning has been that of practices for the cultivation of the highest awareness at all levels of the human being. There are many ways to practice yoga including meditation, study, self enquiry, chanting and hatha yoga.
Yoga is ……a unique type of exercise
Every time you step on to your yoga mat, you connect to and become part of an evolving and powerful, ancient tradition. Yoga is the ultimate exercise and method of self improvement.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers a myriad of benefits physically, mentally and emotionally to help us live our lives to the fullest.
Health maintenance & illness prevention
- decreases blood pressure
- lowers the pulse rate
- massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner which prevents disease
Complete detoxification
- improves circulation by gently stretching muscles and joints and massaging the various organs
- transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
- flushes out toxins from the system
Weight reduction & muscle toning
- strengthens and tones the core
- increases muscle definition throughout the body
- stimulates flaccid, weak or lazy muscles to shed excess flab
- increases metabolism so fat is converted to muscle and energy
Mental & emotional benefits
- reduces level of stress hormone, cortisol
- strengthens nervous system, reducing long-term stress levels
- increases dopamine, which lifts the mood to create a feeling of happiness and harmony
- gives the opportunity for introspection and inner-awareness
Regular practice leads to awareness of your own body, also to physical and mental relaxation.