What is Yoga?
Developed in India, Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and meditation. However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes. The word "Yoga" means union. Linguistically, it is related to the Old English "yoke." Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga, including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.
How many types of Yoga are there?
Many. There are four paths of Yoga:
1)Jnana, the path of knowledge or wisdom;
2)Bhakti, the path of devotion;
3) Karma, the path of action; and
4) Raja, the path of self control.
Hatha Yoga, which includes postures and breathing, and is the form most popular in the West, is actually part of Raja Yoga, the path of self control. The path most followed in India is thought to be Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. Within Hatha Yoga there are many styles, such as Iyengar, Astanga, Integral, Kripalu and Jiva Mukti, to name a few. These Yogas all share a common lineage back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a text outlining the basic philosophy and practices of Classical Yoga. It was written sometime between the second century B.C. and the first century A.D. For more about the different styles of Hatha Yoga, see the Yoga Site's Yoga Styles Page on our other website
Has it been "proved" that Yoga is good for you?
Yes. Western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 50 years, and the evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga. Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga -- vs. exercise and controlled breathing -- that is beneficial. For example, a recent study with heart patients showed that those who followed a stress reduction program that included many Yoga practices did better than patients who exercised or did nothing. Further, preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga maybe helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety, stress and others.
What's the best way to get started, especially if I'm out of shape?
Find a teacher, get a book and/or video. One-on-one interaction with a teacher is invaluable experience. However, books and videos have their place, too. Remember, there is a Yoga level for everyone, regardless of physical condition
Is Yoga aerobic exercise?
Yes and...maybe. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Yoga can do that, especially those styles such as Astanga and ViniYoga that have a strong focus on the flow of one posture to another
What's the difference between Yoga and just plain stretching and normal exercise?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented: How many push ups can I do? Can I touch my toes? I'm going to do 10 more crunches today than I did yesterday. Yoga, by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In Yoga, you succeed by trying. There's also a difference on the physical level. Weight training, for example, makes you stronger by breaking down and rebuilding muscle tissue. It's this breaking down and rebuilding that results in the bulky muscle look. Yoga increases strength by toning the muscles
What's the difference between a yogi, a guru and a swami?
A yogi is someone who practices Yoga. A yogin is a male Yoga student, a yogini a female student. A guru is a teacher. "Swami" is a title of respect for a spiritual master
what is Yoga Exercises - Inverted and Balance Poses
Inverted and Balance Poses are Yoga Poses which improve your balance and strengthen specific body parts such as the shoulders and back. They ease tension, reduce fatigue and stress, and some are even considered as very therapeutic. In this section, learn how to perform the different Inverted and Balance Poses - Crow Pose, Headstand, Shoulder Stand, and the Plough Pose:
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Crane Pose (Bakasana)
Develop your sense of balance, coordination and concentration and strengthen your arms, hands, shoulders, and abdominal muscles by doing a Crane Pose. This Asana also gives an active stretching to the back. In this section, learn how to do this pose. |
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Head Stand (Sirshasana)
Head Stand is one of the basic postures in the world of Yoga and is considered as the king of Asanas because of its numerous effects on the entire body. Many Yogis believe that practicing the Head Stand can help in treating illnesses. |
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Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
In the Shoulder Stand, your body is resting on your shoulders. This Yoga Pose improves circulation, strengthens the abdominal area, and stimulates the thyroid gland. In this section, learn how the Shoulder Stand is performed. |
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Plough Pose (Halasana)
The Plough Pose stretches your spine, thus, improving spinal flexibility. It benefits the thyroid gland and abdomen, eases tension in the shoulders and back, and reduces stress. Learn how to practice the Plough Pose in this section. |
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Hand Stand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)
The Hand Stand is an important exercise which is done not only in Yoga but in several sports as well. In doing this pose, you relax your chest and build power in your arms and wrists. This Asana also helps you to improve your coordination and sense of balance. |
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It is very essential to know your limits and listen to your body. Do not perform Yoga Poses which are beyond your abilities. Otherwise, you might hurt yourself. Have fun and you will eventually reap the benefits of practicing Yoga.
What is Yoga Basics & Background Information?
Getting Started - Beginner's Guide to Yoga
If you are a beginner in the world of Yoga, you would surely want to find out as much information as possible. In this
Yoga Guide section, you will learn some basic aspects of Yoga that will give you a good foundation once you start the practice.
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How to Get Started with Yoga
This section will give you an idea on how to get started with the practice of Yoga. Know the basic Yoga session, proper clothing and yoga accessories, and learn some guidelines in doing poses. |
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Basic Yoga Session
A Basic Yoga Session includes opening poses, standing poses, salutations, shoulder and hip exercises, back and forward bends, inversions, twists, and finishing poses. |
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The Art of Relaxation
The first step in Yoga practice is to learn how to relax your body and mind. Learn how to do the corpse pose and other relaxation techniques. |
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Yoga Session that Fits Your Lifestyle
Exercise or physical activity helps the body cope with the stress of everyday life. Take time to practice Yoga. No matter how busy you are, there is a Yoga Session that will suit your lifestyle. |
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System of Yoga - Yoga Breathing, Poses, & Meditation
The key to the System of Yoga is the interconnection of Yoga Exercise, Breathing, and Meditation. Know more about these three factors and learn how they are related to each other. |
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Principles of Yoga
Take a look at the five fundamental Principles of Yoga: proper relaxation, exercise, proper breathing, diet, and Meditation or positive thinking. |
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Yoga Lifestyle - The Eight Limbs of Yoga
The Eight Limbs of Yoga are practical guides to a person's personal development to achieve the harmony of the mind, body, and the spirit which leads to Samadhi or enlightenment. |
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Yoga Diet
One of the Five Principles of Yoga is having a proper diet. It is a perfect complement to Yoga Exercise. You must have a well-balanced diet and it should nourish both your mind and body. |
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Ten Things to Consider when Starting a Yoga Studio
Before starting your own studio, you need to have a thorough plan of what you would want for your business. Read this section for the top ten things to consider before starting your own Yoga Studio. |
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Seven Mistakes Yoga Studio Owners Make
Put yourself in the right track by finding out some of the common mistakes that yoga studio businesses often make in this section. Once you know them, you can then focus on creating solutions. |
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Making Your Yoga Studio a Specialty Shop
You will get more students by targeting a narrow niche than by trying to just have classes for everyone. In this section, know what niche marketing is and learn how this can help you and your Yoga studio. |
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Yoga: A Vehicle for Global Healing
Yoga is the perfect vehicle for change of yourself, first by creating a strong and powerful body and mind. It is a starting point which you can then begin to realize your human spirit. Only then can we hope to effect a global healing of the planet. |
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Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Teacher Trainings can teach you how to see people not simply for their bodies and what is coming out of their mouths, but for their energy and spirit. In this section, learn why everyone should take a Yoga Teacher Training. |
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Yoga Teacher - Roles
There is always a confusion about the roles of a Yoga Teacher among the students and teachers as well. This section covers the qualities that a Yoga Teacher should posses as well as his or her roles. |
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The Business of Yoga
As Yoga gains popularity, people are figuring out how to spend most of their time in its practice and teaching. This is a summary of ways on how to make a living or a partial living through teaching Yoga. |
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Yoga Myths
Yoga does not merely revolve around twisting one's body into an intricate pretzel. To understand the truth behind the practice, one must delve deeper and shed light on some Yoga Myths. |
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Yoga Insight, Inspiration, and Non-attachment
There may come a time in our lives when we have to let go of everything we’ve become accustomed to in order to accept who we truly are. |
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Fight or Flight
Each Asana helps to relax and rejuvenate a different part of the body. Every posture releases pressure, and draws oxygen to the body which, in essence, helps to get rid of toxins. |
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Overdoing and Breaking the Routine
When you know that it is fine to take on a bit more than you can handle, work a little harder to get a little more out of life. So keep motivated, work hard, but don't over work. |
As a beginner, it is essential to have some basic knowledge about Yoga before practicing it. These are just some of the many aspects that you need to know in order to fully understand what Yoga is. You can also read
yoga books or watch
yoga videos. You will learn other essential principles as you gain experience.
