Yoga

Yoga was originally formed in India over 5,000 years ago and is classed as an alternative therapy, however it is more than a form of medicine, it is a philosophy which is said to bring the body, mind and spirit together as one. It is only when one’s body, mind and spirit are in perfect harmony that a person can be fit and healthy and totally happy.

The total aim of those who follow and practise yoga on a daily basis is to reach a state of ultimate physical health along with happiness, tranquillity and peace. If the body and mind are calm, then the body will be healthier and will be able to mend itself when things start to go wrong.

The different forms of yoga

There are various types of yoga, although all of them are based on the same goal, experiencing your inner self. The different forms of yoga are called pathways and they are defined as the path of devotion which is Bhakti yoga, the path of selfless action which is Karma yoga the path of transcendental knowledge which is Jnana yoga and the eight step path which is Asthanga yoga.

The most common type of yoga which is taught and practised in the Western world is Hatha yoga which takes a little from all of the above forms and combines them. This form of yoga is said to take the best from the other forms which leads to a well balanced form.

The ultimate goal that yogis strive to achieve is reaching the path of enlightenment; this is a state where nothing else exists in your mind but yourself. Your body and pattern of breathing should be working as one and a feeling of total peace and clarity exists in the mind.

How do I get started in yoga?

There are many ways that you can learn the yoga positions, there are a wide variety of books, manuals and DVDs available for you to learn at home, at your own pace. However as some of the positions or poses of yoga are quite complex by far the best way is to get instruction in a yoga class.

Not only are you able to see firsthand the style but also you are able to gain the experience from the practitioner. A yogic will also be able to give you an insight into the system of yoga as a whole; yoga is so much more than just performing a series of exercises.

The beauty of attending a beginners yoga class is that anyone of any age can take part, while there are certain positions in yoga that not everyone can attain, there are many that anyone can perform and can benefit from.

Classes are usually defined as beginner, intermediate and expert which allow you to move along if you decide that this form of alternative therapy is suitable to you. Yoga is said to be beneficial for many illnesses and ailments particularly those which are related to stress and anxiety.