Yoga
In our hectic modern world many people are taking ‘time out’ to practice yoga - a system of philosophy that originated in India 5,000 years ago. Everyone can practice yoga, regardless of age, sex or ability
Yoga offers us a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit, which can provide us with the ‘tools’ to cope with the challenges of daily life. Yoga can also complement medical science and therapy for specific conditions.
You may be drawn to yoga simply for health and fitness, or be seeking relief for a specific physical condition. You might want help with managing stress, or would like pregnancy yoga classes or exercises suitable for the less able-bodied. Whatever your objectives, there are yoga classes that can meet them.
By making yoga a part of your daily routine, you may become aware of subtle changes in your approach to life. In your yoga class you may well begin to glimpse a state of inner peace...your true Nature.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'yeung' meaning to join - is a Hindu discipline provided a range of physical & mental exercises aimed at improving control of your body & mind, focusing on body alignment. It is a simple means of relief from both mental & physical stress guiding the way to achieve good health.
The Sanskrit word yoga is translated as 'union' between mind, body and spirit. In the West, the most widely taught form of yoga is Hatha Yoga with classes offering students exercises to stretch and flex the body, develop breath awareness, relaxation and sometimes meditation.
Many British Wheel of Yoga classes begin with limbering moves and sequences to warm up the muscles and joints. This prepares the body and mind for asana (posture) work. These exercises may be referred to as 'pawanmuktasana' (wind/energy-releasing postures).
Asana
Asanas (yoga postures) strengthen and tone the body and improve the flow of energy - regulating physical systems of the body and breath, and stilling the mind for meditation.
The asanas used in a class will vary from teacher to teacher and depend on the abilities of the students. The objective in asana work is not how far you can stretch or contort your body, but to combine stability (stira) with ease/relaxation (sukha). Teachers are trained to modify asanas for individuals with medical conditions ranging from pregnancy to arthritis. There are also specialist teachers who hold pregnancy, MS, or ME classes.
Breath work
Simple breathing techniques are taught to develop awareness and relaxation of the breath. These are then developed into 'pranayama' exercises – controlling and moving prana through the breath. Prana means the 'vital' or 'life force energy'. Not all exercises are suitable for those with respiratory or circulatory conditions, so be sure to advise your teacher if you have a condition before you start a class.
History and philosophy
Some teachers try to include some history and philosophy in their yoga classes by introducing a weekly or term 'theme'. This will help you understand how the yoga you are doing fits within the original spiritual context and history.
Don't hold back in asking your tutor questions - in most yoga classes, discussion and feedback is actively encouraged.
Meditation
There are a huge variety of meditation techniques and styles. The ones you're most likely to come across will have the objective of stilling the mind by focussing your awareness on a single object – the movement of the breath, an image or candle, a sound or chant.
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All content within is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.LSCT is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the LSCT website.Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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