Yoga FAQ -------- What is yoga? ------------- The word "yoga" means to unite in harmony. Yoga is a self-discipline to bring harmony in our lives. It provides tools to harmonize our being at all levels of our existence- physical, mental, social and spiritual. Practice and study of yoga help to bring about a natural balance of body and mind in which the state of health can manifest itself. Yoga by itself does not create health; rather, it creates an internal environment that allows the individual to come to his or her own state of dynamic balance, or health. Basically, yoga teaches that a healthy person is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. Today, most yoga practices in the west focuses on the physical aspect of yoga. However, yoga offers more than just harmony at the body level- it provides breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation, etc to harmonize the deeper levels of our being. How does yoga improve physical fitness? --------------------------------------- Physical well-being is the harmonious orchestra of different organs and body parts working together. Yoga exercises include stretching, dynamic (aerobic) flow of postures, postures to massage the internal organs and to regulate the flow of blood. Further, yoga postures give special focus to the spine, which houses the central nervous system-- thus carrying the benefits to the level of the mind. Yoga also reduces the "disharmony" in the form of stress, improper posture, etc in the body. All these take you to a state of physical harmony and well-being. I am too stiff and out of shape. Is yoga for me? ------------------------------------------------ No one is too stiff or out of shape to do yoga. Being in harmony with oneself is not limited only to people who are in good shape! With regular practice of yoga, you will experience well-being at the level of the body and mind, and develop a positive body consciousness. How is yoga different from other forms of exercise? --------------------------------------------------- Yoga strives for well-being across all levels of our existence: not just the physical body. At the physical level it harmonizes the body with postures, stretching, and dynamic movements. At the level of the breath, yoga offers techniques to use the lung capacity fully, and to harmonize the rhythm of the breath. For the mind and deeper layers of our existence, yoga offers meditation, concentration and relaxation techniques. Is yoga effective to manage high blood-pressure? ------------------------------------------------ Yes- the relaxation and meditation aspects of yoga are ideal for tackling high blood pressure. Breathing techniques too help in reducing the stress and induce relaxation, as they impact the state of the mind. Will yoga help me lose weight? ------------------------------ Yoga makes you feel in harmony with yourself, regardless of your weight. That said, yoga can help you slim down in a couple of ways. First, it offers dynamic exercises that will help you burn calories. Second, yoga postures regulate the harmones secreted in the body, including those that control the weight of the body. How many types of yoga are there? --------------------------------- Many. Each type of yoga has something unique to offer. The best would be to sample classes of different styles to experience for yourself which is best for you. How old is yoga? ---------------- Yoga is an ancient practice with a written history going back thousands of years. Since then, yoga has been nurtured as an active endeavor, and not a fossilized science. Is yoga a religion? ------------------- No, yoga is not a religion. People of all faiths have enjoyed doing yoga. In fact, many people find that their yoga practice deepens their connection to their chosen religion by encouraging self-awareness and mindfulness in everyday life.