Health & Medical Yoga

Yoga - A Guide for Beginners

In the fast paced world today where everyone is continuously stressed, we need a little peace of mind.
Yoga is an effective way to block yourself from all the stress and noise of the daily grind of life.
There is quietude and inner peace, along with a balanced, healthy mind and body.
Yoga is often related to Hinduism though its beginnings can be traced to as early as 3000 B.
C.
The different postures or 'asanas' suggested in yoga are perfected for achieving harmony between your body, mind and soul.
Not spiritual in nature, yoga however, leaves you with a deep sense of calm and relaxation.
It connects breathing with the body and mind, and helps you meditate.
Most people suffering from various problems such as body pain, indigestion and obesity find solace in yoga.
Yoga is a holistic approach and helps in a harmonious blend and control of the mind and body.
For this risen, it has risen in popularity with more and more people turning towards yoga as an art of living and health and fitness maintainer.
For beginners, the world of yoga may seem mystic.
However, yoga can be done through very simple 'asanas' which are extremely effective.
You can also join a boot camp that incorporates yoga as part of their workout routine.
Before starting out, make sure you are set with some simple pre-requisites.
Have a yoga mat on which you can do your exercises.
Never try yoga on a full stomach.
The best time to do yoga is early mornings on an empty stomach.
Allot at least thirty minutes each morning.
You must start yoga with the breathing exercise.
'Pranayam' or the breathing exercise is the basic exercise of yoga.
This goes hand in hand with all other 'asanas.
' This the basic and most relaxing exercise, where you become aware of your breathing and body.
There are exercises for each part of your body.
For example, neck exercises involve bending your head forward and backward; then from right to left and similarly continuing a complete rotating movement of the head.
Shoulder exercises include lifting and pushing your shoulders up and down.
Surya Namaskar is a flowing series of twelve poses, which help improve the spinal cord and strengthens the muscles.
The main idea here is to bend yourself twice over and then lie on your stomach and back up again, each time bending your knees.
The corpse pose or 'savasana' is a classic relaxation pose.
You can try this even in between other 'asanas'.
Lie flat on the ground and let your arms fall alongside.
Rotate your legs in and out and your spine by turning your head on each side.
Stretch yourself as if your head is being pulled away from your body and bend your knees.
This is a good exercise for those suffering from asthma, indigestion and insomnia.
All the 'asanas' mentioned above are incomplete if you do not cut yourself from the outside world and relax.
Being aware of your breathing is a must in all positions in yoga.
Only when you are aware of your breathing will you be aware of your body and mind; only then will you be able to judge how much you can push your body.
Do not overdo and flex your muscles by force.
The basic concept of yoga is to be in control of yourself, and it is only then that you can relax and perform the 'asans.
' Finally, yoga means different things to different people.
It can be seen as a cure for those suffering from diseases, or a weight loss strategy for those who would like to lose weight.
It is an art of living for those who want to meditate and a strengthening exercise for those who want to strengthen their muscles.
Depending on what you need, you can perform the different 'asanas'.
However, no matter which 'asana' you practice, your body and mind should be in harmony.
Consider enrolling yourself in a boot camp if you want to get professional help or read books and online sites.
However, the most important thing you need is determination and motivation to begin.
Once you start with yoga, there is no looking back.


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