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Page 1 of 2 FAQs
What is Yoga?
Yoga originated thousands of years ago in India as a technique to help people achieve spiritual enlightenment. Today, people practice Yoga to improve their physical, mental and/or spiritual well being. Most forms of Yoga involve physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.
The Yoga most Westerners know is a movement technique – a series of poses (called asanas) that emphasize stretching, attentive breathing, and relaxation. These comprehensive poses are part of a 5000 year old spiritual discipline and belief system.
Aren’t there different types of Yoga?
There are several different styles of Yoga, including Hatha, Iyengar, and Astanga, and each has a slightly different emphasis. Hatha Yoga, the style most commonly taught in the West, includes stretching and breathing exercises, poses, and meditation or relaxation techniques. Most Yoga classes focus on a few dozen Hatha poses – often borrowing from other styles as well. Iyengar Yoga is more vigorous and intense, with poses that develop strength and aim for precise alignment of the spine and limbs. And Astanga, or “Power Yoga,” incorporates poses from Hatha and other styles but is far more dynamic. Each pose is choreographed into a flowing sequence of moves that will definitely get your heart and muscles going. In fact, Astanga not only limbers you up but also provides a full blown aerobic workout.
What are the benefits?
Yoga strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance and flexibility, and increases blood flow and vitality. It’s also a great way to reduce stress. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found Yoga lowers chemicals in the blood stream associated with anxiety and triggers other physiological relaxation responses, such as reducing muscle tension and lowering heart rate.
Studies have shown that the attentive, controlled breathing cultivated in Yoga can help short–circuit your body’s fight or flight response, the keyed–up feeling you get during times of danger or stress. Regular Yoga practice can also lower blood pressure, help ease headache and arthritis pain, reduce anxiety, and combat insomnia and other stress related ills. What’s more, because all styles of Yoga make you more flexible, you’re more likely to avoid injury and you’ll be able to keep up a wider range of activities.
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