Yoga: A Practice For The Body And The Mind.
Today, yoga is a very trendy practice that is done all over the world, but it has not always been the case.
The origins of yoga.
The origin of yoga is dated back to the 3rd millennium BC in India. The word "yoga" comes from Sanskrit and translates as "union, method". There is no specific date or location as these details vary greatly from one text or oral tradition to another. However, it is known that this practice arrived in the West approximately 200 years ago through individuals such as Swami Vivekananda and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, both of whom set out to introduce and establish this practice.
The benefits of yoga
Regular practice of yoga brings many physical benefits such as increased flexibility in tendons and ligaments, as well as gentle stretching and strengthening of muscles and deep work on balance. Yoga also brings spiritual benefits by enhancing concentration and the practitioner's balance. Yoga helps to combat stress and anxiety by teaching how to refocus on the present moment and developing a sense of mindfulness in practitioners.
When to start practicing yoga
Yesterday would have been a good time, but since we can't go back, let's say today. No matter what age you are, whether it's 10, 30, or 60 years old, starting a yoga practice can only be beneficial. However, it is recommended to consult your general practitioner before starting any physical activity to obtain their advice based on your abilities. Certain types of yoga will be more suitable for certain individuals than others.
Why breathe through the nose in yoga?
It is recommended to breathe in through the nose during yoga as it allows for better filtration of air impurities and helps to fight anxiety. Breathing in through the nose reaches body temperature more quickly and requires less effort from the body. However, during certain postures (Asanas), it may be necessary to exhale through the mouth in order to better release all toxins and negative energies from the body.
Which yoga to start with
To start smoothly, it is recommended to begin with Hatha Yoga or Yoga Nidra, which will allow time to discover and master the postures before moving on, if desired, to more dynamic practices like Ashtanga Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga. It is recommended to start practicing in a studio with an instructor in order to properly learn the techniques.
Which yoga for weight loss
Yoga, practiced daily, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can help in weight loss. However, it is important to choose the right type of yoga, that is, an active and dynamic yoga such as Ashtanga yoga and Vinyasa yoga. They allow for faster and more numerous sequences of poses, thus enabling greater weight loss.
Laughter yoga
Yoga and meditation are both different and two parts of a whole. One can do one without the other, but practicing both at the same time is even better. It is not necessary to meditate while doing yoga, but some slow and long postures invite reflection and meditation. The choice to combine or not the two is a personal choice that depends on our needs. Sometimes we can also combine them and practice exclusively one or the other in the next session. Meditation in yoga helps develop concentration, balance, and mindfulness.
Yoga contraindications
There are some contraindications to practicing yoga, which is why it is recommended to discuss it with your doctor before starting. Especially people with epilepsy, hypertension, heart problems, glaucoma, or inner ear disease.
