Yoga is a practice that uses different techniques with the aim of working on the balance between body, mind and spirit. Despite being best known for its postures, the practice goes far beyond physical exercise. This is because breathing, meditation and study are essential to fully enjoy the benefits of this practice.
Read this content to understand the foundations of Yoga, the impacts on your overall health and how to start the path in this philosophical system. Some of the topics you will see will be:
- Benefits
- Types
- How to make?
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What is Yoga and what is it for?
Yoga is an ancient science, in fact a set of philosophies and practices whose origin can be dated back more than 5 thousand years, in the Northern region of India. The objective of Yoga studies and body postures lies in the union and balance of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the practitioner, with a view to their development. when talking generally about Yoga, the reference usually turns to this practice, among the many that exist.
In turn, this Yoga, which has become popular and is growing every day, uses the body primarily to achieve balance and stimulate physical and emotional health . Essentially, it consists of several postures or positions known as asanas (pronounced “ásanas”), associated with breathing exercises.
What is the religion of those who practice Yoga?
This is a controversial question for many people, but it can be answered simply: Yoga is not necessarily practiced on a religious basis.
The origin of the practice is in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Despite this, this philosophy was disseminated throughout the world and gained different connotations. This is because two important factors must be considered: the passage of time and the geographic regions in which it was studied and practiced.
For all these reasons, the religion of those who practice Yoga often has no relationship with this philosophy.
What are the benefits for practitioners?
The advantages and benefits are countless and, invariably, they also end up extending to the practitioner’s relationship network.
For all the benefits that we will discuss below, it has been a practice adopted in the business environment. If you want to understand whether this solution, to take care of the quality of life of your employees, is suitable for the current situation of your business.
Anxiety reduction
One of the first perceptions that people usually have after starting to practice Yoga refers to the reduction of anxiety . There is a movement in the human constitution to rescue normality and, therefore, working towards regaining balance with a practice that calms results in a reduction in anxiety states.
Relief from muscle pain
Each Yoga posture constitutes, among others, a true stretching session working the muscles and internal organs involved. Conducting a series where each posture is completed with the next will restore muscular balance, reducing and even eliminating pain resulting from muscular irregularities.
Body posture alignment
The alignment of body posture goes far beyond the aesthetic expression of the body and constitutes a serious health issue. In fact, carelessness with posture over the years can lead to chronic painful manifestations, as well as sciatica and lumbar and cervical disorders, which are often disabling.
Increased body flexibility
Gaining flexibility translates into increased mobility, that is, movements that were previously limiting may no longer be so. The regular practice of Yoga leads to a significant increase in the body’s flexibility and the ability to perform new postures ( asanas ) that may initially seem more difficult.
Promoting well-being
The entire set of benefits shown add up and consolidate themselves in promoting the practitioner’s well-being . In just a short time of practicing Yoga, you can already feel a feeling of being physically well, as well as mentally calmer.
Stimulating emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence as the ability to relate well with the world is strongly stimulated, especially because that aforementioned feeling of well-being comes from it. Furthermore, the deep internalization promoted by Yoga brings a greater understanding of oneself and more empathy with others.
Increased productivity
For an organization, encouraging the practice of Yoga among employees leads to a better organizational climate and greater engagement. Actions of this nature, which improve the quality of life in the occupational environment, lead to more and better participation by employees in the company’s production processes.
Spiritual benefits
When exercising Yoga, through concentration on postures, focus on breathing, meditation practice and guided reflections, the practitioner recognizes their inner self. At the same time, spiritual knowledge and faith grow.
Therefore, it is said that among the connections that Yoga makes is spiritual work.
The body before and after practice
An important principle of the practice is the perception of emotional and physical sensations. Yoga exercise invites you, all the time, to understand your body and its movements.
Added to this are stretching, muscle contraction and meditation, which provide immediate effects on the body.
For all these reasons, after practice, you feel lighter emotionally. Furthermore, your body will be more relaxed and prepared for other activities or even a good night’s sleep .
What are the types of Yoga?
The types of Yoga differ in several aspects. Some of them are: time spent in postures, pre-determined or free postures and connection of movements and breathing.
Hatha Yoga
In this modality, the stay in each posture is longer, compared to others. This way, it is possible to pay attention to postural alignment and correct fit in the posture.
Vinyasa Yoga
In the case of Vinyasa, the practice is more fluid, connected to breathing. In this way, inspiration and exhalation determine the movements into and out of the postures.
Therefore, the time spent in each posture is shorter.
Furthermore, to change positions, a connection of movements is made. This is a characteristic that differs from Hatha Yoga as well.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga has six fixed series of postures, and follows the same principles mentioned as Vinyasa Yoga.
This modality is based on the concept of tristana. This concept follows specific principles of breathing, postures, execution of movements and focus on the gaze.
How to do Yoga?
For a better experience, ensure some basic aspects:
- To practice, you need to have a space where the practitioner can lie down or extend their arms.
- It is necessary to wear comfortable clothing that does not limit body movements.
- Preferably, use specific mats for Yoga, which provide security and stability.
- It is interesting that the practice is carried out in a calm place, without many distractions.
- It can be done in the morning, early, before work, or during a break throughout the day.
- The session is also conducted by an instructor who guides and corrects the postures of each participant.
What is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?
As you have seen so far, Yoga is much more than a physical exercise , it is a philosophy of life, which involves countless aspects.
Pilates is a physical exercise, with some concepts similar to Yoga, such as the connection between the mind and the body. Pilates uses a method with the aim of strengthening muscles, stretching the body and establishing therapeutic rehabilitation processes.