The Yoga Room and Life Centre
The Yoga Room and Life Centre
Level 2
6/15 Stanley Street
St Ives NSW 2075
Telephone; 02 9144 1555
Fax: 02 9144 1377
Y O G A:
What is Yoga?
Yoga (literally ‘yoke’) is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’. We usually speak of yoga as being the union of mind, body and spirit.
Yoga first arose in India several thousand years ago, and as a philosophical system it predates, and informs, Hinduism and Buddhism. However, yoga is not a religion and does not require belief in any particular deity, entity or individual.
What are the different types of yoga?
There are several styles of yoga well known in the West.
Hatha yoga: The term hatha yoga has come to mean a gentle class for many people but any yoga that incorporates both the physical asana practices and the meditation practices is Hatha yoga.
Iyengar yoga: This refers to a style of yoga traditionally using props such as belts, blankets and blocks to assist students in asana - a position that is right for their body. Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar this form of yoga emphasises the therapeutic value of the asanas - thus in his traditional teaching the emphasis is on attaining better health through asana practice.
Ashtanga yoga: This is the system of Yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures. This produces an intense internal heat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Viniyoga: T.K.V. Desikachar is the world's leading exponent of viniyoga, a practice which tailors asana and pranayama to the individual. As in Iyengar yoga, viniyoga looks to the therapeutic benefits of asana and pranayama but is less reliant on props! For more information, read The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar and go to http://kym.org/
What are the benefits of yoga?
One of the mains benefits of yoga is to teach you to live in each day as best you can, integrating awareness of mind, body and breath.
More specifically, each of the postures experienced in a yoga class has benefits for the musculoskeletal system and for internal organs and other bodily systems (circulatory, nervous etc.). When combined with breathing and relaxation, the benefits are:
# Decrease in heart/breathing rate - helpful for people with hypertension, heart problems, asthma
# Improved function of the immune system
# Improved sense of physical and emotional wellbeing
# Increased ability to concentrate
# Increased ability to relax
# Reduction in stress levels/anxiety
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