Bret Dudl What Is It

Posted: May 25th, 2010 | Author: Bret Dudl | Filed under: Bret Dudl What Is It | Tags: Bret Dudl Yoga | Comments Off

Yoga – What Is It and How Can It Help You?

Bret Dudl Techniques To Relax Body And Mind By Chris R. Turner

Yoga is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine utilizing the practice of mind and body, with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. There are many styles of yoga which combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga typically involves using your conscious mental process to do certain techniques-such as focusing attention on maintaining a specific posture-to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind.

Yoga is a typically thought of as a form of exercise that stretches and strengthens the body through various poses, also known as Asanas. But, yoga is far more than a series of awkward poses and routines. Yoga in its full form combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and a distinct philosophy. Yoga is intended to increase relaxation and balance the mind, body, and the spirit.

Early written descriptions of yoga are in Sanskrit, the classical language of India. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means “yoke or union.” It is believed that this describes the union between the mind and the body. The first known text, The Yoga Sutras, was written more than 2,000 years ago, although yoga may have been practiced as early as 5,000 years ago. Yoga was originally developed as a method of discipline and attitudes to help people reach spiritual enlightenment. The Sutras outline eight limbs or foundations of yoga practice that serve as spiritual guidelines:

1. yama (moral behavior)

2. niyama (healthy habits)

3. asana (physical postures)

4. pranayama (breathing exercises)

5. pratyahara (sense withdrawal)

6. dharana (concentration)

7. dhyana (contemplation)

8. samadhi (higher consciousness)

The numerous schools of yoga incorporate these eight limbs in varying proportions.

HATHA yoga, the most commonly practiced in the United States and Europe, emphasizes two of the eight limbs: postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). The principles of Hatha yoga involve perfecting the mind by way of perfecting the body. Some of the major styles of hatha yoga include Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, and Viniyoga, some of which are described further below:

ASHTANGA yoga is considered a type of aerobic yoga as it involves quick and smooth transitions between poses.

KUNDALINI yoga involves awakening and focusing what is known as kundalini energy, or what is known as life energy that lies dormant in our bodies, which is represented by a coiled snake.

MANTRA yoga, however, focuses on calming the mind and body through the use of words and sounds. The well known ‘OM’ chant is commonly heard in this yoga practice.

Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which school you choose. People young and old can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas (poses) can be adjusted to fit physical limitations and different levels of experience in the practice.

Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality.

---