8 Limbs of Yoga

• YAMA (Moral Codes)

• NIYAMA (Self-purification and Study)

• ASANA (Posture)

• PRANAYAMA (Breath Control)

• PRATYAHARA (Withdrawing of the Mind from the Senses)

• DHARANA (Concentration)

• DHYANA (Deep Meditation)

• SAMADHI (Union with the Object of Meditation)

Asanas

Asanas are designed to promote, a state of mental and physical well-being or good health. They improve flexibility of the body, strengthen the muscles and give youthful and radiant look to a person. Asanas have an extraordinary capacity to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire system into a state of balance.

The goal of all asanas is finally to bring harmony between the body and mind so that the awareness can move from the physical body to higher levels of consciousness.

Forms of Asanas:- There are 3 forms of asanas:

• Cultural asanas - to strengthen and tone the muscles.

• Meditative asanas - to move from awareness of the physical body to awareness of the consciousness.

• Relaxing asanas - to relax the body and rejuvenate it.

Pranayama

(Breath Regulation and Control)
“When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady,
but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still.”

Pranayama is the art of wishful awareness of the entire breathing system. Pranayama is a technique to control breathing which is the link between the mind and the body. Pranayama helps control the mind and increase awareness oneself without distraction from the thoughts that constantly bombard our minds.

The philosophy of Yoga is that a human being’s age is related to the total number of breaths he takes in his lifetime. The number of breaths per minute in a sitting position- 12 to 16; while sleeping – 30 to 35; when angry – 45 to 60; and 2-3 breaths when relaxed. When a person practices breathing techniques of pranayama, he changes his breathing pattern for the whole day. The number of breaths per minute in all the situations discussed above gets lesser and lesser every day and thus increasing his age and slowly, the person starts becoming more peaceful and relaxed.

There are 3 parts of pranayama:

• Purak (Controlled Inhalation)

• Rechak (Controlled Exhalation)

• umbhak (Retention)

The ideal ratio of Purak (Inhalation), Kumbhak (Retention) and Rechak (Exhalation) is 1:4:2.

Kriyas

According to tridosha theory (one of the fundamental theory of Indian medicine), the human body is made by three basic constituents called tridoshas, which are

• Vata( mechanical functional constituent of the body)

• Pitta(chemical functional constituent of the body)

• Kapha( material functional constituent of the body).

If there is any imbalance in the constituents in the body, it leads to diseases.

Kriyas are cleansing techniques used to purify the body and mind which ultimately open the pathways of the body, the nadis, the energy body, the mind, and the heart. The purpose of kriya is to eliminate any blockages which prevent the proper absorption of pranic energy into the human organism.

Kriya is also the spontaneous movement of the physical body caused by voluntary action, prana, or Kundalini energy. These movements are designed to break up blockages in the physical, emotional and causal bodies.

Benefits of Yoga

While no two individuals will experience yoga and its effects in the same way, many who enjoy a regular practice notice a considerable shift in regard to both physical health and emotional well-being.

The benefits of yoga include –

• Increased flexibility and range of motion

• Enhanced strength and joint stability

• Decreased back pain

• Relief of shoulder and neck tension, lessening headaches

• Increased mental clarity and awareness

• Enhanced memory and concentration

• Improved sleep patterns

• Improved digestion and regularity

• Improved cholesterol Lower your “bad” cholesterol level, Raise your “good” cholesterol level.

• Control or improve blood sugar levels

• Improve blood pressure

• Enhanced respiratory function

• Handle stress better

• Lower body fat

• Have better muscle tone

• Be more flexible

• Digest food more easily and efficiently

• Sleep longer and more deeply

• Do physical activity in a supportive, respectful environment

• Feel better about yourself

• Have a better body image and self-concept

• Enjoy a more balanced life

• Be happier

• Feel great overall