History and Health Benefits of Yoga

The term yoga means, “Union with the Supreme” and over the centuries this ancient art has been transformed, reinterpreted and popularized all over the world. Many different aspects and forms of yoga exist today, from the simple physical positions of “ hatha yoga” to the breathing exercises of “pranayama” to the intense mental concentration and meditation of” kundalini yoga” to the mental and physical/spiritual “astanga yoga”, to the bliss of “Bhakti Yoga” which means the Yoga of love of God. The benefits of these practices are numerous and far-reaching and can extend beyond the physical to the mental, emotional and even in some types of yoga: the spiritual realms.

In the West, we are mainly familiar with “hatha yoga”, which is the umbrella term which covers the yogic asanas (positions). One of the many forms of “ hatha yoga” in the United States that has become well known these days is “hot yoga”. Hot yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity of 40%. While this environment encourages sweating, which flushes the body of toxins and can keep the body warm, which may increase flexibility, not everyone is suited to this and many people find this intense heat overwhelming, particularly while trying to focus on vigorous exercises that hot yoga is known for. The temperature of the room is actually irrelevant to a yoga practice overall. And all other styles of hatha yoga, are not concerned with the temperature of the room, but focus on either the series of postures, or the alignment of the body or the breath and the flow.

Another popular form of yoga, that unites the spiritual and physical practices, is known “ashtanga yoga”, or flow yoga. This is a practice that focuses on synchronizing bodily movements with the movement of the breath in a constant flow from one position to another. This yoga can look like dance to an observer, and requires mental focus on the part of the participants. Constant concentration on the breath and the position of the body, both in and while transitioning between each pose will help perfect this flow, which can be attempted by all ages and levels as we have different variations to the postures depending on flexibility and strength and age etc. Once mastered, flow yoga is a deeply invigorating and uplifting experience.

Yet another type of yoga, is “ Kundalini yoga” which is an ancient and lesser-known practice.. The basic concept of kundalini yoga is that an individual’s life-force energy lies coiled in the chakras along the spine, and in order for that person to become fully realized and connected with the Supreme living in pure joy, pure knowledge, and pure love, this energy must be awakened or uncoiled. Kundalini, then, is a series of mental and spiritual exercises which are meant to awaken and uncoil this energy, encouraging connection with God. According to Hindu tradition, these exercises are only to be shared between a Spiritual Master and a disciple who is deemed ready. Practicing kundalini yoga without the guidance of a master can potentially lead to lasting psychological damage, labeled “Kundalini Syndrome” in the psychiatric field.

The health benefits to a regular yoga practice of any of the “hatha yoga” varieties are extremely far-reaching and diverse. Including but not limited to: improving all aspects of the physical posture: (by helping revitalize all muscles, joints and ligaments); rejuvenating all the internal organs( which will help with all sorts of bodily diseases) renewing blood circulation (and flushing out all associated toxins in the body). Mentally, the benefits of doing yoga are enormous . This stems from the fact that yoga demands deep meditative concentration on the positions of the body, the breath or a “mantra” . From this the one gradually learns how to train and control the mind rather than being controlled by the mind.

Moreover, a regular hatha yoga practice has been scientifically proven to decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.Yoga will also help you discover a deep and real inner peace. Other benefits like a radiant complexion, weight loss, and a toned and trim body are further added side- benefits of a regular yoga practice.

At Jaya Aum, you can experience all of these benefits and more by taking part in our daily yoga practices , in which you will learn all the positions, breathing exercises and meditations necessary to carry these benefits into your everyday life.