Yoga: Effective for Stress and Weight Loss

Thanks to the media world and the glamour superstars today everybody is aware of the word 'yoga' though the knowledge of many is quite limited about yoga. It has become a fashion statement "Yes! I do a bit of yoga to keep myself good looking and fresh." The comment is absolutely true; yoga does make u good looking, beautiful and healthy. From last few decades a great revolution has taken place in the field of spirituality through introduction of yoga in life of many.

What Is Yoga?

The word 'Yoga' means 'union'. Sage Patanjali describes yoga as the means by which our mind can be made free from all distractions.

Yoga is an integral system to retard the catabolic process and to keep the physical and mental faculties strong. It was developed by ancient sages called Yogi. The yogi studied the stages of life and categorized the physiological changes occurring in body at different ages.

(1)Childhood period: The foetus in the womb of the mother is in deep meditation and already in a comfortable yogic posture. When the baby grows unknowingly most of the yogic postures are performed like the baby sits in vajrasan i.e. sitting on knees.

The anabolic process is much more than the catabolic process.

(2)Youth period: This period is divided into two,

I) 18yrs to 20 yrs- The anabolic process is more than the catabolic process.

ii) 20 yrs to 35yrs-There is balance between anabolic and catabolic process.

(3)Climacteric period (old age): Here the catabolic process takes precedence & body

Starts to decline.

In order to observe the effect of yoga it has to b done regularly. Yoga is life of self discipline.

Obstacles in path of Yoga:

Patanjali has explained that sicknesses, doubt, lack of concentration are hurdles on the path of yoga.

Types of yoga:

There are 4 main branches of yoga:

(1)Karma Yoga - Yoga of action, selfless service.

(2)Bhakti Yoga -Yoga of devotion.

(3)Raja Yoga -Yoga of mind control.. Hatha Yoga is a branch of Raja Yoga.

(4)Jnana Yoga -Yoga of knowledge

Yoga is different from aerobic exercises or physical culture system which many people adopt in order to keep themselves in shape. It gives u much more than asked for.

Comparison between Yoga and Physical exercises:

-During physical exercises the violent movement of muscles cause accumulation of lactic acid in muscle fibers which leads to fatigue. In yoga this fatigue is counteracted by proper breathing and relaxation.

-Short time health indulges the mind for unhealthy life style (abuse of stimulants, drugs)

-In aerobic exercises the heart pumping and circulation produces tremendous strain on heart, many athletes have died of heart failure. In yoga due to different postures of asanas the muscles of heart strengthen and stretch and hence increase the volume of blood circulation of heart as stated by Starling's law.

-There is tiredness after physical exercise but after yoga there is freshness and increase in pranic energy.

How to tackle hurdles in Yogic practice?

1) Focus your attention within the body on stretching and breathing.

2) Beware of your breath.

3) Be slow and steady in your postures

4) Honor the suggestions of pain. It tells you where the toxins are more in your body.

5) Be regular and take your own responsibility.

6) Have patience for the results to be seen.

Basic principles of yoga:

*Asanas: Steady yogic postures.

*Kriyas: Yogic cleansing postures.

*Pranayamas: Breathing techniques.

*Food habits: Proper vegetarian diet.

*Relaxation: Body is consciously resting.

*Meditation: Observance of self.Yoga is for everyone: A Need: A compulsion:

For stress less, depression free life.

To look young and beautiful and in shape.

To be creative and enthusiastic.

To develop the inner hidden talent.

To be healthy.

To be full of fun and happiness

To be free from addictions and feverishness

To make life a celebration full of harmony, peace within and love

Prevention is better than Cure:

Today new viruses and diseases are being discovered, by the time we are ready with some solutions many of our loved owns are already into the trap .Shouldn't we become responsible for our own selves and for our coming generations. The nature is giving us a warning to look within ourselves, to take care of the body and value it. Only getting all luxuries is not enough it's temporary, get a permanent soothing remedy .Pamper yourself with Yoga. It is open for everyone. Today yoga is internationally recognized, so why not take advantage of this gift of nature and prevent ourselves. We have the right to be healthy and happy each and every second of our lives and believe it Yoga will change your life completely.