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...The word "Yoga" has been derived from the Sanskrit language and originated in ancient India. Yoga is the union of the body, mind and spirit. The moral and mental union leads to good health and longevity of life. The power of Yoga if practiced seriously leads to positive and perennial happiness and peace.

The benefits of yoga are many. It is extremely effective in increasing flexibility. Yoga positions or asanas, work the various joints of the body including those that are never really used or exercised. It also increases lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons. Many of the unrelated non-strenuous yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When the asanas are practiced together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Yoga is the only form of activity which massag...more

Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

...The term Ashtanga historically refers to the 'eight limbs' of yoga, a system derived from the writings of the mystic Patanjali. The yoga known in the West as Ashtanga, however, refers to something else - and that is the active, flowing style of yoga popularized by Pattabhi Jois. Jois' yoga is often referred to as astanga vinyasa yoga now to differentiate it from this historical term.

All styles of yoga have been influenced by Patanjali's works. The principles he describes underpin the philosophies of the various branches, and in this, ashtanga vinyasa yoga is no different. These eight limbs are described as: abstinences (Yama), observances (Niyama), postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), sense withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), me...more

Ayurveda and Yoga

...nlightment, are deeply mistaken. Working with the body is only the first step on the way to spiritual progress. When one controls the functions of ones organism, he prepares himself for the transformation of the soul.

Yoga is only a part o...more

Benefit of Yoga Part I

...n the bodys central nervous system

- decrease in pulse

- respiratory and blood pressure rates

- cardiovascular efficiency

- gastrointestinal system stabilization

- increased breath-holding time

- improved dexterity skills.

- Improved balance

- Improved depth perception

- Improved memory

Psychological Benefits

As noted above, Yoga also delivers an array of psychological benefits; and in fact, this is a very common reason why people begin practicing it in the first place. Perhaps the most frequently mentioned psychological benefit of yoga is an improved ability to manage stress. Yoga diminishes an individuals levels of anxiety, depression, and lethargy; thus enabling him/her to focus on whats spiritual and important: achieving balance and happiness.

In part II of the Benefit of Yoga we'll reveal how yoga can help deal with stress, unhealthy habits and pain management. The benefits of Yoga go far beyond meditation and stretching, it is a way to release those toxic emotions that tend to stand in the way of living a healthy life.