Yoga is an ancient science of India and now it’s a well-organized and structured answer for various ultramodern problems. Yoga is not only physical activity, but much more like a science of personal development, where it is necessary to put equal focus on the body, mind and soul. The history of Yoga can be traced back to early Puranic and Vedic era. Earlier the focus was more on meditational practices but in present modernised and materialistic time, Yoga is gaining much more therapeutic values rather than spiritual values. In the era of urbanisation, the occurrence of non-communicable diseases and lifestyle disorders are getting worse than communicable diseases. Every third person in the society is suffering from stress, anxiety and tension which ultimately leads to loss of work hours, money, health and at last life. These problems are not only affecting one’s professional life but also personal life. The most efficient, easiest and cost effectiveness solution for all these problems can be Yoga. It helps in reduction of stress level by inducing relaxation, cleansing the vital organs and increasing the immunity level there by giving the feeling of wellbeing. Lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, Thyroid, Obesity and many more are in peak at present era, it can be well managed by the practice of Therapeutic Yoga. Once you learned the essence of Yoga, you will not only start balancing postures on mat but also you will start to balance your life outside and within yourself.
History of Yoga
The history of Yoga is long and rich, it can be divided in four main periods on the basis of practice of development; first is Pre-classical Yoga; it begins from Indus Valley civilization in Northern India more than 5,000 years back. Later in Rigveda, we can get the word Yoga which is derived from the word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. One of the most famous Yogic sacred texts is Bhagvadgeeta, composed around 500B.C.E. Puran and Upnishads are filled with the knowledge and importance of Yoga. Second is Classical Yoga; it is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, traced back to 200AD, it is the first systematic presentation of Yoga, especially the Raj Yoga. Patanjali, who is the father of Yoga, designed Yoga Sutras and Ashtang Yoga (eight limbed of Yoga) which is the path towards ‘Moksha’ or salvation. Third is Post Classical Yoga; which is mainly influenced by the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita, written during 6th-15th century AD and which is designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. Fourth period is the Modern period; during 17th-18th century, great personalities like Ramakrishna Param Hansa, Swami Vivekanand, Sri Aurobindo, gave new dimension to Yoga and popularized it all over the world.
Different Styles of Yoga
In Modern period, Yoga is designed in different styles depending on various factors like physical fitness, personal preferenes and specific health goals. Here are few different styles of Yoga;
Ashtanga Yoga– It includes specific sequences of poses and helps to improves focus and discipline in life.
Vinayasa Yoga– It is known for its dynamic movements, with each pose smoothly transient to the next. It focuses on the flow and rhythm of movement, synchronizing with breath. It helps in reducing stress and improving body awareness, focus and concentration.
Iyengar Yoga– It is known for its proper alignment and attention in each pose. Props like straps, blocks, bolsters, chair etc. are used in achieving the correct posture.
Hatha Yoga– It is the basic of Yoga and better for the beginners to start with. It combines static Asanas or postures and breathing.
Kundilini Yoga– It is spiritual practice which aims to unlock the energy at the base of the spine. It helps in self-awareness and inner peace.
Restorative Yoga– It is a relaxing type of Yoga in which are postures are held for longer period of time, sometimes with the support of props. It helps in reducing stress and promotes deep relaxation.
Prenatal Yoga– It is designed for pregnant women or women who is planning for pregnancy. It helps in reducing the pregnancy related stress and preparing the body for easy childbirth.
Benefits of Yoga
• Improves flexibility
• Boost Immunity and Strength
• Improves Bone and Muscle Health
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Better Cognitive functions
• Improve Cardiovascular functioning
• Improves Balance
• Helps to get Better Sleep
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• Better Self-Esteem
Yoga as a Therapy
When the Yogic techniques are designed and modified according to the age, body stature, condition and convenience of the patient, the Yoga becomes therapy. And once the Yoga is advised for the patient than it should be practice under medical supervision only. Therapeutic Yoga focuses on patient’s physical, emotional and mental health. In addition to treatment by a healthcare provider, it includes movement, meditation, mindfulness, relaxation and breathing exercises which helps in relaxing the body, relieving stress and managing the underlying symptoms.
Many diseases especially non communicable diseases which is imposed due to poor lifestyle, like Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOS, Obesity, Depression, Cancer, Drug addiction etc. are sometimes not curable permanently. One can only reduce the complications and increase the quality of life of patient. One of the best solutions to these problems is Yoga. Yoga when started as therapy, it can give you best result and can prevent so many further ailments and complication.
Conclusion
Yoga improves physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual health, when adopted as a way of life. At physical level it increases flexibility, improves immunity and helps in regaining the good health whereas at mental level, Yoga offers an effective method to manage and reduce stress, depression and other mood related disorders. It should be considered as complementary therapy in treatment of various physical as well as mental disorders. The discipline of Yoga gives a person a timeless and holistic model of health and healing. Although it may not help in complete elimination of diseases but it offers a holistic path of healing and it limits the adverse effects of the disease. Yoga is designed to achieve an indisputable connection between an individual’s overall physical and mental health and wellbeing and inner peace.