History of Yoga

Yoga the Balance on & off the mat and a brief about history of Yoga

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 the early Puranic and Vedic eras. Earlier, the focus was more on meditational practices, but in the present modernized and materialistic time, Yoga is gaining much more therapeutic values rather than spiritual values.

In the era of urbanization, the occurrence of non-communicable diseases and lifestyle disorders is getting worse than communicable diseases. Every third person in 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 in one’s professional life but also in one’s personal life. The most efficient, easiest, and cost-effective solution for all these problems can be Yoga.

It helps in the reduction of stress levels by inducing relaxation, cleansing the vital organs, and increasing the immunity level thereby giving the feeling of well-being. Lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, Thyroid, Obesity, and many more are at their peak in the present era, and the practice of Therapeutic Yoga can be well managed. Once you learn the essence of Yoga, you will not only start balancing postures on the mat but also you will start to balance your life outside and within yourself.

The history of yoga is long and rich. It can be divided into four main periods based on the practice of development. The first is Pre-classical Yoga, which began in the Indus Valley civilization in Northern India more than 5,000 years ago. Later, in the 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 the Bhagavad Gita, composed around 500 B.C.E. The history of yoga is deeply intertwined with ancient scriptures, like the Puranas and Upanishads, which are filled with knowledge and importance of Yoga.

Second is Classical Yoga; it is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, traced back to 200, and is the first systematic presentation of Yoga, especially Raj Yoga. Patanjali, who is considered the father of Yoga, designed Yoga Sutras and Ashtanga Yoga (the eight-limbed path of Yoga) which is the path toward ‘Moksha’ or salvation.

The history of yoga during this classical period emphasizes the formal codification of the practice. Third is Post-Classical Yoga, which was mainly influenced by the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita, written during the 6th-15th century AD. These yogas were designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. The fourth period is the Modern period; during the 17th-18th century, great personalities like Ramakrishna Param Hansa, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo, gave a new dimension to Yoga and popularized it all over the world, marking another pivotal stage in the history of yoga.

Different Styles of Yoga

In the modern period, yoga has been designed in different styles depending on various factors like physical fitness, personal preferences, and specific health goals. Here are a few different styles of Yoga:

Ashtanga Yoga–

It includes specific sequences of poses and helps to improve 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 reduce stress and improves body awareness, focus, and concentration.

Iyengar Yoga–

It is known for its proper alignment and attention in each pose. Props like straps, blocks, bolsters, chairs, etc. are used to achieve the correct posture.

Hatha Yoga–

It is the basis of Yoga and better for beginners to start with. It combines static Asanas or postures and breathing.

Kundilini Yoga–

It is a 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 periods 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 are planning for pregnancy. It helps in reducing 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, Yoga becomes therapy. Once Yoga is advised for the patient, it should be practiced under medical supervision only. The history of yoga shows that therapeutic practices have evolved alongside traditional methods. Therapeutic Yoga focuses on the 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 help in relaxing the body, relieving stress, and managing the underlying symptoms.Many diseases, especially non-communicable diseases 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 the patient. One of the best solutions to these problems is Yoga. The history of yoga illustrates its development as a holistic method of therapy. Yoga, when started as therapy, can give you the best result and can prevent many further ailments and complications.

Conclusion

Yoga improves physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual health when adopted as a way of life. At the physical level, it increases flexibility, improves immunity, and helps in regaining good health, whereas at a mental level, Yoga offers an effective method to manage and reduce stress, depression, and other mood-related disorders. The history of yoga is a testament to its role in holistic healing.

It should be considered a complementary therapy in the 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 the complete elimination of diseases, it offers a holistic path of healing and limits the adverse effects of the disease. Yoga is designed to achieve an indisputable connection between an individual’s overall physical and mental health well-being and inner peace.

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History of Yoga

Yoga the Balance on & off the mat and a brief about history of Yoga

History of Yoga

Different Styles of Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga–

Vinayasa Yoga–

Iyengar Yoga–

Hatha Yoga–

Kundilini Yoga–

Restorative Yoga–

Prenatal Yoga–

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga as a Therapy

Conclusion

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