“Yoga is the most beautiful form of exercise and the best form of fitness. If you are not strong enough to do it, then only go there and spend all your time and energy on that wonderful thing. And if you want to become one of those yogis who get high marks in exams, then do a bit of ‘yogasana’. By some means, I feel that I have got what it takes. But I have some things to learn.” -Siddhartha Gautama
Yoga or ashtanga yoga was introduced by Siddhartha Gautama (10th century) but became famous with his student Ramesh Gopalakrishnan, popularly known as Sanyamaya. The term ashtanga refers to 5 poses and 6 sequences of movements. There were around 200 forms of ashtanga; however, there are three main types – Vinyasa ashtanga, Ashtanga Ashtanga, and Bhakti.
I am always fascinated by this word. When someone asks me how much I love Yogic teachings, my reply is quite simple – I don’t like to call them spiritual, because they are very easy to understand and implement. So why would that be any different from an ordinary teacher who knows everyone? So I always refer to them as spiritual teachers, ones who can tell how to help you get better in life. On the other hand, when most people think about doing yoga, they usually consider doing their own routine, practicing specific poses, and repeating certain phrases! It does not even occur to them that they can benefit from being taught how to properly use yoga. They just want to achieve something and they take action accordingly. Yoga can help you to bring changes in yourself, but not without proper preparation. Some parts of your body need some extra attention, and some parts of your mind and other areas need some extra strength. This extra strength can be gained during a class, while others require some extra effort. Every practitioner should study their own body before starting. You can also practice at home, in any place, by changing your routine a few times every week. In order for you to start to build strength, you need to increase your endurance and strength in certain areas like your back, neck, shoulders, and legs.
What is Essential To Do While Practicing Yoga?
Here are some essential points to remember while you practice yoga:
The room should be quiet and cool
Try to keep your ears open
Keep your eyes wide open and look forward
Be aware of what you are breathing or how you breathe, and try to hold your breath and stop trying to pass gas in your lungs. Don’t try to breathe quickly, but slowly. Breathe deeply.
Don’t allow your breath to rise or fall like in normal meditation, which could make you panic. Breathe more and more slowly. Even if you feel like giving up, push through! A part of your control system can sometimes be over-stimulated and might cause you to give away or relax. Try to think of your breath as a vehicle between two different parts of your body.
Try to breathe deeper when feeling tired than normal. Also, try your level of concentration. You are not letting your body feel like it has been hit by a train that’s going slower. Instead, focus on your thoughts and your sensations. Use deep breathing techniques. Take care of your emotions and stay calm before any storm.
Try to concentrate on your posture. Focus at the same time to think logically as well as your body language and your movement.
The importance of Yoga during pregnancy
Yoga in pregnancy
If you are expecting to have a baby, your doctor may suggest you take yoga classes that can help protect you and your unborn babies against many health issues. However only a few studies have been performed so far. Research is still ongoing and it will take years to find out whether you’re safe or not. During these times, we can use the skills and knowledge that our teachers teach us to grow and develop our families by building confidence and strengthening our bodies and minds. We can also help protect pregnant women against many serious diseases and maintain our healthy weight by using the asanas we practice daily.
Practicing yoga regularly during pregnancy is the key for you to be stronger and healthier. During the first trimester, the hormones start releasing, and the body is getting used to its new position, especially the body itself. During the second half of the pregnancy, your womb starts producing antibodies. These antibodies protect the cells of your placenta and help it grow and divide itself. It also helps to prevent possible infections, which can harm your unborn child if you get infected after delivery.
A simple way is to add yoga practices into your daily routine and try to incorporate them into your day-to-day routine. Yes, you can always do workouts and run, but do Yoga and then get fit. Just join a local gym, join a running club or try to do anything else, no matter what your schedule is. Yoga can help keep stress free and it can teach you how to live an active and happy life. Many people do not know how serious yoga is until it comes to having a baby. Being able to perform and prepare for the delivery process is a noble act. There are so many benefits that come along with it when your baby is healthy and well nourished, including:
You also get to enjoy the special bond that exists between a mother and her unborn child, which gives your relationship a whole new depth.
When you share your experience of childbirth with your partner, the bond gets strengthened and you feel like nothing could break that bond between you and your partner.
There is no point in waiting for the birth of your child to take place. Your body becomes more flexible, you become less worried, and you feel good knowing that the baby will be coming soon.
Most of all, it gives you an added sense of self-confidence and makes you feel good to be a woman.
So what should we do when we are experiencing such emotions? How can we protect ourselves from the negative energy that can arise during pregnancy? Yoga helps us to protect you and your unborn baby. Therefore you can take regular classes, practice at home, or attend a public yoga studio or online tutorials.
Do you ever wonder where the food you eat can have a huge effect on your health? All kinds of foods might impact on your immune system – even if you eat a healthy and balanced diet. One major food that plays a big role in calcium – is calcium is present throughout your body. That’s why the most common types of calcium and supplements that you can get are dairy products and egg yolks.
Most people don’t realize that it is the nutrients that your body is providing which make the most significant difference to your health. This includes minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Calcium and vitamin D have a number of anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin E also works well with antibiotics and some anti-infection agents like quinine. However, it is important to note that these foods don’t necessarily have a direct link to a higher risk of developing certain illnesses.
Calcium helps to improve blood circulation. According to research:
Vitamin B12 helps to reduce triglycerides. High levels of B12 can lead to insulin resistance, commonly seen among heart disease patients and diabetes patients, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Vitamins A, C, and K have a significant effect on bone health. These are all known to improve bone health.
High levels of Folic acid are linked with lower risks of type 2 diabetes, as well as with reduced chances of contracting colorectal cancer.
However, the nutrient cannot fight infection.
B12 has been shown to support healthy red cell production. People with hemophilia have lesser red cell count. Those with multiple sclerosis have lesser red cell formation.
Calcium, zinc, and other minerals are effective in treating anemia and preventing osteoporosis and can also prevent certain cancers.
