What is Yoga? It means ‘union’. It is originally derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means ‘to unite’. Yoga aims to unite a perfect harmony between body, breath, mind and soul. Yoga is not just bending your body and doing physical exercise but it brings you into a state where you experience the entire universe as a part of yourself – it is such an amazing feeling.
Yoga is a life-changing technique and the most well-known types of yoga are Hatha yoga and Raja Yoga. Hatha means ‘force’ which refers to a system of physical techniques whereas Raja yoga refers to the goal of yoga meaning ‘Samadhi’ which alludes to a state of meditative consciousness where the mind becomes still.
Meanwhile, Muslim girl students in F.D. High School in Juhapura, Gujarat practising Yogasans ahead of International Yoga Day according to a tweet by DeshGujarat.
Benefits of Yoga:
- Yoga lowers the risk of heart diseases, reduces stress levels, alters gene expression, lowers blood pressure, improves lung capacity, enhances a sense of balance and helps you to balance weight.
- When you practice hatha yoga, it emphasizes much on physical postures, which can enhance cognitive function and thereby it would boost concentration and memory power.
- It helps to increase flexibility in the back, shoulders and hamstring. Yoga can reduce anxiety and amplify brain chemicals that help to counter depression and anxiety-related disorders.
- Performing asanas could be more effective in lowering pain which is far better than standard medical treatment for chronic back pain problems.
- A 2009 Pilot study found that practising yoga could strengthen bone density among older adults leading to stronger bones. Yoga enhances sexual function as it boosts arousal, desired orgasm and usual satisfaction for women.