| There are five major Yoga techniques that all | | | | are always followed by a state of relaxation, whose |
| practitioners of Yoga are required to follow. | | | | purpose is to release the tension built in the body and |
| These are: | | | | mind during the exercises. The relaxed state also |
| - Techniques of posture | | | | helps you to concentrate deeply without being |
| - Movement of joints | | | | affected by distractions. |
| - Deep, controlled breathing | | | | After relaxation of mind and body, the spirit is ready |
| - Relaxation | | | | for meditation. The meditative state increases |
| - Meditation | | | | concentration and calms down the spirit. As a result, |
| Each technique has its own role to play in making | | | | a person feels deep contentment. This state is also |
| your mind and body healthier. The different postures | | | | described as 1 of unqualified bliss |
| that a Yoga practitioner is asked to execute helps in | | | | These techniques can be performed at any area or |
| toning the body. These postures that are carried out | | | | at any time of day. The best place, however, is a |
| sitting, standing or lying vary from simple exercises to | | | | secluded place where you are not distracted by |
| very demanding ones. | | | | noise. Also, the sunrise and sunset hours are most |
| Several exercises have been worked out for the | | | | suited to meditate. |
| movement of joints. Some of these are stand alone | | | | Besides these five common techniques, the Yoga |
| exercises; the others form part of the postures. | | | | Gurus or Yoga seniors also perform some exalted |
| However, all these movements are gentle and aimed | | | | techniques. 1 of these is Hong-Sau. This technique |
| to make the neck, hands, arms, legs and back joints | | | | focuses on the latent powers of concentration and |
| supple. | | | | helps to ward off any surrounding distractions, which |
| Yoga lays great stress on deep breathing. The | | | | may otherwise prevent you from focusing on your |
| breathing exercises are aimed to release internal | | | | target. Similarly, Aum expands your awareness |
| energies and also to strengthen the muscles of the | | | | beyond the limitations of body and mind. |
| rib cage and belly. | | | | However these techniques are helpful only when you |
| Yoga, however, does not believe in exerting pressure | | | | apply them with full sincerity. Those who lack faith in |
| on the body. A disciple is required to do only that | | | | these techniques can never hope to achieve bliss. |
| much that he can do with comfort. The exercises | | | | |