| Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuk (literally | | | | muscles, helping you achieve overall fitness. The |
| meaning "yoke" which gave rise to the modern | | | | exercises increase the range of motion in joints and |
| English words yoke and union). In yoga, your | | | | help protect muscle from injury during more |
| objective is to gain control of the body and the mind. | | | | strenuous physical activities such as sports and |
| By controlling the body through yogic exercises, | | | | athletics. Many yoga positions enhance the flexibility |
| you eventually learn to control your mind. Unless | | | | and improve the alignment of your spine. If you |
| you can control both body and mind, you will not | | | | suffer from chronic back problems, you can well |
| reap the real benefits of yoga and meditation. | | | | appreciate the relief to mind and body this can bring. |
| You may have heard others talk about yoga and | | | | A number of yoga positions are designed to improve |
| meditation, but there may still be something | | | | circulation, enhance digestion and promote more |
| mysterious about what it involves. One common | | | | efficient elimination of toxic wastes. Internal organs |
| perception is that you can essentially practise yoga | | | | are tenderly massaged and toned, helping them to |
| by simply doing the series of physical yoga positions. | | | | function more optimally. It is easy to see that yoga |
| There is indeed a refined system of yoga positions | | | | can become the core of your health and wellness |
| to be followed, but it is important to realise that | | | | program. |
| yoga is immensely more than physical exercise if you | | | | Yoga has developed a rich system of exercises and |
| really wish to maximise the benefits of holistic yoga. | | | | techniques that are used to promote harmony and |
| The meaning of yoga, and the ultimate objective of | | | | well-being of body, mind, and spirit. By regularly |
| yoga meditation, is to achieve the union of body, | | | | performing the various yoga positions, you enhance |
| mind, and spirit; union of the individual with the | | | | the functioning of your musculoskeletal and |
| entirety of creation; and unity of the individual with | | | | circulatory systems. By regularly practicing yoga |
| the creative force, the divinity in all there is. By | | | | meditation, you achieve deeper levels of relaxation |
| helping you achieve unity with this life force, you | | | | and strengthen your mind's power of concentration. |
| discover who you truly are. | | | | The system helps you gain soundness of body, |
| One of yoga's most important benefits comes from | | | | clarity of mind, and vitality of spirit. |
| the use of meditation for stress relief. Health | | | | If you follow the holistic yoga practices regularly, you |
| experts believe that stress can give rise to many of | | | | will soon find that they open up opportunities to |
| the common illnesses. Stress can lead to elevated | | | | reconnect with the self and to learn self-acceptance. |
| blood pressure, faster heart rate, and production of | | | | Through sustained practice of yoga and meditation, |
| toxic substances. Yoga meditation induces opposite | | | | you can experience the invaluable benefits of inner |
| effects, relieving stress and promoting relaxation. | | | | peace and joy that can come with a healthier body |
| Yoga positions stretch and tone most of your | | | | and more self-awareness. |