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Yoga and Health
The
origin and history of Yoga
Yoga is believed to be born in India more than 26, 000 years
ago during the Golden Period, more commonly known as the ‘Sat
Yug” and means “union” in Sanskrit. Sat Yug was well known for
a time of eternal peace and abundant blessings amongst the
people who could afford all the time to seek the truth and
search within. Nonetheless, historians have argued that Yoga
is only 5000 years old – the Indus Valley Civilization is
responsible in opening up the various channels of the
knowledge and origin of Yoga. The term can be more
precisely termed as ‘asana’ (again in Sanskrit) that denotes
the practice of physical postures. However, asana forms only
one of the parts of the whole yoga that focuses on the
physical aspect; the others concentrate more on the mental and
spiritual well being of an individual. Nevertheless, in the
present world the terms asana and yoga can be used
synonymously.
Yoga can be practiced by anyone
and everyone. Unlike the aerobics or the other forms of
physical activities that are aimed at the young and flexible,
this form is meant for older ages like 70 to 80 years.
Besides, according to the needs it can be customized, so that
you can avail the best benefits.
Yoga has the remarkable ability to
cure almost all types of ailments and shows huge amount of
health improvements. In fact, medical science is validating
all that was known and done by the yogis for thousands of
years. So, various yoga therapies are now being incorporated
in the field of medicine. There are definitely a lot of
practical reasons for encouraging such steps. Even medical
insurance companies are honoring yoga as legitimate and
authentic healing practices. You will also be surprised to
know that this ‘wonder form’ is also much less expensive and
more effective method of treatment.
The Benefits of Yoga
In a nutshell these are the benefits of practicing Yoga:
• Well toned body and strong muscles.
• Corrected body posture and alignment.
• Much improved energy and vitality.
• Increased flexibility and all the joint functions.
• Reduced level of stress and strain.
• Improved breathing and circulation.
Doctors and scientists doing research on yoga are trying to
analyze its ability to prevent, cure and improve health
conditions like heart related diseases, arthritis, diabetes,
carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure and asthma.
Let me tell you briefly how these
professionals have used yoga to notice significant results for
these challenging medical conditions
Asthma – The Northern
Colorado Allergy Asthma Clinic in Fort Collins has conducted
yoga therapies amongst patients from the age group of 20 to 50
years. The result shows that this treatment if combined with
the regular medications can show very positive consequences.
Taking the help of some particular asanas, pranayama, and
meditation, the patients displayed significant degree of
relaxation, optimistic attitude and most importantly tendency
towards lesser usage of the beta adrenergic inhalers.
Arthritis
– According to a research conducted by the Pennsylvania School
of Medicine, yoga therapy proved to be pretty effective for
the patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hands.
However, further studies are required to compare this method
with the other treatments and examine the long term effects.
Heart Diseases – The
Hanover Medical University in Germany found that patients
using yoga and meditation have shown remarkable reduction in
risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure and
cholesterol.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Some specific yoga techniques
conducted in Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia has
shown considerable improvement in the grip strength and
reduction in pain.
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