Yoga is a practice of body and mind. So, the methods of yoga merge breathing techniques with physical postures, relaxation, meditation. So you will get physical and mental comfort. Yoga had originated in India. It is an ancient practice. We get strength, flexibility by practicing yoga regularly. Here, we will discuss the history, philosophy, types, benefits, risks & side effects of yoga.
History of Yoga
The first yoga word came from Rig Veda. Yoga came from the Sanskrit word Yuj. It means to join or union. In ancient times, yoga was mainly a spiritual discipline. Yoga makes the perfect harmony between mind, body, and nature.
Philosophy of Yoga
The general philosophy of yoga is the connection of body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga has six types of branches. Each one has its representations and set of characteristics. These are as follows:
- Hatha Yoga: This yoga aims to look for body and mind.
- Raja Yoga: This branch requires meditation.
- Karma yoga: This aims to free from selfishness and negativity.
- Bhakti Yoga: This yoga aims to create devotion, emotions, tolerance, and acceptance.
- Jnana Yoga: This branch stands to maintain wisdom, intellect.
- Tantra Yoga: This aims for ceremony, ritual, achievement of relationship.
Types of Yoga
Yoga focuses on exercise, breathing which can boost physical and mental health. There are many types of yoga. But, people practice yoga according to their fitness levels and goals. So the types of yoga are as follows below:
- Ashtanga Yoga: This type of yoga became popular in the period of 1970s. This type of yoga consists of ancient yoga teachings.
- Bikram Yoga: Bikram Yoga is also known as hot yoga. People practice this yoga in artificially heated rooms. They fix a room temperature of nearly 105-degree F and 40% humidity. This yoga consists of 26 poses, two breathing exercises.
- Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga consists of physical poses.
- Iyengar Yoga: This yoga consists of a physical pose. Practice this yoga with correct alignment through the help of blankets, chairs.
- Kripalu Yoga: This yoga method stands for breathing exercises and gentle stretches. This yoga gives relaxation.
- Kundalini Yoga: This yoga consists of meditation. Kundalini yoga starts with chanting and ends with singing. In between, the yoga presents pranayama, asana, meditation. This yoga aims to create a specific result.
- Power Yoga: This type of yoga consists of the traditional Ashtanga system.
- Sivananda Yoga: People practice Sivananda yoga with 12 basic asanas and with sun salutations.
- Yin Yoga: Practice this yoga pose for long periods. This yoga focuses on tissues, joints, bones, ligaments, fascia.
- Prenatal Yoga: This yoga is helpful for pregnant women. This yoga is needful during pregnancy time and after pregnancy also.
- Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga is a relaxation method of yoga.
Benefits Of Yoga
Regular practicing yoga has a lot of mental and physical benefits.
- It increases Flexibility
- This technique practice increases Muscles Strengths
- Increases Breathing Rate
- Supports for Heart Health
- Decreases Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain
- Decreases Sleeplessness
- Increases overall wellness and fitness
- But it is required for consultation with a medical professional before starting a yoga practice.
Risks and Side Effects of Yoga
Many types of yoga are safe for people. It is rare to face serious injury while doing yoga. The common injuries when practicing yoga are strains and sprains.
Pregnant women or people with physical damages such as bone loss should get in contact with medical professionals’ people before practicing yoga.
Some yoga poses might be risky for some people. Beginners in yoga should avoid the uneasy methods of advanced poses such as lotus pose, headstand, forceful breathing.
In critical health conditions, people should not go for yoga avoiding medical treatment, healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Yoga is an ancient method but, it has changed over time.
Modern yoga is focusing on physical energy and inner peace. But ancient yoga was not focusing on fitness. It was focusing on mental energy and spiritual energy.
There are so many types of yoga. But people should practice focusing on their level of physical strength and expectations.
People with some health issues should practice yoga cautiously and slowly. Yoga will support you for your balanced, healthy and active lifestyle.
In this article, you knew the history, philosophy, types, benefits, risks & side effects of yoga.