With the turn of the century, the practice of Yoga has become a rage. What began as a form of fitness in the Eastern part of the world, has now taken the whole world by storm. Yoga has been doing rounds in the Hollywood circuit for quite some time now. Popular Hollywood stars swear by Yoga to keep their body in shape. Doctors all over the world recommend it to their patients and many sports persons complement their training with Yoga.
The roots of yoga can be traced back to ancient India, where they remain strongly rooted even to this day. Maharshi Patanjali was the first to compile the ancient practice of Yoga into his work "The Yoga Sutras". However, the art of yoga was known to people since Vedic age and so says Upanishads. The system of Yoga has not undergone much change since then, but is becoming immensely popular all over the world.
Yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it is a way of life. Beyond its obvious physical aspect, yoga has a spiritual side to it that aims at uniting the body, mind and emotions of the person. It is for this reason that the practice of yoga is far superior than other forms of fitness.
Unlike other forms of fitness, yoga is not about the number of hours you spend on doing it; it's about doing it right. But like other forms of fitness, the practice of Yoga is also based on science. In essence, Yoga comprises of a series of asanas or postures and breathing exercises that benefit overall health of the person.
Since ancient times, Yoga has been diversified across many schools. Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga are the traditional classifications of Yoga. While, Bhakti Yoga is inclined towards achieving devotion through Yoga, Karma Yoga is the Yoga of action and Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of knowledge. Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga are the two popular, modern adaptations of Yoga. In essence they are based on the same mental and physical culmination body, but the combination of assanas and breathing techniques varies in each. Whatever may be type of Yoga you choose, the health benefits you get by practicing them is almost endless.
The Yoga postures stimulate blood circulation, rejuvenate the brain, and release tension on the spine. Yoga is probably the only form of exercise which can stimulate functions of internal organs and can heal its anomalies in the process. Each aasana is meant to gently squeeze a particular body part which will help increase blood flow and stimulate functioning of vital organs and muscles in that part of the body. Relaxation is an intrinsic part of Yoga. We are living in an age where we are constantly subjected to stress and pressures of daily life. Regular practice of yoga relieves stress and helps cope with everyday pressures easily. Yoga is known to drive positive energy to the body, which pups in zeal and vitality in the person.
The benefits of Yoga can be obtained by one and all. Anyone who is willing to learn its ways and ideas can practice Yoga. Also, no special equipment is required to learn yoga. But a good instructor who has mastered the art of Yoga is vital to learning yoga the right way. Tough you may be able to find a Yoga instructor near you, learning Yoga in the place of origin itself is unparallel. There are several state-of-the-art centers in India where yoga can be learnt and mastered like no other. Even pop star Madonna, who swears by Yoga for her unending energy and fit body, has chosen to learn yoga from India. Madonna's Yoga instructor hails from Mysore, a city in South India. Several tourists flock to India each year with the sole purpose of learning Yoga. Most Spas and wellness centers have Yoga instructors. Of late, several hospitals, especially in India use Yoga as a complementary therapy for the treatment and prevention of many ailments. It is common for medical tourists use Yoga to assist recovery from an ailment.
To learn yoga is to gift yourself good health for a lifetime, and in India, even such a great gift comes at a low cost. Dedicated Yoga instructors in India aim at educating yoga enthusiasts about the benefits of yoga and teaching the right techniques of yoga practice and for they do, they charge a minimal fee amount.
Yoga has become a respected alternative therapy throughout the world today. The immense health, mental and spiritual benefits that people can attain for competitive prices in India is luring many foreigners to come to India to learn the right way of practicing Yoga. Investing on a trip to India to learn the art if yoga in one of the serene locales of the country is not a bad idea after all.
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