Saturday, August 18, 2012

The benefits of yoga - a Christian perspective

Benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and spirit are united with the body. This is achieved through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through a series of asanas, or positions, and practice of breathing / meditation
This raises the question many in the Christian community. In my research for this article, I am very surprised at the perspective of the defenders of Christianity, and to take on the yoga and exercise. I hesitated to write this article because of this view. However, I think this question and the position of the community warrants reflection on the Christian subject.

Yoga dates back over five thousand years, at the beginning of human civilization. It is really very little known about yoga. It is believed to have originated from Mehrgarh, a neolithic site in what is now Afghanistan. Scientists believe that he rose from stone age shamanism. In this first period of the beginnings of civilization, and the yoga community resource, because of his attempts to determine the cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to everyday life. In recent years, yoga has evolved in the internal dialogue through which yogis have sought to develop their salvation and enlightenment.

Archaeological evidence of the existence of yoga appeared in the joints of stone discovered in the Indus Valley. This shows the numbers in many yoga asanas, or postures, yoga and officially put in the time around 3000 BC. More imports, it is also related to yoga in the Indus civilization, great Sarasvati, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.

Civilizations of the Indus, Sarasvati mentioned in ancient texts known as Vedas, the oldest books in the world. Veda is a collection of hymns that praise a higher power, and contains the earliest written history of teaching yoga. Veda practitioner is required to overcome the limitations of man, and access to a higher spiritual level. In recent years, was written texts known as the Brahmins to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Veda. After entering the text, which describes Aranyakas practicing yogis living in isolation in the forest. This led to the beginning of the medical tradition of India known as Ayurveda. Yoga has become all in all, in the practice of health and harmony of the soul, and a lifestyle.

Christian perspective, and thus - if one opens the mind to think and a clearer vision of the Interior, and they open the spirit to demonic possession. There is a sense that the boundaries of the practice of yoga in magic and astrology, with an open mind and for the benefit of yoga is both dangerous and preaches against all Christians. Christians believe that the study of yoga is similar to the practice of Hinduism, and one can not separate the Hindu philosophy of Christian beliefs, regardless of the health benefits of yoga.

Buddhism as an exercise, I take issue with this view. For me, it smells of tunnel vision and narrow mindedness. It is expected that Christianity is to open their hearts and minds to Jesus, and surrender to the spirit of the Lord. Should be based on blind faith, and accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. We find this person thought of hypocrisy for Christians from the point of preaching should be avoided to yoga to open the mind to see things more clearly and encourage the possibility of demonic possession, but on the other side calls we must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. With open heart and mind, is exactly that - whether to consider the self-one, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians, preaching, and we are open to demonic possession, if we look inside ourselves, and an open mind to all possibilities, and how they can then safely to open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a porter who makes that decision when we do this is to determine at which we must follow? I do not think so ...

For the record, I grew up in a Christian family. My father was a deacon in the Baptist church in a small farming community where we live. I moved my mother, who taught children of all issues, a community of Baptist Churches of God, and ostracized by my father. I think the day of death, and she resented my father for this narrow-mindedness. Life is about choices, and my mother believes it is not necessary for us to work under the illusion blind faith, but to do what is good for us as individuals. That is why I am walking on the Nobel Road 8 folded. Is simply a matter of choice, and the questioning of everything in this universe.

I think the practice of yoga is a good thing. And offers significant benefits to health, and a clearer vision and harmony in our souls. In this day and age, why there? What if we must be Christians and Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not ignore the feelings and ideas of others and their rights in practice as they wish, or try to push our views on others by force. Living in harmony is exactly ...

Ashtanga Yoga - Is it good for you?

Ashtanga Yoga is a type of yoga that urbanization, which was founded as. Pattabhi Jois. This is known as the type of yoga such as yoga eight parties that have proven the idea of ​​a vast Pattanjali. It shows that the path of purification consists of eight spiritual practices.
The first four members representing the Ashtanga Yoga are - yama, niyama, Asana and Pranayama. These cleaning practices that could be a sign from the outside. Another group of members who are the - pratyahara, dhyana, dharana are internal practices.

These members can not be corrected by the appropriate application of the method of Ashtanga Yoga. This type of yoga is the way the mind is very dangerous.

As. Pattabhi Jois declared that practicing these eight members and its sub-branches of foreign practices, which include Oyama sleep is impossible. In doing so, the body must be strong enough for him to make these practices. If the body is weak, and the senses are not working well, and exercise may not be useful to a person at all.

As a philosophy. Were applied to Pattabhi Jois, is that you should keep in mind that after the Ashtanga Yoga of the body will improve and will be stronger and healthier.

And exercise Vinsaya Tristhana and Ashtanga Yoga.

Vinsaya and is a style that makes Ashtanga and its principles distinct from others. Vinsaya means moving and breathing that is used to clean the internal process. Each movement is accompanied by a breath and make a play. The race is the most important product of Vinsaya. When the production of sweat, it just means that you are the successful implementation of this practice. When you perform the asanas, the body creates heat which causes the blood to boil and excrete toxins from the body. Toxins in your sweat. Thus, the more sweat you create, and release more toxins.

And use these yoga postures to develop fully the strength and health of the body. A series of practices make this possible. There are three positions used in Ashtanga Yoga.

And classified into three different levels.

The first is the first series, which aims to align the body and eliminate toxins as well.

The second is a series of support for opening and cleaning the energy channels which comes from the purification of the nervous system.

The last series is a series of A to D of points in the series, and is measured by the grace and strength.

And Tristhana is another yoga principle which represents the union of three places of work and attention. The first is the position, and the second is the breathing technique ad last is the place Dristhi looking for. And should work perfectly every three years to complete a task.


Breathing techniques are simultaneously and synchronously. It is important to do a breath and another for movement. Ujjayi Breathing is the Yoga breathing technique used in the application of Ashtanga Yoga. Applying this technique to expand after each exercise. What you should ask your teacher is at the same time hold your breath. This is an amazing breathing exercise that will increase your internal fire and strengthen the nervous system.

Both deal with Ashtanga and Tristhana Dristhi series. Dristhi described as the dot gain or focus attention during the execution of the asanas. This allows your mind purified and stabilized clearly.

It can identify and clear the mind and cleaning should be done in eight or yoga Ashtanga Yoga member.

Anuloma-Viloma - yogic breathing for better health

Kuvalyanand Swami once said: "Yoga has a message for the human body, the human mind and human spirit."
It is a truism that in a healthy body is necessary for the success of the president and happiness in life. More and more people in the belief that yoga makes for good health, satisfaction and happiness in this life and a stressful day is not just an exercise regimen.

In this article we will discuss Anuloma-Viloma (alternate breathing) pranayama. Pranayama simply means proper 'management' of the life force - prana. Although the basic principle remains the same, and has developed many types of pranayama, each with a unique technology. Anuloma-Viloma shuddhi Club or pranayama (nerve purifying pranayama) is a type of such and is considered one of the basic forms.

Practice Anuloma Viloma's like the team that controls the traffic on the roads, and it seems that after cleaning, etc., and beauty and preserve traffic smoothly and efficiently. Method consists in breathing (Pooraka) through one nostril, and vice versa. Therefore this pranayama has the name anuloma viloma, any alternative respiration.

For this exercise, you have to sit in any position of yoga to relax. To begin, and continue to apply the normal breathing Moola bandha (ie comfortable anal contraction). Maintain a stable moola bandha, inhale and exhale completely. Make sure that moola bandha relaxed in the process. Stopped for a period of time between inspiration and expiration. Breathe deeply through the left nostril and exhale through the right and then breathing through the right and exit through the left. Continue breathing in this way, one of the nostrils alternately left and right, for three minutes.

After reaching a comfort level in this way can be passed to the next step. Close the right nostril while keeping the thumb of his right hand the other four fingers together. Now exhale slowly through the left nostril in the speed of the uniform. Repeat with the other nostril. As you inhale, lift your shoulders and chest expansion with ribs up. Lower abdomen, but, to be held there.

Advantages: Clear the Way of the airways, which is one of the best practice of other pranayamas. Breathing becomes easier and orderly. The spirit and the heartbeat becomes rhythmic. It also helps to improve concentration, memory and other mental abilities.

Cons-indications: severe pain in the abdomen, and swelling due to appendicitis, and enlargement of the liver, small intestine or bowel, and lung disorders, throat infections, treble and growth in the nose (polypus) or blockage of nasal passages due to cold, etc..

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and site. To avoid problems when you do the asanas, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and yoga teacher. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Ardha Kurmasana - Turtle Pose 1/2

As is well known as Ardha Yoga Kurmasana turtles 1/2 asana. Because of the similarity between it and the turtle is known as a turtle. This yoga asana can be very beneficial to your body in every way possible. It can by performing this asana regularly It is true that our body rejuvenated. Devices and stretched to the limit with every movement of this asana.
Can improve the movement of the shoulder and make the muscles in the corresponding boxes. Abdominal muscles are weakened and become more flexible. The asana stretches the bottom of the lungs, which is good for your breathing. It also increases lung capacity, which is crucial if you have respiratory problems such as asthma. Pressure on the neck and head improves migraine problems. Can be defined as a kind of effort because of its ease of endurance.

Is to solve the problems in the stomach is also relevant. If you suffer from indigestion or constipation this asana helps to strengthen it. The digestive system works with the help of the asana. On the supply of fresh blood is provided in each system of the body's smooth flow. This relaxes the brain by feeding fresh blood. Are dealing with many problems in your sleep by performing this asana. Is a successful way to combat insomnia.

And can be called back problems as a thing of the past. Ardha Kurmasana extends from the spine, which relieves you of any back pain or problems in the spine. Given the level of blood circulation, the heart is still fit and fine. Bending and stretching increases the level of flexibility in your arms and hips. Toning gives great shape to your body that keeps you healthy and positive.

And massage the internal organs very well for the required additional zest to your body. It is a great treatment for patients with anemia and diabetes. Pressure on the thigh and leg, and he is strong and solid. It also tones the muscles in the thigh because of the position is asana. Is elongated on the spine by stretching provided during the asana. This is an advantage in disguise, because it cures many diseases.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and site. To avoid problems by doing the asanas, it is advisable to consult a physician and yoga instructor. Responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Enjoy Yoga, I

Yoga practice brings with it many physical and emotional benefits that most people do not know. This article is very long, so we divided into two parts. The first part is an introduction to yoga and an overview of the main benefits of yoga mental and physical, while the second part shows how practicing yoga daily can have a profound impact on your ability to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself.
Yoga is a science, and indeed, in many places in the world (like India), hereinafter referred to as a science. This is not just playing with words, but really came close to a science, meaning it is understood in terms of scientific methods.

Yoga science seeks to verify cause and effect, and based on the principles of objective observations. In fact, in many places in the world to be a yoga master any credibility, it must be the same high level of education in the field of science, including physical and biological sciences.

This discussion on yoga and science is important for us to include because it allows us to ask a reasonable question: what are the benefits of yoga? After all, if yoga is the doctrine or belief, then ask this question is not just because it's one that yoga can not be answered in terms we can understand the purpose.

Yoga is a science as empirical and pragmatic, and kinesiology, or exercise science, which seeks to understand how the body works and reacts to changes in the physical environment of the Interior. And even more simply than any of this: each of us has the right to ask the fundamental question: "Why should I practice yoga, and experience or benefits can I expect?"

In fact, while the experience of yoga can be reduced to words - also read a book in preparation for the marathon is not actually physically you run a marathon - you can not for the purposes and principles of yoga easily be discussed.

Here is the Mayo Clinic to take on the benefits of meditation:

"The use of meditation for people who enjoy good health, just as a way to reduce tension, but if you have a medical condition aggravated by stress, you can find the practice valuable in reducing the effects of stress related to allergies, asthma, chronic pain and arthritis and others. "

Yoga involves a series of positions, during which you pay special attention to your breathing - exhaling during certain movements and inhaling with others. You can contact yoga as a means of promoting physical activity flexibility, strength and endurance or as a means of promoting your spiritual values.

The connection between body and mind

Yoga and focused on the connection between mind and body. This is achieved harmony between mind and body by three things:

- Positions (asanas)

- Proper breathing (pranayama)

- Meditation

Mind and body draw inspiration and direction from the current practice of postures, breathing and meditation. With age (to yogis, aging is a state of artificial), our bodies become susceptible to toxins and poisons (caused by dietary factors, environmental and poor).

Yoga helps us through the cleaning process, turning our bodies into a piece of well synchronized and well-oiled machines.

Material benefits

By aligning these three principles, and has achieved the benefits of yoga. And what are these benefits?

- Balance at the center of the body's nervous system

Reducing pulse -

- High rates of respiration and blood pressure

- The efficiency of heart and blood vessels

- The stability of the digestive system

- Increased the time of apnea

- Improved skills and competencies.

- Improve balance

- To improve awareness of the depth of

- Improved memory


Psychological benefits

As noted above, yoga also offers a range of psychological benefits, in fact, it is a very common reason why people begin to exercise them in the first place. Perhaps the benefit most often mentioned yoga is to improve the mental ability to handle stress. Yoga reduces the levels of the individual from anxiety, depression, drowsiness, and thus enable him / her to focus on what is spiritual and important: achieving balance and happiness.

In the second part of the benefits of yoga reveal how yoga can help deal with habits, and stress is unhealthy and pain management. Exceed the benefits of meditation and yoga stretching, it is a way to release toxic emotions of those who tend to get in the way of living a healthy life.

I thought that yoga and stretching

While on the way to the discovery of one of my friends at the local YMCA, and wondered why not just join in the gym and I explained that I do yoga and gymnastic exercises are sometimes home to my country did not really feel the need for a gym membership. The reaction has predictable: "Yoga is not it ... just stretch?"
I smiled to know this issue, and proceeded to explain the subject of this article. As I said, and for those who can not otherwise: No, Yoga is more than an extension or falling into the wrong alleged is looking and attitudes

It is a combination of stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, and perhaps the most neglected members of, and respect for good nutrition.

The word yoga, the Sanskrit word yuj means yoke or bonds, and often is interpreted as "union" or a means of discipline. Ultimate goal is the union of man with God in the universe, or in one breath. In addition, it aimed to emancipate the mind, mind and spirit are also involved in the exercise.

Yoga is actually the oldest existing system of physical culture in the world. In addition to being a means systematic and scientifically proven to achieve physical fitness, and delay aging, renews and improves its appearance, and maintains the elasticity and vitality increases and the creative aspects of life.

With exercises to warm up the main, known as salute the sun (which is quite similar to the practice of gymnastics known as "burpees"), and forms the heart, back, and a bending, and balancing exercises for arms and a discussion of the building, the practitioner average bear witness that to achieve physical fitness, and yoga can be his own.

Can not think of yoga help to build stronger? Think again. Heck, I challenge the most adept construction and body both for a simple and powerful peacock pose for 90 seconds, respectively. I bet you they are planted in the middle of the road in its implementation, if they make it so much.

Yoga also offers breathing exercises unique is great for patients who suffer from respiratory problems and even singers, speakers, public, and, moreover, with the relaxation of a unique form, once practiced a lot during and after his execution, offering yoga can be a systematic way of deep relaxation for the entire Perhaps the body like any other exercise. (Keep in mind, and of course that many of the poses massage gives the body reminds us of the depth of those stated in the salon ... just thought I throw that in.)

With a myriad of books, DVDs, videos and classes offered for all ages and skill levels and experience (some of which is currently free for the first couple of lessons to try yoga out), I suggest you give it a try and see for yourself what can be done.

One thing I promise you, that's all, you must leave your class and shaking their heads in agreement that in fact: "Yoga is more than an extension," This is exercise.

Otherwise your workout weight training a little yoga

Many who believe they have the strength training equipment think of the huge bodybuilder muscles that get many competitions, and thus appear. This can be an asset or a drawback for many consumers. The average consumer likes to be able to say they feel good about themselves when they go swimming, but many are concerned about building muscle and suffering from too stereotypical. This should not be a concern for all those who have a fitness equipment which it is received.
The average bodybuilder works hard to gain muscle, they are famous, as well as it should be on a strict diet with lots of protein and little fat or not. You will need a lot of effort to be constructed as the average bodybuilders. It could be that many consumers are using simple weights to maintain muscle mass they have, or to add some muscle strength. Some equipment training in the use of force to add a little tone or shape to certain areas of the body.

If you use them correctly and rotating in the formation of your workout with some strength yoga or stretching exercises are a great risk to grow as well. Find lots of people enjoy the challenge of working with strength training. You can gradually increase the weight you are working with the passage of time and after exercise will really feel the "burn" in your muscles.

Although you should be careful of using too much weight at one point. It is easy to twist his muscles and injuring yourself, and sign up for a few days or more. A good rule is that if you think you can start with a starting weight after five or ten pounds less after a few repetitions, and move into the next weight. You can read the comments of strength equipment on the internet to get an idea of ​​what others are doing.

7 tips are important to the success of Yoga

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress through exercises that unify the mind, body and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start on the path to a more centered life.
1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. The images show the doctor ask for clarification. Your doctor can rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations.
2. To find the yoga class that best suits your abilities. Prospective teachers to talk to, and decide if it wants to be able to deal with the program before signing. It is very important to take one step at a time. Try some of the categories of beginner classes before attempting more vigerous. Do not proceed too quickly. Allow your body to adapt to your workouts.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your installation capabilities. You do not want to hurt you. Make sure the trainer understands your level of experience, and any restrictions you may have. Does not allow you to move too fast. Remember, what is supposed to be fun and comfortable.

4. If you can not find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, tapes and programs available to help you get started. Find the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk with others on recommenations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some sessions and one-on-one with teachers in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private lessons or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to start. You can always take lessons or practice in a group home after you've learned the basics and private lessons.

6. Find friends yoga. It's nice to practice with someone, and help reduce injuries. It is also a great way to keep the enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat light before exercising. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but do not be too hungry to think. You will not be able to focus on the enjoyment or put yourself through relaxation exercises or meditation.

Now it's time to take your mat and a towel and make the most of your yoga exercises.