Yoga 101
Ever wonder what exactly happens in a Yoga studio? Below is a very brief overview of what Yoga is.
What is Yoga? Yoga originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago. It is believed to have originated from the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to unite or to join. Initially developed as a spiritual practice to achieve harmony between the mind and body, yoga has evolved over time into various styles and practices. The foundational text of yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which outlines the eight limbs of yoga that serve as guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Today, yoga is practiced worldwide for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Today, we mostly practice Asana, or postures. Each yoga asana style has unique qualities that can cater to different healing needs:
Hatha Yoga: Ideal for beginners, it focuses on static poses and is great for learning basics in a slow and steady manner.
Vinyasa Yoga: Suited for those who want a more dynamic and flowing type of practice, helping to improve physical stamina and strength. If you go to a studio, you are most likely practicing Vinyasa, unless noted.
Iyengar Yoga: Emphasizes precision and alignment, beneficial for those with injuries who need to practice with supportive props.
Restorative Yoga: Focuses on deep relaxation using props to support the body, ideal for stress relief and mental relaxation.
Yin Yoga: Targets deep connective tissues and helps in meditative relaxation and flexibility.
Kundalini Yoga: Combines spiritual and physical practices and is often used to awaken higher consciousness and manage energy levels.
Yoga Practices Beyond Traditional Poses
Not all yoga practices involve holding traditional poses. Some focus on other elements such as breath work, movement, and mindfulness:
Pranayama: This practice emphasizes the conscious awareness of breath, enhancing vital energy and promoting a more balanced state of mind.
Kriyas: These are cleansing exercises that aim to help detoxify the body and improve its function.
Meditation such as Mantra Meditation - which involves chanting sounds or phrases to calm the mind and focus thought or Guided Imagery and Visualization which involves visualizing images or experiences to bring about a sense of peace and relaxation.
Are you interested in starting your yoga journey? We can help. Email us and we will create a program jusst for you based on your interests.