...yoga originated in ancient India. The word "yoga" is Sanskrit for "union," and yoga is seen as a union of body, mind and spirit. What we commonly think of as yoga can more properly be termed "asana," or the practice of physical poses to achieve some physical or inner goal.

Asana, however, is only one of the "eight limbs" of yoga. Here are all eight:

1. Yama - Five guidelines on treatment of others: a. Ahimsa: Nonviolence b. Satya: Truthfulness c. Asteya: Never steal d. Brahmacharya: No lust e. Aparigraha: No covetesness

2. Niyama - Five guidelines of treatment of yourself: a. Saucha: Cleanliness b. Santosa: Contentment c. Tapas: Sustained practice d. Svadhyaya: Self-study

3. Asana - Practicing yoga positions

4. Pranayama - Breathing exercises

5. Pratyahara - Sensory deprivation, or allowing no distractions to inner reflection.

6. Dharana - Concentration, allowing no inner or outside distractions.

7. Dhyana - Meditation

8. Samadhi - Bliss, or enlightenment. How you merge ...more

Teaching yoga to Students With Multiple Sclerosis

...patients. Regular, physical activity is absolutely essential to maintain quality of life for sufferers of MS. yoga is an excellent, low impact activity that has a high level of success in fighting stress and fatigue.

Another benefit is yoga's adaptability to meet the needs of the individual. Yoga postures can be modified and altered for differing levels of ability. Some with MS lead fairly able lives, while others spend most of their days in wheel chairs. There are a variety of terms used to define the levels of Multiple Sclerosis, such as:

1. Relapsing/Remitting (RRMS)
2. Secondary Progressive (SPMS)
3. Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS)
4....more

Benefits of yoga

...One has to experience yoga to see the difference. yoga works differently for different people. For some, the changes may be visible soon, where as for some the changes may be slow. This is because each person is made differently and the body structures and needs of each are different from the other. So always in the practice of yoga, remember not to compare yourself with another. Be aware of your own body and see the difference.

After understanding the essence of yoga, now lets move into the benefits of yoga. Why do some swear by yoga?

At the physical level, yoga and ...more

yoga Insights: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), Part 2

...h benefits of Surya Namaskar are many, but when anxiety and stress are lowered; the quality of life goes up. With this in mind, the odds of becoming depressed are drastically reduced. Some Yoga students practice Sun Salutations just to keep depression at bay.

With all of the above-mentioned benefits, Sun Salutations should be considered a very valuable part of Hatha Yoga practice. They can even be modified for Chair Yoga practice. Therefore, always consider Surya Namaskar to be an essential part of your class - especially, if you teach a form of Hatha Yoga. Always remember that Surya Namaskar is much more than a warm-up.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications<...more

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