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Yoga The word Yoga comes from Indian philosophy, it literally means union, and in this context refers to the union of the individual’s soul with the universal
Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind, body, and spirit
In the words of Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, “yoga is the ability to focus the mind on a single point without distraction
” Yoga is a physical discipline; it uses the body and breathing to develop self-awareness and mental clarity
There is simply no other discipline quite like yoga because it utilized the body, mind and spirit, all in one practice
Yoga is indeed a spiritual path that is based on ancient sacred philosophy, but one does not need to make an ethical decision when practicing yoga, rather finding your own path is wholly accepted
The holistic benefits of yoga are suitable for the young or old, sick or well, with any religious background
The secrets of yoga are inwardness, concentration, and purification of mind and body with cleansing thoughts and food
Yoga (Please print out this document and read it offline
It involves much more than the asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) that most people are familiar with
For this chapter, however, I will limit my discussion of yoga to those aspects — asanas and pranayama — also known as Hatha Yoga
Yoga is enjoying growing popularity in Western countries
Most of you reading this are aware of its use as a powerful stress reduction technique
A quick review of my New England (US) Holistic Health Directory shows that as of 1990 yoga classes are being offered at five area hospitals
Yoga is quickly becoming a mainstream tool for stress reduction
While it is exciting that yoga is quickly is becoming synonymous with “stress reduction,” it is that and so much more
Practiced regularly, over an extended period of time, it is a very powerful healing and transformational tool
Yoga is only just beginning to be studied by the Western scientific community
Below are a selection of findings from a few of the completed scientific studies
Several studies have shown that yoga significantly improves the condition of bronchial asthmatics, even patients who were childhood asthmatics
Many subjects eventually reduced or eliminated their need for medication
Yoga has been shown to significantly decrease hyperglycemia in non-insulin dependent diabetics
Yoga has been shown to significantly improve mental and physical energy levels and alertness as compared to relaxation exercises and visualization
One study showed that yoga produced and gradual, significant decrease in body weight
In addition there was an increase in alpha wave activity in parts of the brain which corresponds to an increase in patient calmness
Yoga has been shown to produce a significant increase in serum LDH levels (the enzyme which provides energy to contracting muscles during exercise)
Other studies have shown that yoga can help conditions of arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, varicose veins, and heart ailments
Specific yoga breathing postures and breathing exercises have been led to significant improvements in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Yoga stretches and tones the muscles and joints, has a positive effect on the entire skeletal system including the spine, and has a postive effect on all of the organs, glands, and nerves