Yoga
Importance of Yoga
1. Brings about Physical Purity – Cleanses internal organs, balances Vaat, Pitt, Kaph
(e.g., Basti, Kapalbhati).
2. Prevents and cures diseases – Boosts immunity, cures many ailments with regular
asanas.
3. Improves Health in General – Improves body systems (respiratory, circulatory,
digestive, nervous, excretory).
4. Reduces mental tension – Reduces stress/tension (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana,
Shavasana).
5. Reduces obesity and beautifies the body – Reduces excess fat, beautifies body
(e.g., Mayurasana, Pranayama).
6. Gives Relaxation – Removes fatigue through relaxing asanas and Pranayama.
7. Helps to maintain the Correct Posture – Prevents and cures postural deformities
(e.g., Vajrasana, Bhujangasana).
8. Increases Flexibility – Improves body movement and prevents injuries (e.g.,
Chakrasana, Halasana).
9. Develop people spiritually – Improves meditation and self-control (e.g.,
Padmasana, Siddhasana).
10.Improves Moral and ethical Values – Yama & Niyama develop moral and ethical
behaviour.
Ashtanga Yoga
1. Yama (Moral Discipline) –
- Ahimsa – Non-violence.
- Satya – Truthfulness.
- Asteya – Non-stealing.
- Brahmacharya – Celibacy.
- Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness.
2. Niyama (Self Discipline) –
- Saucha – Cleanliness (internal & external).
- Santosh – Contentment.
- Tapa – Discipline.
- Swadhyaya – Self-study / study of scriptures.
- Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender to God.
3. Asana (Postures) – Physical poses for strength, flexibility, beauty, and health.
4. Pranayama (Breathing Control) – Inhale (Puraka) → Hold (Kumbhaka) → Exhale
(Rechaka); improves lungs, heart, and longevity.
5. Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal) – Control over senses, ignoring external distractions.
6. Dharana (Concentration) – Focus your mind on one point or object without distraction.
7. Dhyana (Meditation) – Continuous, calm focus of the mind.
8. Samadhi (Union with God) – Ultimate spiritual state; ego disappears, complete oneness
with the divine.
Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga
1. Physical Benefits – Improves flexibility, balance, breathing, stamina, bone density,
muscle strength; controls body weight; lowers blood pressure.
2. Mental Benefits – Relieves stress, increases mental clarity, creates calmness, boosts
concentration.
3. Spiritual Benefits – Enhances meditation, self-awareness, and inner peace.
Active Lifestyle and Stress Management through
Yoga
1. Enhances Relaxation – Yoga promotes mental and physical relaxation, reducing stress
and anxiety.
2. Improves Flexibility & Relieves Pain – Physical postures loosen muscles, reduce
stiffness, and relieve tension.
3. Removes Physical Blockages – Helps release muscle knots and stored emotions.
4. Boosts Feel-Good Hormones – Increases endorphins, improving mood and stress
handling.
5. Promotes Mindfulness – Focusing on the present moment improves concentration and
mental clarity.
6. Encourages Detachment – Awareness of changing thoughts and feelings helps let go of
negative experiences.
7. Cultivates Positive Emotions – Develops feelings like love, joy, and serenity.
8. Scientific Support –
- 2018 Study: Hatha yoga (3 times/week for 4 weeks) reduced stress, depression, and
anxiety.
- 2020 Study: Yoga stretches lowered cortisol and improved relaxation.
- Yoga Nidra Study: 11 minutes/day for 30 days improved well-being, sleep,
mindfulness, and reduced negative emotions.
9. Therapeutic Value – Yoga may act like natural medicine, reducing the need for drugs.
