Like timely meals and sound sleep, yoga must be integral to the daily routine. While practicing yoga, the focus should be on the spine. When the spine is worked in all directions, your body naturally gets worked out in all directions.

Since all the nerves pass through the spine, keeping it healthy can keep all parts of the body naturally active and energetic. Working on the flexibility of the spine naturally tends to loosen up all stiffness in your body.

Different types of stretches make the spine flexible. These stretches induce upward, lateral, forward, twist, inversion, and backward stretches that boost mobility and flow. This helps improve balance and provides relaxation too. Here is some asana everyone should practice regularly: –

Sukhasana: –

• Sit on a mat spread on the floor with legs fully stretched out, without any back support.
• Now, sit cross-legged and try to keep both knees equidistant from the floor.
• Gently place your hands on your respective thighs near the knees, palms facing downwards.
• Keep your body erect, abdomen and head aligned, chin parallel to the ground. The elbows should be in a comfortable position too.
• Sit in this position and watch your breath (or focus on any object of your choice).
• Straighten both your legs as in the starting position.

Benefits: – It boosts posture correction while stretching the muscles in the lower body. It calms and relaxes the body while improving focus and concentration. It also improves the flexibility of the lower extremities, especially the hip and knee joints.

The practice of these asanas helps reduce the dullness (tamas) and kicks us off for a better day filled with high energy levels. It also helps us be more mindful and calmer in situations that are challenging. It improves our focus and boosts internal regulation as well as external health.

Yoga Mudra: –

• Sit on the mat with legs crossed, inhale with your right hand holding your left wrist behind you.
• As you exhale, bend forward with your upper body; try to touch your forehead to the ground without moving your lower body.
• Hold that position for 6 seconds while holding your breath.
• Inhale as you resume back to the initial position.
• Exhaling again, twist your upper body slightly to the right and try to touch your forehead to your right knee. Hold this for 6 seconds.
• Inhale as you resume the initial position.
• Repeat for the left knee.

Benefits: – It stretches the neck and upper back muscles while improving circulation around the spinal column. The compressions of abdominal muscles help in regulating gastric abnormalities and prevent sagging of the uterus. It also boosts health around the pelvic region and vital parts of the colon.

Tadasana: –

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Raise arms above head, while raising both heels stretch upwards with palms facing each other, while keeping them close to ears and inhaling.
• Maintain this position retaining breath.
• Lower heels and hands simultaneously while exhaling.
• Now repeat.

Benefits: – This asana facilitates maximum stretching of the body and aids in increasing height. It also improves muscular coordination, the vitality of the lungs, and blood circulation.

Vajrayana Standing: –

• Stand with feet 20-24 inches apart, upper body aligned straight, raise hands to shoulder level with palms facing the ground, and inhale normally.
• Exhaling, swing your hands to the right side while twisting your upper body only.
• Bending your left arm at the elbow, swing your right hand as far as possible without causing any strain.
• Move the neck, shoulder, and right hand as one unit without any inclining or jerks.
• Inhale and return to position. Then repeat the same procedure with the left hand.

Benefits: – It exercises and relaxes the spinal, abdominal, and back muscles. It relieves persisting stiffness and pain. It also helps in toning the waistline and fighting abdominal fat.

Konasana: –

• Start by keeping feet 20-24 inches apart.
• Inhale as you raise your left hand, keeping it close to your ear while looking straight ahead.
• Slowly slide your hand down, bending your upper body sideways while keeping your legs rooted in place.
• Focus on stretching your spine and oblique sideways and maintain the position and breath for 6 seconds.
• Exhale and return to the position.

Benefits: – This stretches the oblique muscles, which helps in reducing the waistline. It also aids in better circulation around the abdomen and pelvic area and significantly improves digestion and the nervous system’s functioning.

Bhujangasana: –

• Lie down, face first on a mat, elbows bent, palms next to the chest, and hands close to the body.
• Raise your head as you inhale, raising your upper body only to your navel.
• Hold that position for a second.
• Exhale as you resume your initial position.

Benefits: – It alleviates various diseases linked to the digestive system, regulates the menstrual cycle, improves the vital capacity of your lungs, and also helps cope with insomnia. It also gives your nervous system a boost.

Sarvangasana: –

• Lie down on your back, elbows very close to the body, and inhale.
• Exhaling, lift your legs to form a ninety-degree angle with your body.
• Now buck your legs straight, stretching them upwards, your hands supporting your hips as your upper body and upper arm balance your suspended weight.
• Hold the position for 6 seconds.
• Resume initial position while inhaling.

Benefits: – This asana provides temporary replacement of the abdominal and pelvic viscera, relief in the case of constipation, indigestion, headache, giddiness, neurasthenia, functional disorders of the eye, ear, and nose, and the throat as well as general and sexual debility. It also effectively activates blood flow to the upper body and brain & regulates the flexibility of the spine.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life

Asa victims of technological advances, we all are unknowingly slaves to electronic screens. It may be television, mobiles, or our computers, but escaping exposure to these blue-lit screens is very difficult. The blue light from these devices can cause eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, and sometimes dizziness or blackouts.

So, what is the solution to this eye strain? Here are some tips: –

1. Rule 20-20: –

Like the body and mind, the eyes also need rest. The eyes are particularly sensitive and require rest. And that’s why remember to close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and then practice some eye rotation. This will provide some instant relief to release eye pressure. Blink consciously. This will coat your eyes with a thin layer of moisture which will avoid dry eyes, which might trigger eye strain.

2. Make the screen eye-friendly: –

Adjust the light, brightness, and other screen settings of the phone, laptop or another electrical device to suit your preference. Minimize the blue color or increase the yellow tint on-screen settings to reduce strain. Being mindful of preferences and working around them can help prevent any pressure on the eyes. Moreover, check posture while working, proximity to the screen also majorly affects the intensity of eye strain.

3. Eye exercises: –

Do eye exercise every couple of hours to release the strain from your eyes. Can adopt any one of these methods: –

• Try to look at a faraway object and then a nearby object to train your eyes. This will expand and contract your cornea, helping your eyes refocus.
• Try watching alternate shoulders, followed by the tip of the nose, followed by eyebrows.
• Walking barefoot on grass, and watching it while taking a stroll also helps. This is also a good rejuvenating experience that serves as a good break for the eyes and the mind.

4. Use anti-glare glasses: –

These are doctor-recommended and prevent direct exposure of eyes to the screens. The yellow tints in these spectacles are effective in reducing the strain caused to our eyes by the blue light screens. Reading modes on our phones and computers should be activated at night time to reduce pressure on the eyes.

5. Change your lifestyle habits: –

Scrolling in the dark, binge-watching series for longer durations, lack of proper sleep or rest, etc. can prove to be harmful. Especially using mobile phones in the dark has been the major cause of all eye problems. Nowadays people stay awake late at night watching videos or social media sites in dark, this seriously affects the eyes eye. Also in the morning, do not see your mobile as the first thing, this could also harm your eyes. Your eyes are not yet ready to receive the strong light rays immediately after sleep.

With this, all include vitamin and mineral-rich foods in the diet.A small part of very complex bodies, the health, and wellness of our eyes are as important as any other organ. Consistent efforts to provide relief will prove to be effective in the long run.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life

For those who wantto learn yoga but don’t know how to start. Here are some answers to the common questions so that “yoga beginners” can find their yoga path, the role of asana, Choice a practice, find a yoga teacher, and more.a

1. Is yoga all about asana? What is real yoga?

Yoga is not a physical form of exercise, as is commonly misunderstood by most people. “Yoga” means union. And science also proves that the whole existence is energy in some form, but most are not seeing it that way. There are various yoga steps in classical yoga. Asanas are part of yoga and not the whole of yoga.

We teach classical yoga, which is a holistic approach. Real yoga is being better and better every day and transforming yourself through all aspects of yoga, i.e., following Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna, and Dhyana. We teach that at our Institute.

2. So many yoga gurus offer yoga, how does one decide &become a yoga teacher?

Many people search and come to yoga for relief from aches, pains, and backaches; we help them in their pains. Moreover, we provide a range of certificate courses, diplomas, and teacher training courses that can help you become a professionally qualified yoga teacher.

3. Is it safe to learn over the internet or online?

Yoga learning requires a committed resolve. We learned in the presence of our Gurus and Teachers; it truly helps to transform, but if mishandled by the wrong teachers or techniques online, it can have devastating results.

In Indian vernacular, languages are many, and we offer yoga teaching and learning online in Hindi, and English. We have experienced teachers who make the participants comfortable. We spread yoga for all householders’ benefits, and techniques are simplified.

4. Yoga has gained a tremendous following in the west, and that has produced many types of yoga, including beer yoga and goat yoga.

Yoga has been around for thousands of years, and lots of Gurus revived hatha yoga practices in India and Abroad. We continue to teach classical yoga in its proper form and shall continue to spread yoga to all. Well, beer and goat yoga are business techniques to woe the commercials. Yoga is a rich legacy people are wise enough to know that real Yoga at The Aarya Yoga is something everyone should know and experience.

5. How to find a true yoga guru?

Well, when a student is ready, the teacher appears. That is so true. Another way is to keep trying because yoga always helps. There is no such thing as a real or fake guru. It is our thinking.

6. So many yoga paths; how can one understand the correct one?

Yoga is a way of life. It’s not just asanas or just mediation. It is not something when feeling like it. It takes honesty, dedication, and hard work. Try every day till you get to real yoga life.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life

We all like to kickstart with a tonic of our choice. The desire and craving for tea and coffee have been increasing so rampantly even when we know both the beverages can lead to some serious health complications. But how else do we kick-start our day? What could be the healthier alternative?

To start the day better, here are healthier options for tea/coffee.

1. Chicory coffee

Ingredients: –

2 tbsp Chicory root powder (Root needs to be cut, dried, and roasted before grinding it intoa coarse powder. Can be used in an espresso machine or filter coffee machine.)

• Jaggery powder (optional)
• Milk (as per taste)

Method: –

Add the filtered Chicory root in a glass, and add hot milk and Jaggery powder. And serve hot.

Benefits: –

This tea is much better than normal coffee as Chicory roots have more fiber and nutrients than normal coffee and also have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

2. Lemon and Kokum juice

Ingredients: –

• 1 Lemon
• Honey (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp Kokum (raw juice/sugar-free)

Method: –

Add Kokum juice to a bowl, and add lemon juice and water (about ¾ glass). Add salt or Honey as per taste.

Benefits: –

Kokum is naturally sweet, salty, and astringent. It is loaded with nutrients and vitamins like A, B3, C, B9 and minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, and Potassium. It also has a healthy number of fibbers and is the perfect start for the day. Lemon, as we all know very well is rich in Vitamin C and excellent for detoxifying and energizing the body.

3. Qahwa (Arabic tea):

Ingredients: –

• ½ tablespoon Green Coffee beans, lightly roasted and coarsely ground
• ½ tablespoon Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds, crushed
• 1 cup of Water
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron strands
• ½ teaspoon Rosewater optional

 Method: –

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. When it boils, add ground coffee. After 10 minutes of boiling, add cloves and crushed cardamom and stir once and boil for another 4 to 5 minutes. Now switch off the flame, cover, and let coffee grounds settle at the bottom for a minute. Do not stir at this time since the liquid needs to settle. Now add the rose water and saffron. Strain and pour the steaming coffee into the flask or teapot.

Benefits: –

This is an excellent energy drink that acts as a natural remedy for congestion, severe cold, even headaches, and migraine, and helps in reducing cholesterol. It aids in digestion, keeps the skin healthy, and rejuvenates you while speeding up the metabolism and burning calories. It is also proven to release stress and strengthen the immune system.

4. Pumpkin Apple Cider

Ingredients: –

• Pumpkin syrup:

½ cup pumpkin purée

¼ cup brown sugar

50 ml water

½ teaspoons pumpkin spice

½ teaspoon pumpkin spice extract

• Spiced cider: 

1 cups Apple cider

½ orange, sliced

5 cloves

1 cinnamon sticks

Method: –

In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin extract and bring to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens and becomes a syrup.In the meantime, stud the orange slices with the cloves and reserve.Transfer the syrup to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until fragrant and warm. Remove the cinnamon, star anise, and orange slices and serve.

 Benefits: –

This drink backs in loads of fiber and vitamins. Cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. With the goodness of both pumpkin and apple combined, this drink improves internal functions, aids weight loss, provides natural sugar to the body, and adds a refreshing boost to our day ahead.

5. Caramel Apple Cider

Ingredients: –

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 1/2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method: –

Add apple cider and caramel sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Stirring constantly, heat until the apple cider is hot and the caramel sauce has completely melted. Pour into a mug and serve warm.

Benefits: – 

It helps in promoting blood flow and filtration, which helps in boosting energy within the liver. Apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver, enhancing the detoxification process of our body. It also improves blood sugar levels, provides relief from indigestion, and decreases the risks of heart diseases and cancer.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that is based on science that concentrates on bringing harmony between mind, body, and soul. Yoga is a science and art of healthy and sound living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, signifying ‘to join’ or ‘to combine’ or ‘to unite’. Both Yoga and Ayurveda are historically closely related and have developed in tandem with each other since ancient times. According to Yogic sacred writings, the act of Yoga prompts the union of individual consciousness with that of Universal Consciousness, showing an ideal congruity between the mind and body, Man and Nature. Yoga is believed to balance the three doshas Vata, Pitta, & Kapha.

As indicated by modern scientists, everything in the universe is only an appearance of a similar quantum atmosphere. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be in yoga and is named a yogi, having achieved a state of Mukti, Nirvana, or Moksha. The prime objective of Yoga is Self-realization, to overcome all types of suffering prompting ‘the state of salvation (Moksha) or ‘freedom’ (Kaivalya). Yoga, being generally considered as an ‘Immortal cultural outcome’ of Indus Saraswati Valley civilization – going back to 2700 B.C., has substantiated itself by taking into account both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity.

History of Yoga: –

The science of Yoga has its origin some thousands of years ago long before any religion and belief systems were born. Yoga is believed to have started at the very dawn of civilization. Shiva is viewed as the Yogi or Adiyogi, and the principal Guru or Adi Guru.

A few thousand years back, on the banks of the lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, Adiyogi poured his significant knowledge into the legendary Saptarishis or “seven sages”. The sages took this effective yogic science to various parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America. Interestingly, present-day researchers have noted and wondered about the nearby parallels found between ancient societies over the globe. However, it was in India that the yogic framework discovered its complete expression. Agastya, the Saptarishi who traveled across the Indian subcontinent, made this culture around a core yogic lifestyle.

This was the time when Yoga was being practiced under the immediate direction of the Guru and its spiritual esteem was given supreme importance. It was a part of Upasana and yoga sadhana was inbuilt into their ceremonies. Sun was given the most noteworthy significance during the Vedic period. The act of Surya namaskar may have been invented later because of this impact. Pranayama was a part of daily ritual and offered the oblation. Even though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized and classified the then existing practices of Yoga, its significance, and its related information through his Yoga Sutras. After Patanjali, numerous Sages and Yoga Masters contributed incredibly to the preservation and development of the field through their well-documented practices and Literature.

During the pre-Vedic period (2700 B.C.), the historical evidence of the existence of Yoga was seen, and thereafter till Patanjali’s period. Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis,teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics, Puranas, etc. are the main sources from which we get information about yoga practices and the related literature during this period.

Likely, the period 500 BC – 800 A.D. is considered the Classical time frame which is additionally considered the most fertile and conspicuous period in the history and advancement of Yoga. Amid this period, commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagavadgita, etc. came into existence.This period can be principally devoted to two incredible religious instructors of India – Mahavir and Buddha. The idea of five incredible pledges – Pancha Mahavrata-by Mahavir and Ashta Magga or the eightfold path by Buddha – can be very well considered as early nature of Yoga sadhana. We come across its more unequivocal clarification in Bhagavadgita which has intricately displayed the idea of Gyan yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Karma Yoga. These three types of yoga are still the most noteworthy case of human intelligence and even to this day, people discover peace by following the techniques shown in Gita. Patanjali’s yoga sutra other than containing different parts of yoga is primarily related to the eightfold path of Yoga. The very important commentary on the Yoga sutra by Vyasa was likewise composed. Amid this very period, the aspect of mind was given significance and it was unmistakably brought out through Yoga sadhana, Mind and body both can be conveyed under control to encounter equanimity.The period between 800 A.D. –and 1700 A.D. has been perceived as the Post Classical period wherein the lessons of great Acharyatrayas-Adi Shankracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya-were great contributors to this period. The Natha Yogis of Hathayoga Tradition like Matsyendaranatha, Gorkshanatha, Cauranginatha, Swatmaram Suri, Gheranda, Shrinivasa Bhatt are some of the considerable identitieswho popularized the Hatha Yoga practices during this period.

The period 1700 – 1900 A.D. is considered a Modern period in which the amazing Yogacharyas-Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Vivekananda, etc. have contributed to the development of Raja Yoga. This was the period when Vedanta, Bhakti yoga, Nathayoga, or Hatha-yoga prospered. The Shadanga-yoga of Gorakshashatakam, Chaturanga-yoga of Hathayogapradipika, and Saptanga-yoga of Gheranda Samhita were the principal tenants of Hatha-yoga.

Presently in contemporary circumstances, everyone has a conviction about yoga practices towards the preservation, maintenance, and promotion of health. Yoga has spread everywhere throughout the world through the lessons of incredible identities like Swami Shivananda, Shri T.Krishnamacharya, Swami Kuvalayananda, Shri Yogendra, Swami Rama, Sri Aurobindo, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Acharya Rajanish, Pattabhi Jois, BKS. Iyengar, Swami Satyananda Sarasvati and so forth.

Yoga’s long rich history can be divided into main periods of innovation, practice, and development.

• Pre-Classical Yoga
• Classical Yoga
• Post-Classical Yoga
• Modern Period

Pre-classical Yoga: –

The beginnings of Yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India more than 5,000 years back. The word yoga was initially mentioned in the old sacred texts, the Rig Veda. The Vedas were a collection of writings containing songs, mantras, and rituals to be utilized by Brahmans, the Vedic priests. Yoga was gradually refined and enhanced by the Brahmans and Rishis (spiritualist diviners) who archived their practices and convictions in the Upanishads, an immense work containing more than 200 sacred scriptures. The most famous of the Yogic sacred texts is the Bhagavad-Gita, composed around 500 B.C.E. The Upanishads took the idea of ritual sacrifice from the Vedas and internalized it, teaching the sacrifice of the ego through self-knowledge, action (Karma Yoga), and wisdom (Jnanayoga).

Classical Yoga: –

In this era, Yoga was a combination of various ideas, beliefs, and techniques that contradicted and conflicted with each other. The Classical period is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras, the first systematic presentation of yoga. This text narrates the way of Raj Yoga, which was documented sometime in the second century and is often called “classical yoga”. Patanjali organized the practice of yoga into an “eight-limbed path” containing the steps and stages towards obtaining Samadhi or enlightenment. Patanjali is known as the father of yoga and his Yoga-Sûtras still strongly influence most styles of modern yoga.

Post-ClassicalYoga: –

A few centuries after Patanjali, yoga masters created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. They dismissed the lessons of the old Vedas and held onto the physical body as the way to achieve enlightenment. They created Tantra Yoga, with radical methods to purify the body and mind to break the knots that bind us to our physical existence. The exploration of these physical-spiritual connections and body-focused practices prompted the formation of what we fundamentally consider yoga in the West: Hatha Yoga.

Modern Period: –

To attract attention and followers, Yoga masters began to travel to the West in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This began at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago when Swami Vivekananda impressed the attendees with his lectures on yoga and the universality of the world’s religions. In the 1920s and 30s, Hatha Yoga was strongly promoted in India with the work of T. Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda, and other yogis practicing Hatha Yoga. Krishnamacharya opened the first Hatha Yoga School in Mysore in 1924 and 1936 Sivananda founded the Divine Life Society on the banks of the holy river of Ganges.

Krishnamacharya produced three students that would continue his legacy and increase the popularity of Hatha Yoga: B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, and Pattabhi Jois. Sivananda was a prolific author, writing over 200 books on yoga, and established nine ashrams and numerous yoga centers located around the world.The importation of yoga to the West continued at a trickle until Indra Devi opened her yoga studio in Hollywood in 1947. Since then, many more western and Indian teachers have become pioneers, popularizing hatha yoga and gaining millions of followers.Hatha Yoga now has many different schools or styles, all emphasizing the many different aspects of the practice.

Types of Yoga: –

Hatha Yoga: –

This is one of the oldest forms of yoga which includes the practice of asanas (Postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) which brings peace to mind and body and helps prepare the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation.

Ashtanga Yoga: –

Ashtanga is a system of yoga that was brought to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This form of yoga includes six series and each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order. It is typically fast-paced, vigorous, and physically challenging.

Iyengar Yoga: –

Poses are held much longer in this form of yoga to pay closer attention to the precise musculoskeletal alignment within each asana. Another trademark of Iyengar is the use of props, such as blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs, and blankets, which are used to accommodate injuries, tightness, or structural imbalances, as well as teach the student how to move properly into a posture.

Jivamukti Yoga: –

This style of yoga was created in 1984. Chanting, meditation, readings, and affirmations are done in this style of yoga.

Anusara Yoga: –

The Anusara style is a new system of Hatha that teaches a set of Universal Principles of Alignment that underlie all yoga postures while encouraging flowing with grace and following your heart. It is broadly categorized into three parts known as the three A’s and they include attitude, alignment, and action.

Sivananda Yoga: –

It typically begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), kapalabhati, and anuloma viloma, followed by a few rounds of Surya namaskar. Then it moves through Sivananda’s twelve asanas, which together are designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of it.

Vinyasa Yoga: –

An active and athletic style of yoga adapted from the traditional ashtanga system in the late 1980s. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on the rapid flow through a sun salutation. It also refers to the continuous flow from one posture to another.

Power Yoga: –

Power yoga is described as vigorous, vinyasa-style yoga. Power yoga’s popularity has spread across the globe and is now taught everywhere. Because the style can vary, it is recommended that you consult the individual instructor before performing it.

Bikram Yoga: –

It consists of twenty-six postures and two breathing techniques. This style of yoga helps flush toxins, manage weight and allow performers to move more deeply into postures.

ViniYoga: –

Viniyoga refers to an approach to yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs, and interests of the individual. This style of yoga helps in self-discovery and personal transformation.

Kundalini Yoga: –

Kundalini incorporates multiple movements or exercises, dynamic breathing practices, chanting, meditation, and mantras. Each specific kundalini exercise, referred to as a kriya, is a movement that is often repeated and is synchronized with the breath. The practice is designed to awaken the energy at the base of the spine to draw it upward through each of the seven chakras.

Yin Yoga: –

Yin yoga is a slow-paced style in which poses are held for five minutes or longer. Even though it is passive, yin yoga can be quite challenging due to the long duration holds, particularly if your body is not used to it. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to the connective tissue – the tendons, fascia, and ligaments – to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.

Yoga works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion, and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga: karma yoga, where we use the body; bhakti yoga, where we use the emotions; gyana yoga, where we use the mind and intellect; and kriya yoga, where we use the energy. All the ancient commentaries on Yoga focus on performing Yoga under the direction of a Guru. The reason is that only a Guru can mix the appropriate combination of the four fundamental paths, as is necessary for each seeker.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provide the traditional foundation of yoga, in which he outlines an eightfold path of the practice. Known as the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga,’ this path offers a guide to individuals who are dedicated to creating a union between body, mind, and spirit.

Each of the Eight Limbs offers a means of living with more integrity, self-discipline, respect for nature, and connection with the spiritual aspects of life. These eight practices are intended to be carried out in a holistic and integrative manner: –

Yamas: – 

Five universal, ethical, and moral observances to live by (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-covetousness).

Niyamas: – 

Five spiritual and self-discipline observances (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, study of scriptures, and surrender to God).

Asana: –

physical posture, originally intended only for seated meditation, but more recently adapted to encompass all physical yoga practices.

Pranayama: –

Breathing exercises to control the flow of prana (vital life force)

Pratyahara: – Withdrawal of the senses

Dharana: – Single pointed concentration

Dhyana: – Meditation

Samadhi: – Liberation or blissful union with the Divine

The four traditional paths of yoga are: –

• Bhakti (devotion)
• Karma (action/selfless service)
• Jnana (knowledge/self-study)
• Raja (self-discipline/practice)

Although modern schools of yoga such as Jivamukti, Bikram, and Sivananda offer alternative interpretations, most are rooted in the same philosophical concepts and practices as Patanjali’s Eight Limbs.

Yoga is also used as a therapeutic tool for many physical and mental conditions, and mind-body research is now demonstrating its effectiveness as a treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, to name but a few.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life