History of yogaThe history of yoga takes us thousands of years back. The first text on the subject was writen by Patanjali Maharishi some time between 400 BC and 400 AD. It is called Raja Yoga-sutras (sutra=thread). Often called the eight-fold path, it is comprised of: 1. yama - self-restraints The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit yuj which means "to unite, join, connect". It takes a "whole person" approach, providing those who practise it with the tools to help to maintain a state of balance. Yoga is about learning to come back to yourself. It's finding your limits, expanding your boundaries and being able to truly relax. It's about taking time to remember who you are but have forgotten while being caught up in the fast-paced life of 21st century. The practice helps us to achieve inner stillness. Of the various styles practised in the West, hatha yoga is the most popular. "Ha" means Sun and "The" is Moon. It consists of "physical" excercises known as asanas or postures, breathing exercises referred to as pranayama, and various concentration, meditation, visualization and relaxation techniques. Normal Hatha class consists of: Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) - a series of 12 postures practised in a flowing sequence combining the use of breath. It stimulates and energises the whole body, strengthens arms and legs, improves circulation and increases spine flexibility. Standing poses - warm the body, depelop stamina, involve the whole body and teach you about firm grounding. Forward bends - tone the abdominals, calm the nervous system. Backbends - warm the system, increase energy, strenghten back muscles, increase determination and willpower. Opening the chest promotes better breathing. Twists - bring fresh, oxygen-rich blood to the organs and the bowel, nourishing them. Good for digestion and elimination. Inversions - improve lymph and venous circulation, stimulate the thyroid gland, brings blood to the head and neck, which do don't achieve very often. Relaxation - refreshes mind and body, lowers blood pressure, invigorates nerve cells. I TEACH HATHA YOGA IN:
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