Is Yoga really all that the media and world made it out to be? Well, they are definitely not wrong. Practicing Yoga indeed helps an individual in achieving general wellness and release excess weight. But does it stop just here?
The real benefits of doing Yoga far exceeds all that described above. I would say that weight loss, reversing aging effects and alleviation of physical illnesses are only the “by-products” of doing Yoga.
The practice of Yoga originated from ancient Vedic Sanskrit traditions. When Man first discovered that he is much more than what he sees and feels in the physical dimension, he designed specific methods of breaking through the physical frontier through continuous research, experimentation and observation of nature. Over the generations, Yoga traditions and practices were handed down by word-of-mouth, from masters to disciples, and the wealth of knowledge expanded quietly. It was believed that Yoga practices were first used to achieve deep states of self actualization.
For those of you who are familiar with Yoga poses, you may find that some asanas resemble the positions of animals and even insects eg. cat pose, cobra etc. Old Vedic masters (and even ascetic Himalayan Yoga Masters today) drew inspirations from observation of Nature and animals in the wild, making notes of how they move, stretch and sleep, were able to create sets of asanas for Man to heal and rejuvenate. Actually, this should not come across as a surprise because, hey! Anyone notice that animals in the wild do not fall sick, get degenerative diseases and feel miserable? That’s because Nature has given all living things a terrific survival and rejuvenation systems well beyond the mundane understanding of any human mind. And that means you and I have one too!
Let’s take a brief look at some common traditional forms of Yoga. Hatha Yoga - which emphasizes physical postures and asanas perfection, engages the body fully. This, in Science, is viewed as physical exercise. And any exercise, as long as moderate and not too harsh on the body, is good for health.
Pranayama Yoga, which means breath energy works for healing, uses breathing techniques to manage body functions, emotions and wellness. Breath is something essential to every living thing; we need oxygen to live. By intentionally directing the oxygen intake frequency, speed and movement, we regulate our internal organs, metabolic and endocrine systems. It does not take a genius to tell that this is, in fact, intelligently using Science to manage our health for the better.
Now let’s look at Mantra Yoga - or chanting, perhaps most mistaken by many to be religious or superstitious. Before we jump to conclusions, let’s break it down and look closely. During chanting, you produce sound vibrations, at different pitches, volumes, keys and frequency. Each of the variations produce body vibrations at different body parts - internally. In other words, you are actually performing an internal massage for your organs when sound vibrations are used. These are no different from energy waves - which can be measured by energy calibrating equipment. Coupled with Sanskrit words with intention, (and by now we should all know that thoughts and intentions are measurable by quantum physics) these sound vibrations bring about harmony, peace and healing. The Sanskrit pronouncing sounds are nothing more than mere well meaning words eg. peace, consciousness, joy and bliss. There is absolutely nothing superstitious or religious about Mantra Yoga.
And what is the result of practicing all these combined with the power of concentration? Millions of people world-wide have experienced the healing benefits of doing Yoga, and more people today than ever are practicing. The “by-products” are weight management, radiant skin, a toned and beautiful body, emotional wellness, and anti-aging benefits. What else are we waiting for?
(C) Copyright 2008-2010, Linda Loo
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