Iyengar Yoga Association
Posted in guide on 12/31/2009 10:10 pm by Yoga Guy
A Leading Fitness Guru shares the benefits of Yoga by Medimanage.com
Mickey Mehta is India’s leading Holistic health and fitness guru. Having revolutionized the concept of Wellness, he has been associated with Femina Miss India, Grasim Mr. India, and various other Reality shows on TV, including Fame Gurukul, Channel V – Pop stars, and Channel V – Get Gorgeous.
He is the only privileged health exponent in India to be interviewed on CNN, CNBC and BBC and has also been interviewed extensively on almost all radio stations and all TV channels.
Here Mickey Mehta talks about the benefits of yoga:
Yoga is the world’s oldest system of self-development and encompasses mind, body and spirit. The term ‘yoga’ originates from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning yoke, unite, join together as one. Through the practice of yoga, clear steps are followed which help to integrate and harmonize different aspects of ourselves, bringing about balance, health and energy in our mind, body and spirit. There are various types of yoga which help you beat stress & unwind the traditional way. They all share the same aim, that of connecting & uniting with the divine.
Bikram Yoga: Developed by Yogiraj Bikram Choudhary and taught in 1,200 Bikram Yoga schools in the US, it is called “hot yoga” as the asanas are practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Chowdhary, the heated environment acts as a powerful tool to enhance self-realisation and helps the body tissues to stretch.
Iyengar Yoga: Developed and cultivated by BKS Iyengar over the last 60 years, this form focuses on perfect alignment and precise body movements. This style of yoga uses props such as bands and straps.
Ashtanga Yoga: Commonly called power yoga, it focuses on powerful movements such as push ups and lunges, which require strength and stamina. Ashtanga Yoga is appropriate for people who are already athletic and want to add flexibility, balance and concentration to their exercise routines.
Hatha Yoga: “Ha” denotes the pranic (vital force) governing the physical body, and the “tha” denotes the chitta (mental) force, thus making Hatha Yoga a catalyst for the two energies that govern our lives. Hatha Yoga harmonises and purifies the body systems and focuses the mind in preparation for advanced yoga.
Bhakti Yoga: This form of yoga relies on devotion and complete faith. The faith is generally in God or the supreme consciousness. The person interested in following this path should have a very strong emotional bond with the object of his faith and meditate till he reaches a state of self-realisation.
Kundalani Yoga: This system of yoga is concerned with the awareness of the six chakras or psychic centers that exist in the body. The basic method of awakening involves deep concentration on these chakras and forcing their arousal.
Sivananda Yoga: This system pioneered by Swami Sivananda teaches the five basic principles of proper relaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet and positive thinking with meditation. 12 basic postures, relaxation, breathing, chanting and spiritual teachings are included.
Viniyoga: Its taught in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. It aims to develop a personal approach to yoga and also includes therapeutic, philosophical and spiritual teachings. It was developed by Desikachar who is the son of the late, great yoga teacher Krishnamacharya.
Raja Yoga: This is a system of yoga promoted by Sage Patanjali by which one can discover the dormant areas of the mind and consciousness. The process of Raja Yoga is divided into 8 stages: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharna, dhyana and samadhi.
Karma Yoga: This system of yoga relates to daily activities we perform from morning to night. In Karma Yoga there is a certain philosophy to life and action. Its not what you do but how you do it that is significant. It’s a yoga of non-attachment and yet perfection in action.
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About the Author
Medimanage Health Insurance India
Lisa Walford for yogitoes®
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Sustain Yoga Halter $48 Premium ProModal Custom Fabric made in Los Angeles. Classically tailored, this top will feel like a 2nd skin; double-layered in front. ProModal is from Beech wood and Eucalyptus Tree that is sustainably farmed. Softer than cotton with 50% more moisture wicking & 1/20th the eco-impact. This top is perfect for Yoga & Pilates, spinning, kick-boxing, running errands or simply lounging. (S: 2-6, M: 4-8, L: 6-10) |
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10 Foot Cotton Strap $14 The 10 Foot Cotton Strap by Hugger Mugger is a durable cotton webbing strap suitable for all types and levels of yoga practice. The longer length 10 foot strap is especially useful for partner yoga or taller yogis. |
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Prema Long Sleeve Top $54 This top features a dolman sleeve and a boat neck. Perfect Apre yoga top. Metallic print on front. |
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6 Foot Cotton Strap $11 The 6 Foot Cotton Strap by Hugger Mugger is a durable cotton webbing strap suitable for all types and levels of yoga practice. |
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Original Fusion Mat $110 Extra thick for extra cushion. 5/16″ thick. Great for your yoga/pilates/core fitness practice. 24″ x 68″ All Natural Rubber |
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Original Professional Mat $72 A Jade Yoga bestselling premium mat. 3/16″ thick. A perfect balance of traction and cushion. 24″ x 68″All Natural Rubber |
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Racerback Tank $52 Get in the RaceThe Racerback Tank by Beyond Yoga is fashion and function. Longer length for more coverage, and a built in bra for support.Machine Wash Cold |
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Standard Bolster $80 The Standard Bolster by Hugger Mugger provides a flat surface and is perfect for restorative Yoga. The bolster has a removable cover, for easy washing, and a convenient handle. 6″ x 12″ x 25″ |
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Be Present Tee $27 Eco-conscious. Tee for the yoga lifestyle. Exist in the current moment with the be present tee. This will be the softest tee in your closet.100% Organic CottonMachine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low |
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Just Breathe Sheer Jersey Cap Sleeve T-Shirt $42 Our Sheer Jersey Cap Sleeve features a comfortable scoop neck, has cap sleeves, and is extremely flattering. Great for yoga practice or paired with your favorite jeans.100% Sheer Jersey Cotton ConstructionPre-shrunk and laundered |
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Long Pant $89 This yoga pant has it all. Stretch, a super soft feel and fabulous fit. Wide waist band sits beautifully at hips with a flare leg cut.88% Nylon, 12% Spandex |