Yoga principles – postures
Yoga postures or exercises are properly called asanas, which comes from the Sanskrit and literally means to sit down or sit in a particular position. In the context of Yoga, asana refers to the special postures or positions. The practice of Yoga posture differs radically from conventional exercise such as aerobics, gymnastics, fitness training, etc. Yoga postures work on all dimensions of the body-mind. On a physical level the Yoga postures stimulate the glands, organs, muscles and nerves in ways that traditional exercise cannot. Through continued practice Yoga postures can have a profound effect on the inner dimensions of life, establishing concentration, emotional stability and confidence.
Despite their benefits, Yoga postures are easy to learn. They can be practiced by anyone of any age. Although Yoga postures are meant to provide a strong foundation for further Yoga practices such as meditation, fasting and prayer, they can stand alone for Western students whose interest is to develop a strong body and a mind that is healthy and relaxed.
The most famous, of course is the headstand or sirshasana, perhaps followed closely by the padmasana or lotus posture, and while these may seem like parlour tricks, they are in fact specialised exercises that help the serious Yoga student to attain their aim of spiritual enlightenment.
While the best way to learn Yoga is from a fully qualified teacher, a few basic rules include understanding that body should be held firm, yet relaxed, and the practitioner should not experience discomfort of any kind. Tightness or tension observed within the body should be consciously relaxed. Breathing should be natural, through the nose and into the belly. This abdominal breathing pranayama is called ujjayi or the 'ocean breath' as it should break and retreat like the endless waves of the ocean.
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