YOGA is an Indian philosophical theory, which includes a series of mental and physical exercises. YOGA means "union" or "integration".
There are now many different forms of yoga, and there are more and more new ones, often spilled over from the U.S.. The so-called HATHA YOGA is a more body-oriented form of yoga, and here with us in Western Europe, the most widespread.
Yoga has positive effects on both the physical and the mental health. Many Bewerden such as poor circulation, insomnia, chronic headache or back pain can be relieved with yoga. On the physical level, you get power and flexibility, sense of balance and muscle endurance training. The back muscles are strengthened, this in turn leads to better posture.
on the mental level, yoga for many people a soothing, balancing effect and thus can counteract the consequences of stress. After the traditional view is through a combination of yoga postures, movements, inner concentration points that stimulate respiratory management and the use of mantras (words meditation) and mudras (hand gestures) of life energy, The Kundalini. This is known as the "awakening of the Kundalini Serpent."
Following the tantric teaching every man a divine, cosmic force. This bored resting at the base of the spine and is symbolically represented as a dormant, as shown in the coiled snake. Through yoga, this can be awakened and then rises through the energy channels along the spine, the chakras (main energy centers) are pierced. Kundalini reaches the top chakra, it unites with the cosmic soul, and the man attains the highest happiness.
YOGA includes an eight-limbed yoga path of practice:
- Yama: ethical dealings with other people (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, non-hoarding).
- Niyama: ethical dealings with itself (cleanliness, comfort, care, self-examination, focusing on the Immortal).
- asana (seat and posture).
- pranayama (breath-steering).
- Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses inwards).
- Dharana (concentration).
- Dhyana (meditation, contemplation).
- Samadhi (oneness).
This holistic path of practice leading to the recovery of the internal and external balance of man. Highest goal of yoga is clarity of mind and self-determination. YOGA practitioners are increasingly aware of the spiritual dimension of their lives. The result is a more careful handling of results with himself, with others and with the natural environment.