yoga history

History of Yoga Yoga is the traditional physical and psychological discipline that originated in India. It has gained tremendous popularity both in the East and the West. People of the present generation are health-conscious and are practicing yogic exercises for remaining healthy and fresh. But in spite of practicing Yoga, people are hardly aware of the history of Yoga. Here under is a brief history of Yoga. The history of Yoga can be traced back to the time called 'Sat Yuga' or Golden Age. This era was a period of everlasting tranquility and benediction, full of the questers of Eternal Truth. This possibly the reason why yoga is still associated with hermits. We also get to know about yoga in the holy texts of Bhagavadgita and Upanishads. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras also acquaint us with the various steps ad positions of Yoga. In fact, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali offers the fundamentals of yoga practiced today. Excavations demonstrate evidence of Yoga's popularity among the Indus Valley people. The practice of Yoga were also common among the Aryans who came to India from Central Asia. Various seals dug out from Indus Valley excavations portray figures in yogic postures. Greagory Possehl, the famous archaeologist, show 16 "yogi glyptics" in the mass of Mature Harappan artifacts. All these artifacts and images exhibit that the yoga postures may have been used by gods, sages and men alike. Powers of Yoga Yoga has the aim to maintain a balance between the body and mind, and in the process achieve enlightenment. In order to achieve its aims, yoga employs various movements, postures and meditation, thus ensuring a balanced and healthy approach to life. The powers of yoga are no more unknown to the world. People in different parts of the world are aware of the benefits and healing powers of yoga. As we all know, yoga no only increases the flexibility of the body but it has the ability to cure serious diseases. Doctors also often recommend yoga, as regular practice of yoga helps one to lead a healthy, disease-free life. Healing Powers of Yoga There is hardly any person who is not aware of the healing powers of Yoga. Regular performance of yoga, meditation and Pranayams has proved effective in curing the following ailments: Asthma: Yogasanas have exhibited tremendous success in improving asthma. It is also proved that asthmatic attacks can be easily prevented by yogic exercises, especially pranayamas. People can also stay away from the shortness of breath by performing necessary yogasanas. Body Pain: Yoga is considered to be very useful in reducing pain. People suffering from body pains are usually recommended breathing exercises because muscles relax when you breathe out, Breathing exercises lengthen the time of exhalation and in the process aids in reducing tension. Thus, breathing exercises helps a lot in pain management. Obesity: Obesity is a common problem in the age of Internet. People sit in front of computers for longer hours, and this does not help people in losing their excess body calorie. Yoga is a commonly recommended remedy to obesity. It helps you to burn your extra fat, and lead a healthy life. Stress Management: Yoga also lowers high blood pressure, and balances it. It works well in stress management. Insomnia: Yoga also acts as a remedy to Insomnia or sleeplessness. Arthritis: There are several exercises which act as cure for Arthritis. Yoga relaxes the muscles and relieves the practitioners from severe pain caused by Arthritis. Healing Along with several other benefits, Yoga has the special ability of healing. Since the ancient ages, people have been practising yoga for healing serious diseases. The healing ability of yoga is so great that it helps the practitioners in controlling body functions like blood pressure, heart beat, body temperature and also the metabolic functions. Researches have proved that individuals who practice yoga regularly are comparatively less prone to heart attacks and anxiety. Yoga can effectively lesson adverse affects of Parkinson's disease, Insomnia, infertility and multiple sclerosis. Yoga healing Anxiety and Stress The modern life is very fast and the work pressure is tremendous. And excessive work pressure often leads to stress and anxiety. Stress may lead to tight muscles, sweating, headaches and dry mouth, which in the long run can cause heart diseases and insomnia. In this age of anxiety, yoga can prove effective in relieving stress. Yoga healing Obesity problem The modern age is an age of slimming beauty. An obese person not only looks bad but also suffers from various diseases. Thus, it is extremely necessary to burn up the extra fat. Losing extra weight not only makes you healthy, but also keeps you healthy and fit. And as far as fitness, is concerned, there can be no better option than practicing yoga. Yoga helps you to lose your extra calorie and refreshes your muscles. What are the eight limbs of Yoga? The eight limbed path described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra forms the structural backbone of yogic practice. Each of these limbs has its own holistic focus which gradually connects an individual to divinity. The eight limbs or the eight steps of Yoga are as follows: Yamas - This teaches universal morality. It has following sub divisions: Ahimsa - Teaches compassion for living beings Satya - Teaches importance of truth Asteya - Teaches non-stealing Brahmacharya - Controlling the senses Aparigraha - Neutralizing the desire for wealth Niyama - These are rules teaching personal observance. The sub-division under this category are: Sauca - Purity Santosa - Satisfaction and happiness Tapas - Using energy in a disciplined way Svadhyaya - Self-study Isvarapranidhana - Spiritual celebration Asanas - Yogasanas or asanas are the various body postures for improving strength, flexibility, health and balance. Pranayama - This is an art of controlling the breath. Prana means energy. Pranayama measures, controls and directs the breath for the good health of an individual as well as to promote his/her evolution as a human being. Pratyahara - Pratyahara which means retreating or drawing back is practiced to bring the senses under control. It teaches one the art of detaching oneself from the sensorial distractions and directs him/her to constantly move on towards the path of self realization and inner peace. Dharana - Dharana teaches one to focus attention in one direction and improve concentration by refining the perceptual awareness of the inner soul. Dhyana - This teaches devotion or worship and religious meditation where one realizes the Universal Spirit. Samadhi - This is the final step of Yoga where one attains the stage where he/she attains divinity.