Just like Ayurveda, yoga too is a pride of India. It has origin from the divine land, India. Today, even the modern world has accepted and adapted Yoga as one of the effective healing modalities. It is basically a science of self-realisation.
Yoga is a big science by itself and a trend of the modern-day world. It is a comprehensive method of psycho-somatic healing, an answer for many physical and mental problems and a unique way of balancing and maintaining a rhythm between body and mind.
The practices of yoga were elaborated and given a philosophical foundation of Yoga Sutra of the Indian scholar Patanjali, who is traditionally regarded as the 'founder of Yoga'. The period of this work dates back to 3rd century B.C.
Om Mantra:
- The practice of chanting "OM" cures high blood pressure, migraine, tension, constipation, heart attack and all digestion problems. The chanting of Om Mantra provides internal relaxation as well. Chanting of Om is considered as a powerful yogic exercise. It relaxes mind as well as body. The problem of stammering is also cured by chanting Om Mantra. Chanting of Om Mantra purifies the environment and creates positive vibrations so it relaxes the mind as well.
- For practising Om Mantra, take a position in Padamasana and close your eyes and bring both hands in Gyan Mudra
- Touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of index finger.
- Back and neck should be kept straight.
- Keep all the muscles of the relaxed.
- Body should be in a still position
- Take deep breath and without giving a pause, say 'Om'.
- First, practice it for 5 minutes and then increase it from 25 minutes.
Surya Namaskar:
- Surya Namaskar is one of the most complete methods to bring about health and vigour while at the same time preparing an adept for the deeper processes of yoga. This yogic exercise is based on the 3 elements: rhythm, energy and form. This yogic exercise thus becomes strong, supple, agile and healthy. Some experts, including Ayurvedic physicians, consider surya namaskar as the crest of jewel exercises. This yogic exercise is the best way to relax and rejuvenate the body and also help to tide over a hectic day with ease.
The 12 poses of Surya Namsakar or Sun Salutation include:
- Pranamasana
- Hastauttanasana
- Hasta Padasana
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana
- Dandasana
- Ashtanga Namaskara
- Bhujangasana
- Parvatasana
- Ashwa Sanchalasana
- Hasta Padamasana
- Hastauttanasana
- Pranama asana
Dhanurasana (Bow pose):
- In Ayurveda, it is said that abdominal problems are the root cause of all the problems. So, it is necessary to keep the stomach healthy. This asana provides relief from all the abdominal problems and therefor, helpful in keeping body and mind healthy. This asana helps to improve digestion by stimulating gastric secretions. By doing this asana, the muscles of the vital organ liver are massaged. This asana is also recommended for the management of diabetes, back pain and neck pain.
Steps of Dhanurasana are:
- Start the asana by lying flat on the stomach with legs and feet together and the arms and hands beside the body.
- Bend the knees and bring heels close to the buttocks.
- Place the chin on the floor and clasp the hand around the ankles.
- Now, take a deep breath and raise the head trunk and legs above the ground in order to lift legs and pull hands and legs in the opposite direction.
- Support the entire body on the floor. Hold the position for as long on the floor.
- The last step of this asana is holding the position for as long as is comfortable and then slowly relax the leg muscles, lower the legs, chest and head to the starting position. Do it minimum 3 times daily.
Halasana:
- Halasana is an inversion asana and it is important for the beginner to do sufficient warm up poses before attempting this pose. This pose gives flexibility to the spine as well as strengthens the back muscles, improves digestion and appetite, effective in weight loss, strengthens the abdominal muscles, helps to reduce stress, normalises the blood-glucose level and stimulates the internal organs.
Steps of Halasana are
- Start the asana by lying on the back with the arm besides and palm downwards.
- As you inhale, use the abdominal muscles to lift the feet off the floor, raising the legs vertically at a 90 -degree angle.
- Continue to breathe normally and supporting the hips and back with the hands, lift them off the ground.
- Allow the legs to sweep in a 180-degree angle over the head until the toes touch the floor.
- The back should be perpendicular to the floor. This may be difficult initially, but make an attempt after a few seconds.
- Do this slowly and gently but it must be ensured that there should be no strain on neck or you may push it into the ground.
- Hold this pose and let the body relax more and more with each steady breath.
Shavasana(Corpse pose):
- This yoga pose is practiced after an active yoga session. It provides deep healing and completely relaxes the body. This pose can also be practiced whenever a person is extremely tired and need to get back to work quickly as it is refreshing and rejuvenating. The body and mind relax which in turn helps in repairing the cells and tissues and releases stress. The body relaxes and calms down, the blood pressure also drops and this helps in relaxing heart also. As a result, anxiety is in control.
Steps of Shavasana are:
- Lie down on the back and keep the legs straight on the floor, with both the feet apart as shoulder width.
- Toes should be turned outward as possible and let the fingers curl up slightly.
- The head and spine should be in a straight line.
- Relax the whole body and stop all the physical movements.
- Close the eyes gently.
- Now, mentally watch the breathing and allow it to become rhythmic and relaxed.
- Duration should be minimum 5 minutes.
