Yoga
Origins
and historical development :
As with the English word yoke, yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yug (to join). Interpreted as meaning unity, or oneness, it refers to the spiritual union of an individual’s consciousness with the universal unconsciousness. Yoga is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva some 10,000 years ago; and its teachings were originally passed on secretly from teacher to student by word of mouth – as it was by Shiva to his first student Paravati. However, after being defined by Patanjali around 300BC into a written form, yoga has grown through continual use from being taught by Hindu yogi leaders to only a select few disciples, philosophers and like minded people, into a current day phenomenon that has been embraced in the Western World. Buddha, often seen sitting in lotus position, is 1 of the earliest well known yogis, while Igengar has been instrumental in introducing yoga to the West in the 20th Century.
Patanjali’s yoga set out 8 Spiritual guidelines, that when followed lead to enlightenment. Starting with the initial stages of contemplation and ethics - centred on education and hygiene; a disciple progresses to learn physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). Prana refers to the energy of life, with breath symbolising the outward form a person’s inner energy. The physical postures, together with controlled breathing, regulate a person’s prana while stimulating the nervous system, with the joints and muscles becoming more relaxed and flexible. The final stages of the journey advance the disciples spirit to meditation and onto isolation and attainment of supreme pure consciousness (somadhi). Such a complete mental transformation is said to bring about a final realisation of being.
Traditionally, yoga practice centres on 7 life energy points (chakras), located along the central energy channel, known as sushumna. These chakras are linked to nerve centres along the spinal chord; and ascend in order of spiritual purity and refinement from the bottom of the spine up to the crown of the head.
Nowadays there are many different branches of yoga, each designed to meet specific needs. The 5 main schools are raja, based on meditation; jnana, loyal to classic yoga texts; karma, whose students live for the moment; bhakti, which is very spiritual and religious; and hatha, meaning balance. It is hatha that is the system best known in the West, helping students relax in the face of everyday stress.
What
to expect during a treatment :
Yoga can be practiced with the assistance of a qualified teacher on an individual basis, much like a personal trainer. However, there will also be many opportunities in the local community to take part in yoga classes; such as the village hall, adult education, health club, gym or leisure centre. There are also several instructional videos available to practice at home. A yoga session will involve adopting specific postures while stretching and focussing on breathing, before relaxing and, depending on the teacher, light meditation. There are many postures in yoga and all vary in difficulty. Beginners will start off with simple techniques and then progress to more advanced practice, often in a different class so that a teacher can take sessions with people of similar experience. It is best to wear light, loose fitting clothing and take a jumper to save getting cold when relaxing at the end of class. A non-slip mat is also advisable instead of standing or sitting directly on the floor.
Conditions suitable for treatment :
Predominantly used for relaxation and stress relief (including PMS), yoga has many other advantages, such as building strength, flexibility and tone; as well as improving blood circulation and general mobility. It is also claimed to be effective for depression, respiratory conditions, digestive disorders and migraine.
