Yoga is the union of the mind, body and soul. Before practicing yoga it is required to commit with discipline for the act. Yoga is not just a form of exercise but has more to it . It is a lifestyle in itself. Only a person has to adapt to it to achieve the benefits. To attain union with the Divine the mind and body should be united. It can be done with proper discipline and dedication. In order to achieve this target meditation is important. Focus is needed to block out the negative thoughts of outside world. Every kind of distraction can be blocked with meditation practice. The ability to establish discipline through yoga is quite rewarding.
YOGIC WAY OF LIVINGYoga is known to enhance the physical and emotional well-being. But when used as a therapy yoga not only prevents diseases but also cures many illness by transforming the body and mind. Yoga promotes self-knowledge and a person becomes aware of his body and mind and also its importance. Yoga therapy promotes the flow of prana or the vital force and removes the energy blockages in the body. It lets the energy flow freely and restores the basic condition for health. Common yoga therapy also solves problems like spine misalignments or joint functions. Even cancer can be stopped from growing by regular yoga therapy.
Yoga therapy includes various asanas or postures, breathing techniques or pranayam and relaxation methods or meditation for the mind and body. The four systems of the body the circulatory, lymphatic, digestive and reproductive systems play a major role in the proper functioning of the body. If any of the system has a disorder then it affects the entire body. Circulatory system disorders include heart diseases, hypertension etc., digestive disorders include liver diseases, stomach and intestinal problems etc., lymphatic disorders include varicose veins, hemorrhoids etc. and reproductive disorders include infertility, menstrual problems etc. Regular practice of asanas keep these systems in order and also solve problems related to these systems.
Pranayam which means controlled breathing methods removes the stagnation of energy in the body. It prevents and also cures problems like asthma and bronchitis. The respiratory system is kept in order and the toxins and co2 is removed from the body. These breathing techniques also help in purifying the blood. Also regular practice of yoga and pranayam keeps the hormones balanced. Meditation techniques keep the mind calm and cool. It removes the stress from the body and mind and rejuvenates a person.
BENEFITS OF YOGAThough yoga has many benefits one of the main benefits is of curing and controlling diseases. When a person practices yoga he becomes aware of himself and his surroundings. He becomes attentive and has the right thoughts and actions. All his emotions and actions are in control. There is no breakdown or illness. All impulses are used in a healthy way. A person becomes more wise. His patience , consistency and dedication increases. Yoga not only heals but also prevents illness.
BALANCED DIETJust like physical activities a well balanced diet is also important for a healthy living. Only good diet or only good exercise cannot keep a person healthy. Both go side by side to maintain healthy living. A balanced diet includes diverse and healthy food. We are what we eat. Unhealthy food habits lead to diseases. Good food doesn’t mean it looks or tastes good. A balanced and nutritious diet means good food and it prevents diseases. Food should be taken as a medicine and not just something to satisfy our taste buds.
For many diseases like heart troubles, diabetes, anemia and even common problems like headaches and cold there are foods that can help and also aggravate the problem. Food can be classified as vegetables, fruits, cereals, pulses, dairy, poultry, fish and meat. The amount and the type of food we take depends upon the lifestyle and age of a person. For a hardworking person more calories are required than a person who works less. For example more calories doesn’t mean more food but it certainly means more proteins and carbohydrates for energy.A balanced diet must include fresh fruits and vegetables with enough proteins to balance.
A yogic diet doesn’t include meat, fish or poultry. There are substitutes for these. The amount of nutrients found in these can also be found in other food items like pulses and vegetables. A yogi always follows a sattvic or a vegetarian diet. It is true that a vegetarian diet means less encounters with various diseases. But it should also be free from fats and extra spices.
By proper practice of yoga and following its principles a person can stay fit and live a long life.
……………………….Yogratna Yogacharya, Vijayan Raman
Vijayan’s Yoga
Nagpur
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