There are many benefits of yoga, both physically and mentally. Types of classes, elements and clothing to become the perfect yogi.
It is an ancient spiritual practice from the Far East, but it has become one of the most popular disciplines in the West and continues to add followers day by day. It is practiced by people of all ages and the diversity of classes not to grow.
However, not everyone is clear about what yoga is for and what its multiple benefits are. We tell you what this ancient discipline is about and how to put it in favor of your well-being.
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What is yoga and what is it for
The word (of Sanskrit origin) basically means "union." This union refers to the connection between the soul (the individual) and the Spirit (God or the universe), and yoga is not only the word to describe this state of the union but also the means to achieve it.
In that sense, it is an important part of the Hindu religion, since it embodies the natural state of being and spiritual enlightenment. His practice is a fundamental element of Buddhism and an ally for proper meditation.
Benefits of Yoga
We all know that practicing this discipleship, in any of its variants, is ideal for reducing stress and lowering a change in days of bulky agendas. However, once you delve into the yogi universe, you discover that it is much more than a way of training and keeping yourself in good condition. It is an integrated lifestyle that heals, cares for and strengthens the body, mind and spirit by performing asanas, breathing and meditation.
yoga training kit
Let's review some of the most important benefits of this practice:
- Improves breathing
One of the keys is breathing. Although it sounds weird, most of us breathe badly (through the mouth instead of through the nose). By breathing correctly, we achieve better transport of oxygen in the blood, among other benefits.
- Improve your flexibility
During a session, several postures known as asanas are performed, and flexibility is key to being able to perform them correctly. You stretch all the muscles of the body, becoming more and more elastic.
- Improve physical fitness
In addition to adding flexibility, it increases muscle tone. The key is to go slowly so that your muscles are elongated and there are no injuries.
- Improve your posture
Asanas, apart from flexibility, give us a better posture. It is an effective treatment for chronic back pain caused by poor posture. Also for neck pain due to contractures.
- Strengthen intellectual capacity
Many of the postures or asanas increase brain function, thanks to a combination of three factors: by increasing concentration, better oxygenation by breathing exercises and by postures that increase blood flow to the brain.
- It helps reduce anxiety
Along with meditation, it is ideal for appeasing a disturbed mind, reducing anxiety and regaining balance. It is a discipline that helps to become aware of the here and now, by bringing our mind to the present moment, where it can remain calm and concentrated.
- Improve control of your emotions
It is what many people who begin to practice this discipline are looking for and it is a benefit that comes with frequent practice. It allows lowering the levels of anxiety and stress and approaching inner peace, allowing them to reach a state of well-being and harmony.
Accessories for practice
The rage that has been generated around this discipline in the West has multiplied the number of options to practice it, whether at home, with YouTube or phone applications, or with an instructor in a studio or gym.
These are some accessories to practice and get the best results:
- Mat for Yoga
They are basic, finite mats, which are used to practice postures. If your knees bother you when you touch the floor, it is preferable to opt for a thicker mat. Those with 5mm or 6mm are already considered "thick" and should work without problems.
- Towels
There are special towels that adhere firmly to the mat, and sometimes they work so well that people buy a cheap mat because what makes the experience pleasant is the towel.
- Cushions
To adopt a correct position we can use a type of cushion that favors the comfortable support of the legs and the verticality of the spine. When sitting on these special pillows, the hips and legs relax, which helps to raise and open the chest and lungs and facilitate breathing.
If we want we can add candles, a speaker to add good music and sahumerios to make the practice an increasingly pleasant and comforting experience.
Types of yoga
There are many types of yoga and the idea is to try to discover which one best suits your needs and desires. Remember that it is always convenient to talk with the instructor before enrolling in any class and having the medical checks up to date.
- Hatha
It is the most common. The body works to facilitate meditation and involves the awakening of vital energy (prana). It incorporates postures to increase flexibility and strength, breathing exercises (pranayama), cleanings and energy closures (bandhas), as well as hand postures (mudras) to direct and enhance prana.
- Bikram
It is a variant that is practiced at 42 degrees of temperature. It is performed in a heated room, for 90 minutes, and the heat not only helps to relax but also increases the flexibility and resilience of the body. It is composed of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises that improve strength, flexibility and balance while increasing concentration and mental clarity.
- Acroyoga
It is a combination of Hatha and acrobatics. It works in pairs and the idea is to promote balance in life to fully enjoy happiness.
- Iyengar Yoga
This method is firmly based on the traditional principles of this discipline, developed over more than seventy years by BKS Iyengar, who practiced every day during his 96 years of life. It incorporates the use of accessories, which allows developing very particular positions.
- Kundalini Yoga
It consists of simple techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or physical abilities. It is a complete science that includes breathing (pranayama), asanas, sound, singing (mantras) and meditation. It is designed to offer the experience of the highest consciousness through the elevation of the Kundalini.