beauty — Page 7

What Is The Philosophy Of Yoga?

When people hear the word yoga, they think of somebody sitting in the louts position and possibly meditating while in that position. This discipline is more than just sitting with the feet on the thighs; it is a combination of physical and philosophical foundation for leading one’s life. The word comes from the ancient Sanskrit writings and translates in English to “royal union.” This basically means a union of the body and mind.

The ancient text that gives the basis for it is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This ancient text is made up of four books written over 2000 years ago. These books are the Sadhana Pada, Samadhi Pada, Kaivalya Pada and the Vibhuti Pada. The Sadhana Pada is where the physical pieces of yoga are to be found.

In this book, you will learn of the “eight limbs.” The limbs referred to here at in essence steps known as Ashtanga yoga. The first five limbs deal with the external and the remaining three are about the internal. Of the first five, the third is Asana and is all about the physical body. Its main idea is that the body needs to be kept disease-free and have a maintenance of energy. It is this book from which people in the west have learned of yoga and transformed it into its modernized, western form.

Asana is simply the plural from of the word asan which means posture or body position. The purpose of asana is to make improvements in vitality and flexibility and to promote meditation. Proponents of asana believe that doing the various positions opens the channels for physical and psychic energy in the human body. Any positions practiced should be held firmly and steadily while remaining comfortable.

This means that there should be no physical pain while in any of the positions. There are several poses that a person practicing the discipline may strike. These range from beginner poses to a more advanced level of positions.

No matter what your level of expertise is, there are a few fundamental concepts to always keep in mind. Any exercises should be done on an empty stomach. Your body should never quiver or shake because of too much pressure or force being exerted. It is important to always keep controlled breathing-no do hold your breath or gasp. Most of the time you want to do yoga on a mat and not the floor. At the end of each session, you will want to spend some time maintaining a state of deep relaxation.

Poses vary in their execution. Some are done seated while others are performed standing, lying on your back, balanced against another object or with the back bent. Poses are generally classified as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Beginners may start with the Downward Facing Dog, The Pyramid or the Standing Forward Bend. These are standing positions. Some seated poses for beginners are the Cobbler’s Pose, Seated Wide Legged Straddle and Half Lord of the Fishes.

Again, yoga is more than just getting into a certain position. It is an entire philosophy that centers around not only tangible needs but spiritual well being as well. In fact, the first limb of the Sutras teaches the virtues of nonviolence, truth in thought and word and celibacy for the unmarried and monogamy for the married.

Attending itness clubs is an excellent way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your body in shape. They offer personal training Toronto too. Alternatively, you may prefer yoga Toronto for a further enriching fitness experience.

Related Blogs

Rejuvenate Your Soul In A Day Spa

April 8, 2010 by Tyra Smith

Everybody deserves a little treat after a hard day’s work. Tight schedules, financial problems, and emotional stress – all these and more add to the falling energy level of people.

What better way to de-stress than to resign yourself to a cozy massage, a facial treatment, get your nails done… those sort of things. One great destination is a day spa, the place to go to for total relaxation.

A day spa is an unquestionable haven to those who want to pamper in soothing body treatments and to just merely be away from the chaos of the outside world. Unlike resort spas, you don’t spend the night at day spas.

With the legion of day spas dotting almost every corner, it is essential, however, to pick the right one. Decent day spas must give you that soothing and unwinding feeling that you so loved. The vicinity should be impeccably clean with robes, slippers, and individual lockers provided and calming background music on. Check the menu if a certain day spa offers extensive list of massage, body, and facial services, which should be, of course, done by professional and highly-trained therapists.

Day spa facilities should include a relaxing private treatment room with fresh and clean linens, a lounge with free tea for the guests, a steam bath, and sauna. However, only large day spas could provide steam rooms and sauna. If that isn’t your kind of thing, then a typical day spa should be ok.

Momentary highs alright, but the hours spent in a day spa and indulging yourself in comforting various spa treatments are always worth the try. Imagine how a rejuvenating facial would feel or the kneading and pressing of your tired muscles with a healing essential oil. How about a simple waxing? With a great spa experience, you will be ready to face the needs of life again with revived energy.

Treat yourself with Cheap Spas visit and try our items on promotion such as Cheap facials that will surely enhance your beauty!