Yoga is an art form which is vast, elaborate and could easily roundup as a comprehensive workout for an individual. Notwithstanding elaborate positive effects yoga has on the emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of an individual.
For someone who has a passion for yoga, getting an in depth know how about the art form could have life transforming effects for one’s psyche! You’d simply come to understand and recognize yoga in its true essence.
Yoga definitely goes beyond being a set of poses which boost the individual’s flexibility while improving posture. It’s something which helps create a link between individual consciousness and divine consciousness.
There are some formats of yoga which one might not be aware about.
Let’s consider Ashtanga Yoga for an instance. Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient practice which is focused on body cleansing and purification. This is achieved by synchronized body breath and movement.
Ashtanga yoga tones the nervous system and over time even induces one into spiritual enlightenment.
In the same way, Iyengar yoga is has been bought into practice by the living master, B.K.S. Iyengar. This is deeply focused on the art and science of asana and pranayama.
Strength, coordination, an improved flexibility and an enhanced sense of well being are some key benefits of Iyengar Yoga.
Pranayama: A Way To Attain Higher States Of Awareness
A very interesting term associated with yoga is Pranayama. Let’s know more about the same.
Prana refers to the vital energy within our bodies. It is the life force within us. Ayama refers to control. So Pranayama is the control of breath.
By the means of Pranayama, one can control the pranic energy within the body. This ensures that one has a healthy body and mind. The great yoga master, Patanjali mentioned Pranayama as a way to attain higher states of awareness.
Kapalbhati: An Implement Of Pranayama
Kapalbhati is a yoga technique and a type of pranayama. It initially seems like a breathing technique, but in essence, Kapalbhati has a deeper meaning.
Kapalbhati is a cleansing technique which cleanses the mind of carbon dioxide. Kapalbhati also cleanses the mind of restlessness.
The technique was invented by Indian yogis thousands of years ago. It is believed to be a way to attain full body fitness. Innumerable patients have benefited tremendously by making Kapalbhati a part of their everyday lives.
Surya Namaskar: The Sun Salutation
Let us discuss another important term associated with yoga, which is the Sun Salutation or the Surya Namaskar.
The Surya Namaskar is a kriya performed during morning hours, at the time of sunrise. It is compilation of twelve poses, wherein each pose flows into the next with ease.
Surya namaskar may be performed at a faster pace, or it may be done slowly.
A unique feature of Surya Namaskar is that it is a complete workout for the body. While it comprises of only 12 sets of exercises, the Surya Namaskar translates into 288 powerful yoga poses. This occurs in a span of 12 to 15 minutes.
In a single round, the Surya Namaskar burns around 13.90 calories. Slowly and gradually, you may increase the rounds of Surya Namaskar to 108.
If performed at a slow pace, the Surya Namaskar tones the muscles and makes them stronger. Alternately, the Sun salutation brings the mind, body and the breath in harmony and facilitate a complete meditative experience.
If one does only a few rounds of Surya Namaskar, it can be extremely good for the heart. If you intend to do Surya Namaskar as a warm up workout, you may do it at a quicker pace.
