Relaxing with Yoga
So what is Yoga? That is a tough question to answer as yoga can accomplish different goals for each individual. A basic definintion of yoga might be, a system of developing the mind and body using natural methods. Using these natural methods Yoga helps to improve the person's confidence, discipline, and fitness, which will leave them as a more contented individual. There are literaly thousands of different asanas, (positons or techniques) and the proper ones for each person must be determined on an individual basis with the help of a trained instructor. You will find there are yoga positions for beginners, to more advanced techniques for the masters of yoga. Retreats dedicated soley to yoga can be found just about anywhere in the world. As you do your research into yoga you will find information about clothes for yoga, yoga books, yoga mats, yoga videos, and the list goes on.
Relaxing with YogaPracticing a short session of relaxation once or twice a day is a wonderful way of relaxing and combating stress. it also helps in aiding a person to unwind. Here is a relaxation technique used in yoga to help unwind The corpse pose is a classic relaxation pose which is practised by all devotees of yoga. First of all you must find a quiet place to relax where you will not be disturbed. You should wear loose comfortable clothing, and belts, shoes and tight buttons should be discarded. Then lie down on your back with your feet about 18 inches apart with your hands palm upwards and about 6 inches from your sides. Allow your legs and feet to roll outwards. Check your body feels symmetrical. Close your eyes and relax centering your awareness on the rise and fall of your abdomen. Whilst in this position follow this next routine. Tense and relax routine Many people don't realise how tense their bodies have become until they have experienced a relaxation routine. This particular routine enables you to really feel the contrast between tension and full relaxation. First of all you need to settle yourself into the corpse position and then working up from the feet, first tense then relax each part of the body in turn. Start with the feet, and then go to the legs, buttocks, stomach, back, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, head and face. Tense each part of your body as hard as you can lifting them a few inches from the floor if you wish then drop them down again and relax. Progressive routine Lay your hands on your abdomen and breathe in deeply filling your belly first. Sigh as you let your breath out ensuring any tension you feel is released with the breath. Repeat this a few more times letting go of that tension a little bit more with each breath you release. Let your breathing continue at it's own pace and depth and as you breathe out, release any tension your feeling first in the feet and then with your next out breath your ankles, and with the next your calves until you have travelled up your body. You should really try to connect with each part of the body and release it completely before you move on to the next part. It may help you if you say to yourself something like "I have relaxed my feet" etc until you finally complete with "My whole body is now relaxed" Yoga is not without it's Christian criticsMany in the Christian circles are dead set against the practice of yoga, citing the Hindu background of yoga and claiming that the practices of yoga are designed to have the practioner become one with other gods. It is considered to be another facet of the new age movement by many Christians. Christians hold to one God in three "persons" (The Trinity) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to give recognition to another so called god is considered to be blasphemy. There have been attempts to create what is being called "Christian Yoga" but even this is being opposed in many circles. Better Your Health will be doing further research into this matter, and by signing up for our newsletter, you will be notified as soon as the material is availiable.
We at Better Your Health hope you have found this article to be very helpful in your research into Yoga. Please feel free to check out the many other articles we have on this site about Yoga. Click here to add this page to your favorites. Be sure to check out Better Your Health for more Health Related Topics. |
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