Origin of Yoga

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which

focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and scince of healthy
living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’
or ‘to unite’. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual
consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony
between the mind and body, Man & Nature. According to modern scientists, everything in
the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences
this oneness of existence is said to be in yoga, and is termed as a yogi, having attained to a
state of freedom referred to as mukti, nirvana or moksha. Thus the aim of Yoga is Self-
realization, to overcome all kinds of sufferings leading to 'the state of liberation' (Moksha) or
‘freedom’ (Kaivalya). Living with freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony shall be
the main objectives of Yoga practice."Yoga” also refers to an inner science comprising of a
variety of methods through which human beings can realize this union and achieve mastery
over their destiny.Yoga, being widely considered as an ‘immortal cultural outcome’ of Indus
Saraswati Valley civilization – dating back to 2700 B.C., has proved itself catering to both
material and spiritual upliftment of humanity.Basic humane values are the very identity of
Yoga Sadhana.

A Brief History and Development of Yoga:

The practice of Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of civilization. The
science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief
systems were born. In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first
Guru or Adi Guru.

Several Thousand years ago, on the banks of the lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas,
Adiyogi poured his profound knowledge into the legendary Saptarishis or "seven sages”.
The sages carried this powerful yogic science to different parts of the world, including Asia,
the Middle East, Northern Africa and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have
noted and marvelled at the close parallels found between ancient cultures across the globe.
However, it was in India that the yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the
Saptarishi who travelled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core
yogic way of life.
Figure1. figures performing yoga indicate the presence of Yoga in India.
Gears and Equipments
needed for Yoga

Clothing

It should go without saying that most yoga studios want you to wear something to
class, but you don't need scores of printed yoga pants or designer gear to be accepted
by your peers. Start with the comfortable, breathable athletic apparel you already have
on hand, and purchase mid-level basics for anything you're missing.

❏ Pants or Shorts: You can't go wrong with a few pairs of solid-color yoga pants
in black, dark grey, navy, or brown. You can mix-and-match these tights with a
wide variety of tops, and if you purchase high-quality options, they can last a
long time.
If tight pants aren't your thing, look for jogger-style pants or the
popular harem-style pants that have elastic around the ankles.
These pants are stretchy and offer a little extra room, but due to the
ankle elastic, they'll stay in place throughout your practice.
Shorts are a popular option for guys, and they're also appropriate
for women, especially if you plan to try hot yoga. Just keep in mind,
you may want to wear form-fitting spandex shorts or looser shorts
with connected tights underneath because some poses require you
to position your legs in a way that could leave you uncomfortably
uncovered with looser, running-style shorts.
❏ Tops: It's important to wear tops that are fairly form-fitting so your shirt doesn't
fly over your head during forward bends. Wicking material is helpful, especially if
you tend to sweat a lot or if you plan on attending a hot yoga class.
Because yoga rooms are sometimes kept cool, you may want to
bring a light cover up or sweater with you to class. You can wear it
until class starts, and if you keep it by your mat, you can put it on
before the final savasana.
Sports Bras: If you're a woman, make sure you wear a sports bra. While yoga
tends to be a low-impact activity, a decent sports bra can help keep your
"girls" in place as you transition between poses, making your practice more
comfortable.
 Hair Ties or Headbands: Whether you're a man or woman, if you have long
hair, you need to secure it in place before you start class to prevent stray
locks from falling in your eyes and face. A basic hair tie or headband should
do the trick.
Yoga Socks: To be clear, yoga socks are not a requirement to attend a class.
In fact, it's preferable to do yoga barefoot. That said if you can't fathom the
thought of taking your socks and shoes off in front of strangers, invest in a
pair of yoga socks with grips on the bottom so you can keep your feet
covered while maintaining good traction. Standard socks absolutely won't do,
as you'll end up slipping and sliding all over your mat.

❏ Yoga Mat

In gyms and yoga studios, it’s commonplace to use a yoga mat, also called a
sticky mat. The mat helps define your personal space, and, more importantly, it
creates traction for your hands and feet so you don’t slip, especially as you get a
little sweaty. The mat also provides a bit of cushioning on a hard floor.

❏ Yoga Mat Bags

Yoga mat bags are useful for carrying your mat to and from class. There’s
nothing worse than a yoga mat unravelling while you are running to catch your
train. Yoga mat bag will keep you mat clean and safe from the elements.You can
also store your valuables in your yoga mat bag during class.

❏ Yoga Blocks,Bricks and Belt

Aids like blocks, bricks and straps can help you get further into postures that
would otherwise be inaccessible.

Blocks and bricks are great props to help with tight muscle groups. For example,
you would sit on a block if you had tight hips and hamstrings and were trying to
come into a seated forward fold. They are also useful for balancing yoga poses,
such as Half Moon when you grounded hand can’t quite reach the floor.

Straps or belts are also helpful for postures, such as seated forward fold when
you can’t reach your feet or Supta Padangusthasana.

❏ Yoga towel

If you have a yoga towel and no mat then you can use your towel over the mat to
ensure minimal sharing of microbes. In order for that to work well you will have
to buy a specialised yoga towel with one smooth side and one perforated side.
Basic Yoga Poses

1. Mountain Pose

Mountain Pose is the base for all standing poses; it

gives you a sense of how to ground in to your feet and
feel the earth below you. Mountain pose may seem like
"simply standing," but there is a ton going on.

2. Downward Facing Dog

Downward Dog is used in most yoga practices

and yoga classes and it stretches and
strengthens the entire body. I always say, “a
down dog a day keeps the doctor away.”

3. Plank

Plank teaches us how to balance on our hands while using

the entire body to support us. It is a great way to
strengthen the abdominals, and learn to use the breath to
help us stay in a challenging pose.

4. Traingle

Triangle is a wonderful standing posture to stretch the

sides of the waist, open up the lungs, strengthen the legs
and tone the entire body.

5. Tree
 Tree is an awesome standing balance for beginners to work on to gain focus and
clarity, and learn to breathe while standing and keeping the body balanced on
one foot.

Health Benefits of Yoga

“The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind
and body,” explains Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician
and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California.

While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions
typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes
called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups.

“As an osteopathic physician, I focus a lot of my efforts on preventive medicine and

practices, and in the body’s ability to heal itself,” says Dr. Nevins. “Yoga is a great tool
for staying healthy because it’s based on similar principles.”

Physical benefits

“The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower
back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome,” explains Dr. Nevins. “Yoga
can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.”

Other physical benefits of yoga include:

● increased flexibility
● increased muscle strength and tone
● improved respiration, energy and vitality
● maintaining a balanced metabolism
● weight reduction
● cardio and circulatory health
● improved athletic performance
● protection from injury
Mental benefits

Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a
person manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and
mind. “Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping
problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate,” says Dr. Nevins.
“Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive
outlook on life.”

Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental
well-being. “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body
awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and
sharpens concentration,” says Dr. Nevins. Body- and self-awareness are particularly
beneficial, she adds, “because they can help with early detection of physical problems
and allow for early preventive action.”

Conclusion:
Yoga has so benefits to human bodies, it is important because doing yoga can
release our stress and can make our body to function well. It gives as the benefits for
mental and physical. It can be also effective in having a positive outlook on life and can
help us to be fit and healthy.
Sources:

Basavaraddi V. (April 2015). Yoga: Its Origin, History and Development. Retrieved
from https://mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?
25096/Yoga+Its+Origin+History+and+Development

Glover C. (August 2016). Yoga Gear: What Yoga Gear And Equipment Do I Need?.
Retrieved from
https://mpora.com/yoga-and-pilates/yoga-yoga-gear-equipment-need/

Pizer A. (August 2019). Yoga Equipment Guide for Beginners. Retrieved from
https://www.verywellfit.com/yoga-equipment-guide-for-beginners-whats-essential-
3566978

McGee K. (N.D). The 10 Most Important Yoga Poses for Beginners. Retrieved from
https://www.doyou.com/the-10-most-important-yoga-poses-for-beginners-25270/

American Osteopathic Association (2020).The Benefits of Yoga

https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/benefits-of-yoga/