Yoga and its Benefits

Yoga is originated in India more than three thousand years ago. It is a scientific system of both physical and mental practices. The word “Yoga” came from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which mean to join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual (body with mind and mind with soul) to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, union of a person’s own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

In order to integrate the body, the mind and the spirit, thus the emotion, action and intelligence must be in balance. This balance can be achieved though exercise (gentle stretches), breathing (breathing practices) and meditation (progressive deep relaxation) which was formulated by Yogis. These three main structures help each of us to achieve our highest potential and to experience enduring health and happiness.

General benefits of yoga:
* Extend healthy, productive years far beyond the accepted norm
* Improve the quality of lives
* Effective therapy for chronic diseases and conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatment methods. (Down Syndrome and developmental disabilities quick mastery of basic motor, communication and cognitive skills)
* Manifest less self-important, less material attachment, more capacity for joy, less judgments and more tolerance toward others
* Improve circulation, stimulate the abdominal organs and put pressure on the glandular system of the body

Yoga is not a contest. It does not require we transform ourselves overnight into something beyond our capacity. Yoga begin by accepting our limitations, whatever they may be and working with this by self-acceptance as a base, so no competition in yoga because everyone is different.

As a conclusion, Yoga not only a way to achieve a great body or to keep fit, it also encourages you to reflect on yourself and to find your inner peace. It exercises both of your body and your mind.