(MENAFN- Al-Anbaa) On December 11, 2014, the 193 member UNGA approved the proposal by consensus with a record 177 co-sponsoring countries a resolution to establish 21 June as "International Day of Yoga". In its resolution, the UNGA recognized that Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing Yoga for the health of the world population. Yoga also brings harmony in all walks of life and thus, is known for disease prevention, health promotion and management of many lifestyle-related disorders.
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 science for healthy living. The word "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning "to join", "to yoke" or "to unite".
According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. 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 who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as mukti, nirvÄna, kaivalyaormoksha. "Yoga" also refers to an inner science comprising of a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve union between the body and mind to attain self-realization. The aim of Yoga practice (sÄdhana) is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness and harmony.
The Fundamentals of Yoga
Yoga works on the level of one's body, mind, emotion and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga: Karma Yoga where we utilize the body; JnÄna Yoga where we utilize the mind; Bhakti Yoga where we utilize the emotion and Kriya Yoga where we utilize the energy. Each system of Yoga we practice falls within the gamut of one or more of these categories. Every individual is a unique combination of these four factors. Only a guru (teacher) can advocate the appropriate combination of the four fundamental paths as is necessary for each seeker. "All ancient commentaries on Yoga have stressed that it is essential to work under the direction of a guru."
A Yoga practitioner should follow some guiding principles while performing Yogic practices:
BEFORE THE PRACTICE
__ Åšauca means cleanliness - an important prerequisite for Yogic practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.
__ Yogic practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.
__ Yogic practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm water if you feel weak.
__ Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.
__ A mattress, Yoga mat, durrie or folded blanket should be used for the practice.
__ Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.
__ Yoga should not be performed in state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry or in acute stress conditions.
__ In case of chronic disease/ pain/ cardiac problems, a physician or a Yoga therapist should be consulted prior to performing Yogic practices.
__ Yoga experts should be consulted before doing Yogic practices during pregnancy and menstruation.
DURING THE PRACTICE
__ Practice sessions should start with a prayer or invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.
__ Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.
__ Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
__ Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.
__ Do not hold body tightly, or jerk the body at any point of time.
__ Perform the practices according to your own capacity.
__ It takes some time to get good results, so persistent and regular practice is very essential.
__ There are contra-indications/ limitations for each Yoga practice and such contra-indications should always be kept in mind.
__ Yoga session should end with meditation/ deep silence / ÅšhÄnti paá¹ha.
AFTER PRACTICE
__ Bath may be taken only after 20-30 minutes of practice.
__ Food may be consumed only after 20-30 minutes of practice.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A few dietary guidelines can ensure that the body and mind are flexible and well-prepared for practice. A vegetarian diet is usually recommended, and for a person over 30 years, two meals a day should suffice, except in cases of illness or very high physical activity or labour.
HOW YOGA CAN HELP
Yoga is essentially a path to liberation from all bondage. However, medical research in recent years has uncovered many physical and mental benefits that Yoga offers,
corroborating the experiences of millions of practitioners. A small sampling of research shows that:
__ Yoga is beneficial for physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning and cardio-vascular health.
__ It is beneficial in the management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension and many lifestyle related disorders.
__ Yoga helps to reduce depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders and stress.
__ Yoga regulates menopausal symptoms.
__ In essence, Yoga is a process of creating a body and mind that are stepping-stones, not hurdles, to an exuberant and fulfilling life.
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