The Effects And Benefits Of Different Types Of Yoga

The origins of Yoga are about 4000 years old and based on a Far Eastern spiritual practice designed to realize one’s own Divine Nature. In the Western world today it is mostly seen as a form of exercise although all forms of Yoga are still based on the three traditional techniques of Eastern Yoga. These three fundamentals of Yoga are the Asanas (Sanskrit for Postures), the Pranayama (Sanskrit for breathing or breath control), and meditation. Yoga increases the strength of your muscles, and your flexibility, helps you relax and calm yourself and center your thought.

Different Types Of Yoga

Raja Yoga: This form of Yoga focuses on achieving unification or oneness ( Samadhi ) through the ashtanga of Yoga (Yama, Niyama, etc). Anyone competent enough to achieve the goal of Samadhi through this method is believed to be a Raja(King of Yoga). A most famous example is Swami Vivekananda.

Bhakti Yoga: In Bhakti yoga a person seeks to reach the ultimate state of oneness or attunement through the sheer power of devotion and faith. Bhakti does not concentrate on the traditional methods of pranayama, yogasnas, or mudra, and instead preaches attention to a loving God, unquestioning devotion to God’s will, and a sharing of God’s love towards humanity.

Jivamukti Yoga: In 1986 Sharon Gannon and David Life developed the Jivamukti Yoga method because they believed that traditional western Yoga practices focussed only on the physical aspects of Eastern Yoga and not the spiritual.

Ananda Yoga: This discipline is a preparatory one for entering a state of meditation. Gentle postures, correct body alignment and focus on breathing are all used towards the end of preparing the Yogi for a meditative state.

The Effects Of Yoga

There are a number of different paths that are intended to lead a person to a higher state or realization of Moksha(the oneness with ultimate reality). It refers to a gradual ‘yoking of the self’ through strong spiritual discipline so that each subsequent session of Yoga brings one a little closer to a full state of acceptance of themselves and their place in the universe. The ego is seen as an aspect that limits our ability to accept our place in the universe and something which is gradually toned down. The traditional yoga Margas, or path to salvation, would involve a long and dedicated apprenticeship with a Yoga Guru.

The Benefits Of Yoga

Yoga has a number of specific benefits. One of the most well-known and commented on is an increased level of flexibility. Yoga will work through all the muscle groups and grant an increased range of motion through the attention it plays to some muscle groups which are often overlooked by other exercise programs. Yoga also works the internal glands and body organs in a thorough manner. This is a very impressive ability when we consider that Yoga can act on glands and organs such as the prostate which are unlikely to receive any regular external stimulation.

Another advantage of yoga is the toning of the muscles. Excess flabbiness is shed from muscles that have become flaccid and weak. The circulation is greatly improved by the poses of Yoga which will assist the body by clearing knots and blockages. This, combined with the valuable skill of learning to breathe properly results in an increased flow of blood to the vital organs and about the body.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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