| Yoga is an ancient Hindu spiritual practice. 'Yoga' has been
derived from a Sanskrit word Yuj, which means union of two things. The union of
soul with God and the experience of oneness with him is called yoga. Yoga is the process
of controlling the mind for self-awareness. Healthy and strong body enables the union of
body and mind. Yoga includes the practice of various exercises - both static and moving -
and meditation. All this brings synchronicity between body, mind and spirit. Thus, Yoga
can be called a scientific way of treating an individual that enhances knowledge, develops
mind's controlling mechanism and emphasizes action. It makes the body strong and flexible
and enables to control the internal functioning of the different organs of the body. An Indian sage Patanjali defined the basics of yoga. According to him
there are eight components in yoga - yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara,
dharna, dhayana, and samadhi. Yama and niyama are the do's and don'ts, which are
universally applicable - disciplines like cleanliness, serenity, and asceticism. Asana are
for toning up the body and each asana has a special significance for a particular part or
organ of the body. Pranayama comprises breathing exercises. Thus, these four relate to the
body.
Pratyahara aims at withdrawal of the senses from their outward
functioning. Dharna, dhayana and samadhi enables to concentrate.
Yogasana for brain, eyes, nose, ears, face, and throat ailments: |
