What is Yoga

What is Yoga?



Developed in India, Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back

about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the

physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and

meditation. However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go the

richer and more diverse the tradition becomes. The word "Yoga" means union.

Linguistically, it is related to the Old English "yoke." Traditionally, the goal of

Yoga is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self.

These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga,

including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding,

stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying

theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing

practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination

of all three. (Top)









How many types of Yoga are there?



Many. There are four paths of Yoga: 1)Jnana, the path of knowledge or wisdom;

2)Bhakti, the path of devotion; 3) Karma, the path of action; and 4) Raja, the path

of self control. Hatha Yoga, which includes postures and breathing, and is the

form most popular in the West, is actually part of Raja Yoga, the path of self

control. The path most followed in India is thought to be Bhakti Yoga, the path of

devotion. Within Hatha Yoga there are many styles, such as Iyengar, Astanga,

Integral, Kripalu and Jiva Mukti, to name a few. These Yogas all share a common

lineage back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a text outlining the basic philosophy and

practices of Classical Yoga. It was written sometime between the second century

B.C. and the first century A.D. For more about the different styles of Hatha Yoga,

see the Yoga Site's Yoga Styles Page. (Top)







Is Yoga a religion?



No and...maybe. It depends on how you define "religion" and how the Yoga

practitioner approaches his or her practice. The physical and psychological

benefits of Yoga are real and don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion,

gender, political persuasion or any other way people like (or dislike) to categorize

themselves. The benefits also don't depend on chanting Om. On the spiritual

side, most mystical traditions -- East or West -- draw similar maps of the spiritual

path. So in that respect, Yoga is mainstream. Like Shakespeare said, "A rose by

any name would smell as sweet." For these reasons, many people feel they can

practice Yoga without conflict with their religious beliefs. However, Yoga is

connected to the Hindu tradition and draws on many Hindu beliefs -- karma,

dharma, reincarnation, Atman, etc. (Top)









Has it been "proved" that Yoga is good for you?



Yes. Western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 50 years, and the

evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga.

Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga -- vs. exercise and

controlled breathing -- that is beneficial. For example, a recent study with heart

patients showed that those who followed a stress reduction program that

included many Yoga practices did better than patients who exercised or did

nothing. Further, preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that

Yoga maybe helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety,

stress and others. Check out The Yoga Therapy Report for more information.

(Top)









What's the best way to get started, especially if I'm out of shape?



Find a teacher, get a book and/or video. One-on-one interaction with a teacher is

invaluable experience. However, books and videos have their place, too.

Remember, there is a Yoga level for everyone, regardless of physical condition.

(Top)









Is Yoga aerobic exercise?



Yes and...maybe. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation

of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Yoga can do

that, especially those styles such as Astanga and ViniYoga that have a strong

focus on the flow of one posture to another. (Top)









Is Yoga a New Age practice?



Yoga is an ancient practice with a written history going back thousands of years.

It is not New Age, although various New Age movements have adopted and

adapted elements of Yoga. In addition, Yoga and New Age movements share a

focus on mind/body development. (Top)









What's the difference between Yoga and just plain stretching and normal

exercise?



Traditional exercise is goal oriented: How many push ups can I do? Can I touch

my toes? I'm going to do 10 more crunches today than I did yesterday. Yoga, by

contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are

doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you

miss your goal. In Yoga, you succeed by trying. There's also a difference on the

physical level. Weight training, for example, makes you stronger by breaking

down and rebuilding muscle tissue. It's this breaking down and rebuilding that

results in the bulky muscle look. Yoga increases strength by toning the muscles.

(Top)

What's the difference between a yogi, a guru and a swami?



A yogi is someone who practices Yoga. A yogin is a male Yoga student, a yogini

a female student. A guru is a teacher. "Swami" is a title of respect for a spiritual

master. (Top)









What is Om?



Om, also spelled "Aum," is a sacred Hindu sound symbolizing the Absolute. It

often is used as a mantra during meditation. Although often pronounced as if it

rhymed with "home," it is also pronounced "ah-oo-mm." (Top)









How many times a week should I do Yoga and for how long?



Most schools teach a practice session that lasts 60-90 minutes. If you can do that

everyday -- great. If not, try and do that much a few days a week, including a

class or two, and fill in with shorter sessions on days when you don't have as

much time. Any Yoga is better than no Yoga, and 20 to 30 minutes a day is

better than 90 minutes once a week. (Top)









I am considering traveling to India to study Yoga in an ashram. Any

suggestions as to where to start my research?



There's a new book called From Here to Nirvana: The Yoga Journal's Guide to

Spiritual India. It has everything you need to know about ashrams in India -- who

runs them, what they're like, how much it costs, how to get there, etc. (Top)









Is there much demand for Yoga teachers and where should I go to become

certified?



Yoga is very popular right now, so there seems to be a demand for Yoga

teachers. Although some teachers make a living teaching Yoga full time, many

teach part time in addition to another job. The Yoga Site's Teacher Training

Calendar has links to major Yoga organizations offering teacher certification

programs. (Top)









Has there been any formal research into the benefits of Yoga?



There's been quite a lot of research, particularly in India. The Yoga Site's Yoga

Therapy Report covers some of the latest studies reported in research journals.

In addition, it includes a list of some of the major organizations researching Yoga

therapy. (Top)









Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga?



Although the traditional Yoga diet is vegetarian, you don't have to be a vegetarian

to practice Yoga. In fact, in a recent survey by the Yoga Site only about one out

of every three Yoga practitioners was a vegetarian. (Top)









How can Yoga help children diagnosed with ADD?



Depending on the age of the child, Yoga may help him/her get a better sense of

control of both mind and body. There's an organization called "Yoga for the

Special Child" that may be able to offer specific help. (Top)









Will Yoga help me lose weight and which style is best?



Yoga can make you look and feel better, regardless of your weight. That said,

Yoga can help you slim down in a couple of ways. First, the exercises will help

you burn calories. In addition, they'll help tone your muscles and improve of your

posture. Yoga is also about healthy living, which includes a healthy diet. That

doesn't mean you have to become a vegetarian, just that you should be

conscious of the foods you eat, sticking with natural, fresh fruits and vegetables,

grains, etc. as much as possible while limiting your intake of junk food and foods

high in fat, like red meat. Any of the basic hatha styles will help. The important

thing is to practice daily (or at least 4-5 days a week). If possible, try and find a

teacher. Books, videos and website can be a great help, but nothing beats a live

instructor. (Top)









What is the most physically challenging form of Yoga?



Any one of the basic styles can be physically challenging. It depends on what

you do and how you approach it. Some styles focus on holding postures for a

long time, which can be very challenging, while others link a series of postures

into a single flow, which results in physical workout. Ashtanga, Bikram's, Iyengar

and Power Yoga are probably the most physically focused forms of Yoga. For

more on Yoga styles, visit the Yoga Styles Page. (Top)









I am a 60 year old male runner who is just starting the "Power Yoga"

routine. Is this the correct program for me or should I consider a different

program? I have never been in a Yoga program.

Most forms of hatha Yoga will help increase your flexibility. Power Yoga, as

you've probably noticed, can be quite a workout. It's usually considered a

physically advanced form of Yoga, however, and therefore may not be suited to a

beginner. Check around for a beginner's class in any style. Once you've got the

basics down, then go back to Power Yoga. If you're working from books, try The

Sivananda Companion to Yoga; videos, both Lilias Folan and the Yoga Journal

offer excellent intro videos (try your local library); or try practicing the postures

outlined on the Yoga Site's Posture Page. (Top)









I see that there are so many styles of Yoga out there. How do I know which

style is most beneficial to me?



Check out the Yoga Styles page for brief descriptions of some of the major Yoga

styles. Any one of them will help you. The best thing to do is sample classes of

few different styles and go with the teacher you like the best. The teacher is more

important than the style. The important thing is to get started. (Top)









Is it okay to practice Yoga while pregnant?



It's okay to continue practicing Yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were

practicing before conception. Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In

particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood

pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed -- all of which is good for the baby, too. In

general, however, you want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and

inverted postures, especially in the later stages. The Yoga Site's Bookstore has a couple

of books about Yoga and pregnancy (www.Yogasite.com/pregnancy.htm). In addition,

many public libraries also carry books about Yoga and pregnancy. It's also a good idea to

work with a Yoga teacher with pre-natal Yoga experience. (Top)









Should women do Yoga during menses?



Mostly it's a matter of personal preference. Some women don't want to do Yoga during

their period, many don't mind and continue to practice during menses. For women who

do choose to practice, it is suggested that they avoid inverted poses, ab l strengtheners,

extended holding of any pose, or energizing breaths (kapalabhati). The issue is that

these practices might interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort. (Top)









Can Yoga control high blood pressure?



Sometimes. Studies have shown that certain Yoga practices can help some patients

control their high blood pressure. In general, Yoga promotes health, a sense of calm and

relaxation. In addition, it teaches you to be aware of your body and to listen to the signals

it sends -- all of which can be very useful.

Specific techniques that may be helpful controlling high blood pressure include

diaphragmatic or belly breathing, which has been shown to reduce stress and induce

relaxation, and a pranayama (controlled breathing) technique called Nadi Shodhana, or

alternate nostril breathing, which also helps reduce stress and induce relaxation.

Moreover, there have been a number of studies that show meditation can be a great help

in controlling high blood pressure.



Certain Yoga postures should be avoided, however, if you have high blood pressure,

including the shoulderstand, headstand and downward dog. There are also a number of

postures that you should approach with caution and not hold for extended periods of time

(more than a few breaths). These include Warrior I and II, Mountain, Triangle, Half Moon,

Tree, Standing Squat and Symbol of Yoga. (Top)









Can Yoga help cure migraines?



Migraines are caused by the sudden constriction and then dilation of blood vessels to the

brain. No one knows what causes the blood vessels to behave this way. It could be

genetics, stress or a something else entirely. Regular practice of Yoga, including

postures, pranayama (breath exercises) and meditation can help relieve some of the

suffering and make the condition more manageable. Postures will help improve blood

circulation and also relieve physical tension and stress, which may be a contributing

factor to migraines. The book Yoga for Common Ailments suggests that you avoid

excessive forward bends and back bends, however, because they increase the flow of

blood to the head, as do inversions. In addition, breath work and meditation will help

balance the emotions and relieve mental stress and tension. As part of a regular Yoga

practice, try the neck and shoulder exercises described in Head & Shoulders Yoga. To

relieve the effects of a migraine, lie down and close and cover your eyes. Practice

savasana the corpse pose. If possible, try a progressive relaxation exercise while in

savasana. Simply bring your awareness to a specific area of the body and relax that

area, allowing the muscles to grow soft and release their holding. Begin at the feet and

work your way up through the ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, stomach, chest, back,

shoulders, neck, face and head. Take a few breaths at each area to explore where the

holding may be. Repeat the exercise. Also, if you're are in pain, lie in savasana with your

eyes covered. Use the breath to relax as much as possible. Once your breath is steady

and deep, use it to soften the pain. As you inhale, imagine the breath going to the center

of pain and soothing that area, cooling it and releasing its grip. As you exhale, imagine

the breath expelling the pain from your body. Always breathe slowly, deeply and gently.

(Top)









Will Yoga make me taller?



If you are a fully grown , you won't grow as a result of Yoga. However, a regular Yoga

practice will improve your posture, which will have a similar effect. A regular program of

asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing) will do the trick. The postures outlined on

the Yoga Site's Posture page are good place to start. You may find that one of the side

effects of practicing Yoga is that you no longer care as much about your height. If you are

young and still growing, regular Yoga practice and a good diet will help you reach your

full height. (Top)

Is there a Yoga program for tendinitis of the wrist?



Rest and relaxation are the best treatments. If you can make slow gentle movements

without causing pain, do those to help prevent the wrist from becoming stiff. During the

episode, relaxation, meditation and visualization may help ease the pain. It is important to

breathe diaphragmatically, i.e. belly breathing, to trigger the relaxation response. Set

aside some time to practice. During the session, use the breath to help soothe inflamed

area. As you breathe direct the cool incoming breath to the tender spot and then exhale

away the inflammation. Spend at least 5 minutes a day doing the exercise, and try to

extend it to 10 or 15 minutes. As the episode recedes, try some of the the exercise

outlined in the Yoga Site's carpal tunnel article. They may help prevent a recurrence. Like

carpal tunnel, tendinitis is caused by repetitive stress. Examine your work habits and see

if there is a more ergonomic way to function. (Top)









I suffer from social anxiety, despite trying several kinds of medication, nothing

really helps me. Can Yoga help?



In general, the combined practice of Yoga postures, meditation and pranayama breathing

helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also helps build feelings of confidence and well-

being and creates a stronger sense of self, all of which can help reduce levels of social

anxiety. In addition, some of the practices -- such as Nadi Shodhana and other breathing

techniques -- can help alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Yoga also teachers

greater self awareness of mind and body. With practice, you may begin to sense the

conditions that lead up to an attack and deal with them before they get out of control. It's

important to start and maintain a regular practice. You should feel some immediate

temporary relief, but it may take several months before you notice significant change.

(Top)









Can Yoga get rid of varicose veins?



Varicose veins, the enlargement and discoloration of veins, cannot be cured (surgery and

injection treatments can improve their appearance, though). However, yoga can help

alleviate the symptoms and mitigate complications. The book "Yoga for Common

Ailments" recommends a classic Yoga asana routine, especially inverted postures. Also,

it's a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning a practice to make sure that

there is no danger of blood clots.









All the different places that offer teacher training seem to have different criteria or

hours to become a teacher. Is there an "official" criteria one must fulfill to become

a "certified yoga teacher" or is it basically individual to the certain yoga schools?

There are no nationally recognized standards. So-called "certification" programs range

from a weekend course to multi-year programs that are the equivalent of a college

degree. In fact, there's a mini controversy within the Yoga community about the issue of

national standards. Some teachers and organizations support the creation of uniform

standards while others oppose them on the grounds that Yoga is so rich and diverse it

would be impossible -- and destructive -- to set a single standard. That said, the Yoga

Alliance, the organization at the center of the controversy, has outlined minimum training

requirements that Yoga teachers must meet in order to become "registered" Yoga

teachers. Registration has no national or official significance. However, the training

requirements are reasonable and followed by most major training organizations. Click

here for more on the requirements.