Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. Today various forms of it are practiced, the most widespread being Hatha Yoga, which is based on controlled breathing and asanas (postures) to dominate the body and ensure vitality. Karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and raja yoga are four main branches of yoga but there are many other forms as well. I am a yoga teacher and I always say that yoga is not a religion. It is a Hindu spiritual exercise any one can practice. We should not hesitate to practice it and improve our mind, body and soul.As a teacher of this ancient discipline, I know that many people are practicing yoga in Nepal. Doctors in hospital recommend yoga, which was unthinkable a few years ago. Medical studies have proven the benefits of yoga in many diseases. Yoga indeed has multiple benefits. It helps you to live better and healthier. Traditional medicine is focused on illness, not health. But yoga is more than a physical exercise.
We live in a hectic and hurried world. It seems we have no time to think about and understand ourselves. We only realize we have a body when we are afflicted with pain.
Most people immersed in modern life are obsessed with material things. Being better is understood as "having more." We are losing touch with ourselves. So we face imbalance in our body and we may suffer, leading to diseases. Yoga is a discipline that seeks a balance between different parts of the individual: physical, mental and spiritual. Its main objective is knowledge of the self and union with the world around us by embracing peace and joy, which leads to an optimal state of health. Yoga is a beautiful exercise and can be performed by anyone. There is no age limit.
Suicides and depression are on the rise in Nepal due to our modern lifestyle, stress, anxiety, fatigue, poor diet and alcohol consumption. Depression is perhaps the biggest killer today. Most people don't even realize the extent of their depression. Even if they do, they are afraid of seeking medical help because they don't want to take drugs that may end up causing them more harm than good.
Depression can happen due to chemical factors. For instance people get depressed due to low endorphin levels in their body. Endorphins are natural body chemicals that make us feel good. Yoga enhances our mood. Yoga can help reduce depression by providing more endorphins.
In short, yoga seeks integral balance of individual through self-knowledge. The asanas are part of physical training. However, before starting you should consult health professionals, if you have issues with your body.
Yoga can help heal the body and control our emotions and thoughts. It cultivates healing and happiness.
The author is a social worker and yoga instructor
anu@anitayadav.com
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