Why yoga? Healing effects for body & mind.
"Yoga is about quieting the thoughts in your mind."
- PATANJALI
Yoga is on everyone's lips. And not just since yesterday. But what is it that yoga really changes? Bringing the mind to rest, breath and movement into harmony. Sounds good at first - let's take a closer look at what exactly happens in our bodies and which style of yoga is suitable for whom and which situations.
Yoga in the true sense of the word is not just about physical activity. It stems from a millennia-old Indian tradition in which yoga in its current form is only one part of the overall philosophy.
Rather, the original yoga teaches us a code of conduct (yama) and the call to self-discipline (niyama), which should apply universally as ethical rules in all religions and cultures. A respectful, non-violent approach to oneself and others, in which contentment and the ability to let go should lead to self-knowledge.
The effortless holding of the postures (asanas) should calm our mind, followed by concentration on our breathing and control of the senses in meditation.
All beginnings are difficult - so you first need to find the right yoga style. You will come across many terms here:
Yin yoga is a rather calm style of yoga that is not about strength or dynamics. Here we come to rest and hold the asanas for a very long time so that deep muscles and fascia are addressed. Rest, relaxation and balance are the main focus here and are supported by long pauses and rest periods between postures. For some, this type of yoga may seem rather boring, even though the muscles, ligaments and vision are put under a lot of strain. But as with yin and yang, the body is grateful for this balance to more dynamic yoga styles such as vinyasa yoga.
In vinyasa yoga, asanas are practiced somewhat more dynamically one after the other. Sequences of coordinated postures that are performed with flowing transitions.
Yoga nidra , on the other hand, is a more meditative, gentle yoga variation, also known as yogic sleep, which is said to have an extremely healing effect by activating certain brain waves.
Each yoga class also covers a wide variety of topics: Chakras, body regions such as the back, letting go or heart openers. Yoga classes and their focus are correspondingly diverse and varied.
It is crucial that everyone discovers their own yoga practice that suits them. Depending on your mood and individual energy level, different yoga styles are therefore helpful for your own body each day.
