Yoga is a science over 6,000 years old that has been developed
and perfected over the centuries. It is a system of physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual development. The word Yoga means
union. The purpose of all Yoga practice is to unite man the finite
with the Infinite, Cosmic Consciousness, Light, Nature, God or
whatever one may call the Ultimate Reality.
Yoga exercises and postures (called Hatha Yoga) are the usual
starting place for Yoga practice. This is the Yoga of physical
well-being. It includes breathing exercises and various selected
postures that stretch, flex, and massage the spine, muscles, nerves,
and internal organs, thus promoting proper elimination, circulation,
and glandular function. It is not necessary to take up the more
advanced forms of Yoga unless one so desires.
AGE LIMITS: SIX TO SIXTY-FIVE PLUS
Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises can be practiced
by almost anyone from six to sixty-five plus. Our local classes
have had members in their eighties. We have active teachers in
that age range as well.
CAN YOGA CURE DISEASE?
Yoga cannot cure anything. Nature is the only healer. Yoga exercises
can only help remove impurities and obstructions and tone up the
body to give Nature a chance to perform her normal function, that
of maintaining physical health. If you have any physical ailment
or handicap, inform your Yoga teacher, as some Yoga exercises
may not be advisable for you.
HOW ARE YOGA EXERCISES DIFFERENT?
Yoga exercises are a scientific art applied to the anatomy of
the living body. Gymnastics are a form of engineering that is
applied to the muscles of the body. There is a vast difference!
Yoga exercises tend to normalize the functions of the entire organism.
They regulate the involuntary processes of respiration, circulation,
digestion, elimination, and metabolism, affecting the glands and
organs as well as the nervous system and the mind.
You will experience stimulation and a sense of well-being rather
than fatigue after doing Yoga exercises - even for as little as
ten minutes a day. They will help to keep you young and alert
when performed properly.
HOW MANY YOGA EXERCISES ARE THERE?
There are said to be eighty-four, many of them variations of the
20 or 30 selected for teaching in these classes. some are quite
simple to do and others require patience and practice. In the
class you are taught a progressive series of exercises so it is
advantageous to attend a course in its entirety.
ARE YOGA EXERCISES DIFFICULT TO MASTER?
There are so many exercises that if some are too difficult for
a student, due to age, inexperience or some handicap, there are
others he can do, right from the start.
GENERAL CAUTIONS
1. Students with back or hip discomfort, displaced vertebrae,
spurs, arthritis, or other physical limitations should consult
their physicians before beginning a Yoga practice.
2. Breath normally while in all of the Yoga poses. Relax the eyes,
ears, throat, and abdomen.
3. Avoid exerting yourself beyond your capacity. Any pain or discomfort
in a pose should be mild and temporary. Sharp or persistent pain
is a sign of a physical problem or incorrect practice; consult
your physician and/or a qualified Yoga instructor.
4. During menstruation, women should avoid the inverted poses.
5. Pregnant women should avoid deep forward bends or other poses
that constrict or twist the abdomen.
6. Do not do the inverted poses if you have high blood pressure,
heart problems, detached retina, or ear problems
7. Remember: no book, video, or other written instruction can
take the place of a qualified Yoga instructor.
WHAT RELIGION DO YOGI'S PROFESS?
As we have said, Yoga is not a religion. It is a way of life.
We have Yoga members who are Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and
Hindu, for example, and others with no church affiliation at all.