The origin of yoga is very old and it is endowed with rich traditional values. We do not know about the exact origin of yoga, but about 300 A.D sage Patanjali wrote the traditional text, on yoga, which is popularly known as Patanjalis Yog Shastra. The main theme of yoga Shastra is based on achieving Atma Sakshatkara (self realisation) and attaining control over the mind. Yoga requires mental equilibrium. Term, yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj’ Which means union or to join. In other words, yoga means unification of ‘Atma’ with ‘Parmatama’. Yoga stresses on the concepts which promote physical, mental, moral and spiritual values. Patanjali: “ Checking the impulses of mind is Yoga”:Sage Patanjali, the founder of Hatha, Yoga Darshana has described the Eightfold.
Path of Yoga:
1. Yama: It symbolises self discipline. There are five Yama, i.e., Non-violence, Satya, Astay, Brahmacharya and
2. Niyama: There are five rules
(i) The purity of mind and body
(ii) Contentment
(iii) Self-evaluation
(iv) Devotion or complete surrender to God
(v) Rigorous penance.
3. Asana (Yogic postures)
4. Pranayama (regulated breath)
5. Pratyahara (sense detachment)
6. Dharma (Inner abstraction)
7. Dhayana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (State of bliss)
All these elements of eightfold path are the universal commandants for all human beings. In fact Yoga is not only the physical concept but more than that, it controls the mind, body and the entire human actions and reactions.
Effect of Yoga on Health:
1. The mind is relaxed
2. Increase in height
3. Less chances of hatchback
4. Old age is delayed
5. Brightness and bloom on face
6. Spine becomes straight and flexible
7. Chest, back, abdomen, waist, arms, elbows, feet, knees, hands etc. become strong, stout and stable.
8. All the organs of the body become strong and stout.
9. Body, in general, becomes energetic and the spine becomes flexible.
10 It helps to provide good circulation and better blood flow to the neck, throat and head.
11. It helps to bring pure blood of the lower parts of the body to the heart.
12. It helps to strengthen the spinal cord which gets a maximum stretch.
13. It helps to increase height and give youthfulness and good shape to the body.
14. It activates the spine and back muscles.
15. It activates blood circulation in all the neck nerves.
16. It helps to increase vision.
17. It reactivates the spinal nerves and the brain cells and strengthens the muscles.
18. It reduces the fat in the body.
19. It strengthens the Navel point.
20 It removes all abdominal and intestinal disorders.
21. It strengthens the muscles of abdomen and back.
22. It improves the breathing process.
23. It removes obesity, constipation and indigestion.
24. It tones up the spine, nerve system and abdominal area.
25. It stretches muscles of waist and feet.
26. It facilitates the blood circulation in the muscles.
27. It gives physical and mental stability, concentration and area
28. It has a good effect on the nervous system of the body, which keeps minding calm and serene.
29. It helps to cure stiffness of the knees and joints and also cures rheumatic pains.
30 Respiratory system functions normally and smoothly.
