Speak of yoga and the first thing you hear to the effect of verbalism is Namaste (popularized by Western wannabe yogis); or the mental imaginings of Indian rishis (seers) knotted in terrifyingly painful postures or asanas, as yogis call it; and for simple you-and-me folk its all about longer than can moments of stretching and absolute mental nothingness. Bliss?! But lets seriously move beyond all that Hollywood gaga and go yoga as the real rishis would want us to! A true exercise that aims to engage the mind, body and soul, yoga since millennia has been highly extolled for its values of physical robustion, mental tranquility, and a means of reaching spiritual ascension if done right.

How to get started All you need is a yoga mat, a well-ventilated area (preferably near trees; open spaces work best), a tranquil state of mind (burn some invigorating incense for added effect or play soothing tunes from Buddha Bar) and you breathing in some fabulously cool and unrestrictive apparel. Is that asking for too much? Breathing is a very important aspect of yoga, but unfortunately people in present practice ignore it. They focus only on the dynamic part, which is not the highest recommendation of yoga itself, says Karthik Kasyup, who has a masters degree in Yogic Science and is a yoga instructor in India. Yoga must preferably be practiced in the mornings, when greater muscle stiffness is experienced. This should essentially be followed by relaxing meditation and tuning of the mind in silence for inner introspection. The stimulation of the nervous and endocrine system followed by relaxation produces wondrous effects. A sincere one-hour workout everyday is optimum to ensure a healthy and fit body.

What can it do for me? Everything from treating lifestyle and stress-related diseases like hypertension and diabetes, skin disorders like psoriasis, obesity, and redressing anger issues. I will even go as far as saying that cancer can be cured through yoga if diagnosed in the initial stages. Through balancing asanas and breathing exercises, cancer in the later stages can be controlled in intensity through yoga, asserts Kasyup. While oxygen therapy, a regimen that was advocated in the 1930s for the treatment of cancer, found many users in allopathic medicine, the exercise foundation of yoga lies in the intake of pure oxygen itself to achieve all its intended goals. Yoga not only increases physical fitness and endurance, but also improves concentration while allowing one to develop their intellect and other mental faculties. Cervical and lumbar spondylitis, and migraines caused by sedentary lifestyles and stress can be easily treated through yoga with shoulder and lumbar stretches of the vertebral column and spine that helps release stress, stiffness and provides mobility to musculature. Modern offshoots of the classical exercise like power yoga, rhythmic yoga, water yoga, and aerial yoga have also emerged today to suit the present pace of both lifestyle and individual exercise preference. While the benefits of these super yogas may help toward weight reduction in just five to six sessions, many people tend to ignore the benefits that classical yoga provides through overall stimulation of the senses, which is mostly absent in these new focused forms of yoga.

How is yoga different from other exercises? A one-hour session of yoga helps release toxins through the sweat glands, as opposed to other forms of sweat burn like using the treadmill, where breathing is not optimum or focused. Instead of releasing toxins, the body goes into stress mode, the breathing becomes shallower, and the entire purpose of treating diseases from the inside is lost, says Kasyup. In yoga the effort is on long and deep breathing in different postures. This increases the oxygen intake and lung capacity, which helps the cells to get revitalized.

Is yoga the exercise for me? Anyone from any age group and gender can practice the art of yoga safely. Around 500 different asanas exist in the 5,000-year-old ancient yogic scripture for the treatment of any particular ailment, constituting what they call today therapeutic yoga. But bear in mind that yoga must be practiced with care, and one should exercise yoga under the supervision of a certified yoga therapist, especially if there are health issues, as some yogic postures may create undesired effects if performed incorrectly.

Women and yoga Yoga is extremely beneficial for the treatment of symptoms accompanied with monthly cycles, specifically abdominal cramps, thighs and backaches. During cycles, lumbar stretches can be practiced to loosen the back, hips and thighs. Mental irritation and other PMS symptoms can be controlled with meditative yoga with the help of focus on breathing, says Kasyup. Common hormonal disorders like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are also known to be managed through yogic postures like pigeon pose, and the half and full butterfly that loosen the pelvic joints and uterus and help stabilize hormonal imbalances. Yoga can even be safely practiced during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters, although complete refrain must be exercised during the first trimester. Regular practice has been known to ease natural childbirths and labor pains from its focus on breathing, pelvic exercises, back strengthening, and stretching poses.

The Y-word There is a big inner world inside our bodies, and we never bother to look into it. Once we do, we can understand a lot, adds Kasyup. And yoga can help you do it. So spread the mat and start humming

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Let’s go yoga!