Since the 1970s, meditation and other stress-reduction techniques have been studied as possible treatments for depression and anxiety. One such practice, yoga, has received less attention in the medical literature, though it has become increasingly popular in recent decades. One national survey estimated, for example, that about 7.5% of U.S. adults had tried yoga at least once, and that nearly 4% practiced yoga in the previous year.

Yoga classes can vary from gentle and accommodating to strenuous and challenging; the choice of style tends to be based on physical ability and personal preference. Hatha yoga, the most common type of yoga practiced in the United States, combines three elements: physical poses, called asanas; controlled breathing practiced in conjunction with asanas; and a short period of deep relaxation or meditation.

Available reviews of a wide range of yoga practices suggest they can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and may be helpful for both anxiety and depression. In this respect, yoga functions like other self-soothing techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, exercise, or even socializing with friends.

By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, yoga appears to modulate stress response systems. This, in turn, decreases physiological arousal for example, reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration. There is also evidence that yoga practices help increase heart rate variability, an indicator of the body's ability to respond to stress more flexibly.

A small but intriguing study done at the University of Utah provided some insight into the effect of yoga on the stress response by looking at the participants' responses to pain. The researchers noted that people who have a poorly regulated response to stress are also more sensitive to pain. Their subjects were 12 experienced yoga practitioners, 14 people with fibromyalgia (a condition many researchers consider a stress-related illness that is characterized by hypersensitivity to pain), and 16 healthy volunteers.

When the three groups were subjected to more or less painful thumbnail pressure, the participants with fibromyalgia as expected perceived pain at lower pressure levels compared with the other subjects. Functional MRIs showed they also had the greatest activity in areas of the brain associated with the pain response. In contrast, the yoga practitioners had the highest pain tolerance and lowest pain-related brain activity during the MRI. The study underscores the value of techniques, such as yoga, that can help a person regulate their stress and, therefore, pain responses.

Although many forms of yoga practice are safe, some are strenuous and may not be appropriate for everyone. In particular, elderly patients or those with mobility problems may want to check first with a clinician before choosing yoga as a treatment option.

But for many patients dealing with depression, anxiety, or stress, yoga may be a very appealing way to better manage symptoms. Indeed, the scientific study of yoga demonstrates that mental and physical health are not just closely allied, but are essentially equivalent. The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health.

For more advice about reducing anxiety, visit our online Stress Resource Center at http://www.health.harvard.edu/stress.

More:
Yoga for anxiety and depression - Harvard Health

200 hour Yoga Teacher Training - FALL 2018

by Camille Moses-Allen

This foundational program will advance your practice, acquaint you with the many layers of yoga, build your confidence and help you find your voice.If you aspire to teach, you're in good company: Since the start of our training school in 1990, YogaWorks alumni have gone on to become some of the world's most renowned yoga leaders. We want you to master the fundamentals, so completing our program will mark the beginning of your successful career as a yoga teacher.

August 25-26

September 8-9

September 22-23October 6-7

TEACHERS:

Camille Moses-Allen & Emily Lodge

OUR 200-HOUR TEACHER TRAINING CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

Advanced study of asana (proper alignment, benefits and potential risks) Principles of anatomy Science and art of sequencing Hands-on adjustments How to observe bodies Informed use of props to improve or modify a posture Cultivating your voice Confidence-building through practice teaching Yoga history and philosophy Sanskrit names of postures The Business of Yoga

WHAT MAKES YOGAWORKS TEACHER TRAINING UNIQUE?Lineage & Experience: We've refined our comprehensive curriculum over 25 years.

Intelligent Sequencing: Learn the art and science of designing and delivering a safe, dynamic class.

Learn to truly teach: Our program isn't about memorizing and reciting sequences. Instead an emphasis is placed on teaching principles for clearly instructing students bodies into alignment.

Find Yourself: We give you the space and opportunity to find your own teaching style.

Global Recognition: With a legacy that includes today's yoga leaders and over 10,000 alumni, YogaWorks teacher training is respected worldwide.Yoga Alliance 5 Star Rating

Class RequirementFor the duration of the program, students are required to take 3 classes per week, 1 of which must be with a lead Trainer.

Early-bird price of $2,950 when you pay in full by July 30, 2018.

Total cost is $3,150 thereafter.

Payment Plans available off the full price plus a $50 admin fee (50% of tuition must received one week before start date).

Midtown, MD

Aug 25 - Dec 16, 2018

SAT, SUN

85 hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Alliance Registered

by Lily Dwyer Begg

Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training 2018 with Lily Dwyer Begg

Fells Point Studio

4 Weekends

Sept 14, 15, 16Oct 19, 20, 21Nov 9, 10, 11Dec 7 and 9

Fridays 7:30 - 10:30 PM

Saturdays 12:30 - 8:30 PM

Sundays 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuition: $500 deposit

$1,250 thereafter paid in full by September 7, 2018

Fells Point Studio

1807 Thames St.

Baltimore, MD 21231

800.336.9642

This training is open to men and women, parents and non-parents alike - anyone who feels the calling to teach pre- and post-natal yoga is welcome. Even if you have never been pregnant yourself, the foundation of your success as a teacher will revolve around your self-inquiry and experiential participation in everything we do and learn.

The training is designed to feel at once like a yoga retreat and a rigorous course of study. You will be given a chance to integrate all layers of self into the learning experience. You will prepare a solid foundation for the demands of working with a range of pregnant students, while at the same time participating in a space for embodied daily yoga practice and a felt firsthand understanding of meditations, chants, and energetic practices that support women during this rich, creative time of life. Respectful community and fellowship is a vital piece of this training: each graduating class emerges close-knit and you will be given tools to help one another grow and evolve as teachers, share critical and supportive feedback, and exchange ideas, experiences and responses to materials learned. Graduates will emerge empowered to teach from the heart grounded by sound knowledge and expertise.

This program curriculum will give you:

Full payment is required to reserve a space in workshops. All workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made two weeks or more prior to workshop start date will be issued store credit. No store credit will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to workshop start date. YogaWorks is not responsible for any costs incurred for travel arrangements or accommodations related to this event.

Fells Point, MD

Sep 14 - Dec 9, 2018

FRI, SAT, SUN

The Restoration

by Martha McAlpine

September 14, 15, 16

October 5, 6, 7

October 26, 27, 28

November 16,17, 18

Fridays 6:30 - 9:30 PMSaturdays 12:30 - 6:30 PMSundays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1024 Light Street

Baltimore, MD, 21230

800.336.9642 X12

We are interconnected. We all feel each other.Felt drained, edgy, misaligned lately?Crazy news. Busy schedule.This is the time to learn to update and enrich how we tend ourselves.To restore the collective heart we share.

These are teachings for teachers and students. Novice through advanced. All comers welcome to experience asana, kriya, breath, meditation, writing, talking, learning.

This is The Restoration.

In The Restoration, Martha will lead you through all-level asana sequences, kundalini kriyas, and meditation practices to explore the ancient yogic traditions. We will also draw from the recent advances of neuroscience, physiology and psychology. With structured writing and group work and learn simple but powerful skills that are everyday useful at home, work, anywhere for inspired, meaningful connection. Each day of the weekends will conclude with 30 beautiful minutes of deep rest in Yoga Nidra leaving you wholly empowered.

Martha is your guide through 4 weekends of ENERGETIC EVOLUTION

Weekend 1 : Our raw feelings and emotions are translated into AWARENESS

Weekend 2 : Our awareness is given purpose and DIRECTION

Weekend 3 : Our direction becomes far more personal as we build DISCERNMENT

Weekend 4 : Our discernment enables a sense of healing,wholeness, and FREEDOM

No reading list. No homework. No prerequisites. Just you.I cant wait to see you.

Marthas classes inspire me. As a teacher myself I am always looking for how the old and the new meet; how our modern urban lifestyles can benefit from these age-old shapes and folds. I love how she is able to bring it all together. How the old is new, and I feel my own deep connection to what is actually ancient in my busy life and timeless in my teaching. - NW

Marthas teaching is sublime. I come away from practice with her emboldened and softened, both at once. I never knew what I was missing on my mat, but I knew I wanted more. Now, every class I take - no matter the teacher - I can get MY practice and this is priceless. -EB

A homeschool mama, yogi, cyclist, and cook, Martha McAlpine brings a love of life to all she does. Most recently, after 20 years of practice, 200 and 500 hour teacher trainings, and ten years of teaching Martha returned to the 200 hr Charm City teacher training to renew what she's learned and taught for years. In the past year she also completed the Spirit Junkie Master Class with Gabrielle Berstein, Marie Forleo's BSchool, an Art of Attention teacher module with Elena Brower, and the Vinyasa Krama Para teacher training of Rod Stryker. She believes modern research paired with ancient traditions makes for a rich, interesting, contemplative present moment. As a lifelong learner she looks forward to sharing her uniqueperspective and abilities with you.

Full payment is required to reserve a space in workshops. All workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made two weeks or more prior to workshop start date will be issued store credit. No store credit will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to workshop start date. YogaWorks is not responsible for any costs incurred for travel arrangements or accommodations related to this event.

Federal Hill, MD

Sep 14 - Nov 18, 2018

FRI, SAT, SUN

Beginner Series, 5 Weeks (Severna Park)

by Eric Brown

Sundays (5 Weeks)

September 23rd - October 21st, 2018

Severna Park Studio160 Governor Ritchie HwySeverna Park, MD 21146800.336.9642 X15

The Beginner Workshop is a five week introductory course in yoga. A perfect introduction to the philosophy and postures of yoga, it is designed so that upon completion, students will have acquired a foundation in yoga that will equip them to start sampling other classes and developing your own practice.

The Program: Each class will demonstrate important yoga poses or postures, and introduce the yogic philosophy of Patanjali, a sage and yogi, who was the first person to systematically describe the yogic tradition in written form. He described the practice as consisting of eight limbs. These limbs cover all aspects of life: beginning with a prescribed code of conduct and ending with an individuals vision of his/her true self.

Eric Brown began practicing yoga and meditation in 1983 in search of self-healing. He studied many styles of yoga while living in Los Angeles and his classes are an eclectic blend of Ashtanga, Kripalu, Pranakriya, and the unique vinyasa flow style of LA. Erics classes can be challenging, but students are led in a mindful asana practice that fully engages them on many levels bringing deeper awareness to the subtle aspects of the postures. He wants his students to really learn and understand their bodies and the poses; fully feeling whatever theyre going to feel. Eric holds yoga teaching certifications with the Kundalini Research Institute (RYT 200); Kripalu/Pranakriya (RYT 200); Ashtanga Yoga (David Swenson); and Rocket Vinyasa Yoga (David Kyle). He studied with Kim Manfredi at Charm City Yoga and received his 500RYT in 2012. He is a Vipassana meditation practitioner and has received his Thai Yoga practitioner certification from the Thai Institute of Healing Arts. Eric has been featured in Yoga Journal (Oct 2011) and is a Manduka ambassador.

Full payment is required to reserve a space in workshops. All workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made two weeks or more prior to workshop start date will be issued store credit. No store credit will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to workshop start date. YogaWorks is not responsible for any costs incurred for travel arrangements or accommodations related to this event.

Severna Park, MD

Sep 23 - Oct 21, 2018

SUN

Beginner Series, 5 Weeks (Columbia)

by Nikki Watson

Mondays (5 Weeks)

September 24,18 - October 22, 2018

7:00 - 8:30 PM

Columbia Studio8325 Guilford Rd

Columbia, MD 21046 800.336.9642 X10

The Program: Each class will demonstrate important yoga poses or postures, and introduce the yogic philosophy of Patanjali, a sage and yogi, who was the first person to systematically describe the yogic tradition in written form. He described the practice as consisting of eight limbs. These limbs cover all aspects of life: beginning with a prescribed code of conduct and ending with an individuals vision of his/her true self.

Nikki Watson has a gift for making the practice of yoga an accessible, enjoyable self-exploration and loves helping her students learn and discover. Nikki started practicing yoga as a way to continue moving after years of ballet performance and dance education. As time went on, her practice became both physically and spiritually transforming. Yoga has become a great constant in her life a place of challenge, growth, change and contentment. Nikki received her 200 hour teaching certification from Charm City Yoga under Kim Manfredi in 2012 and her 500 hour certification through YogaWorks Baltimore.

Full payment is required to reserve a space in workshops. All workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made two weeks or more prior to workshop start date will be issued store credit. No store credit will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to workshop start date. YogaWorks is not responsible for any costs incurred for travel arrangements or accommodations related to this event.

Columbia, MD

Sep 24 - Oct 22, 2018

MON

The Restoration, WEEKEND 2: DIRECTION

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YogaWorks Midtown | Baltimore Yoga Classes | YogaWorks

Yoga (Sanskrit: pronunciation (helpinfo)) is the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace of mind in order to experience one's true self. The term yoga can be derived from either of two roots, yujir yoga (to yoke) or yuj samdhau (to concentrate). The Yoga Stras of Patajali defines yoga as "the stilling of the changing states of the mind" (Sanskrit: : - :). Yoga has also been popularly defined as "union with the divine" in other contexts and traditions. Various traditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In Hinduism, yoga is one of the six stika schools (accepts authority of Vedas of Hindu philosophy. Yoga is also an important part of Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Gurus from India later introduced yoga to the west, in the late 19th and early 20th century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a system of physical exercise across the Western world.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book I

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book II

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book III

See the article here:
Yoga - Wikiquote

Yoga is an old discipline from India. It is both spiritual and physical. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercise and meditation. It helps to improve health and happiness.

Yoga is the Sanskrit word for union.

Patanjali was a pioneer of classical yoga. He defined yoga as "the cessation of the modification of the mind". (stopping changing the mind).

A person doing yoga will move from one posture (called asana) to another. For example, the "sun-salutation" contains 12 poses of asanas, one after the other, and is said to help balance body and soul. The "sun-salutation" is popularly known as "Suryanamaskar".

Yoga was introduced by Indian Ascetic . Ascetic practices (tapas) are referenced in the Brhmaas (900 to 500 BC), early commentaries on the Vedas.[1] Several seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization (~33001700 B.C.) sites in Pakistan depict figures in positions resembling a common yoga or meditation pose. The pose shows "a form of ritual discipline, suggesting a precursor of yoga", according to archaeologist Gregory Possehl.[2] Scholars think there must be some type of connection between the Indus Valley seals and later yoga and meditation practices, though there is no conclusive evidence.

A yogasan is a pose in which a man can sit. The intention of yogasan is to exercise the body and making it free of pains and problems.

Yogi is a person who has mastered yoga or has achieved great success in yoga. Yogasanas are also called as Asan or Asanas (plural). A Yogi can sit in any asan for a given time.

This yogasan helps to release gas in the stomach.

This yogasan makes the spine more relaxed.[5]

1. Nisarga Yoga - Understand yoga philosophy and your true nature by being it via yoga practice.

2. Isha Yoga - A Guide To Yoga & Meditation.

3. Yoga Burn - Learning that art of Yoga

Go here to read the rest:
Yoga - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hello and welcome to 'Fasinate Yoga'. This is a humble attempt to shed some light on Yoga, the glorious pathway to health, wellness and peace. Please be my guest to browse through and I hope you would learn something new about Yoga from here or remind yourself something you might already know. It might help clarify some of the questions you have in mind about Yoga; you may get inspired to start a new healthy way of life; or you might be able to appreciate the sheer beauty of our wonderful body and mind - whatever small you achieve by going through here, another ray of light would be added to my heart.We will be updating the site often with new features and exciting and informative articles about Yoga, health and wellness. So, be sure to 'Sign Up' using the form on the right if you find this to your interest.Please leave a message in the Contact page if you like to share your thoughts. Your feedback, support and encouragement are more than welcome !

Namaste,-Fasila

Arambha (Beginners) - 6th Batch ongoing (2 slots available. Call soon to register) Pre-registration open for the 7th Batch...CheckClassesfor details.

Sarala (Easy Level Regular) - Begins on Mar 11th 2017.CheckClassesfor details.

Prenatal(Pregnancy Yoga)-We are chosen to implement Pregnancy Yoga to theJFK Medical Center(now known as Hackensack Meridian-JFK Health). This is a pioneer initiative from the Medical Giant to utilize the healing power of Yoga for the health and wellness of to-be-Momsin our community! Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest health network in New Jersey. We are excited and thankful for this great opportunity to guide the most precious populationof our society - Mothers to a healthy, peaceful journey of pregnancy; a natural, conscious childbirth; and a smooth Postpartum recovery.Classes in EdisonStarting April 2018, Thursdays 6.45 - 8.00 pm

Call "JFK for Life Health&Fitness Center" at 732.632.1610 to Register orFasinate Yogaat 732.857.0360 for more details.Email:info@fasinateyoga.com |CheckPregnancy Yogafor details/brochure.

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Fasinate Yoga - Home

Thank you kindly for waiting for the schedule to load.

You must reserve your spot before attending class.

Utilize our Burn Fitness App located on our Home page to facilitate reservations.

Click on the classes and/or instructors for all the information you need. Sign up for classes up to one week in advance by clicking "Sign-Up" and following the directions on the page.

You must sign in at the desk before each class or you will be marked absent incurring a no show fee to your account.

Contracts cannot be cancelled unless you have a doctors note.

Groupon cannot be extended pass there expiration dates. Only 1 Groupon per person.

No children are allowed in the studio at anytime.

Parking:

parking is available in the rear and side of building. Please do not park in marked park areas e.g Dr.s ,15 minute parking spots.

Cancellations:

Simply make sure to cancel 2 hours prior to class. For package members your class will be returned to your account. If you do not cancel 2 hours prior start time, a class will be removed from your package.. You can only cancel classes online . If you have a monthly membership, you must still follow cancellation requirements or a $7 no show/late cancellation fee will be charged to your account.

Waitlisting:

If classes are full "waitlist" will appear next to the sign up button. As soon as someone cancels, the first person on the waitlist will be notified by email and/or text message notifing you that you have made it into the class and to please confirm you can make it. Every time someone cancels the next person on the waitlist will be notified about the available spot. You may be contacted up to an hour before the class start time,you will not be charged for the class if you cannot make it, simply let us know by canceling online.

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Zumba and Yoga Classes Piscataway | Burn Fitness Studio

Yoga, (Sanskrit: Yoking or Union) one of the six systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy. Its influence has been widespread among many other schools of Indian thought. Its basic text is the Yoga-sutras by Patanjali (c. 2nd century bce or 5th century ce).

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Hinduism: Yoga

The initiate guided by a guru may practice Yoga (a methodic exertion of body and mind) in order to attain, through mortification, concentration, and meditation, a higher state of consciousness and thereby find supreme knowledge, achieve spiritual autonomy, and realize oneness with the Highest

The practical aspects of Yoga play a more important part than does its intellectual content, which is largely based on the philosophy of Samkhya, with the exception that Yoga assumes the existence of God, who is the model for the aspirant who seeks spiritual release. Yoga holds with Samkhya that the achievement of spiritual liberation (moksha) occurs when the spirit (purusha) is freed from the bondage of matter (prakriti) that has resulted from ignorance and illusion. The Samkhya view of the evolution of the world through identifiable stages leads Yoga to attempt to reverse this order, as it were, so that a person can increasingly dephenomenalize the self until it reenters its original state of purity and consciousness. An aspirant who has learned to control and suppress the obscuring activities of the mind and has succeeded in ending attachment to material objects will be able to enter samadhii.e., a state of deep concentration that results in a blissful ecstatic union with the ultimate reality.

Generally, the Yoga process is described in eight stages (ashtanga-yoga, eight-membered Yoga). The first two stages are ethical preparations. They are yama (restraint), which denotes abstinence from injury (see ahimsa), falsehood, stealing, lust, and avarice; and niyama (discipline), which denotes cleanliness of body, contentment, austerity, study, and devotion to God.

The next two stages are physical preparations. Asana (seat), a series of exercises in physical posture, is intended to condition the aspirants body and make it supple, flexible, and healthy. Mastery of the asanas is reckoned by ones ability to hold one of the prescribed postures for an extended period of time without involuntary movement or physical distractions. Pranayama (breath control) is a series of exercises intended to stabilize the rhythm of breathing in order to encourage complete respiratory relaxation.

The fifth stage, pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), involves control of the senses, or the ability to withdraw the attention of the senses from outward objects.

Whereas the first five stages are external aids to Yoga, the remaining three are purely mental or internal aids. Dharana (holding on) is the ability to hold and confine awareness of externals to one object for a long period of time (a common exercise is fixing the mind on an object of meditation, such as the tip of the nose or an image of the deity). Dhyana (concentrated meditation) is the uninterrupted contemplation of the object of meditation, beyond any memory of ego. Samadhi (total self-collectedness) is the final stage and is a precondition of attaining release from samsara, or the cycle of rebirth. In this stage the meditator perceives or experiences the object of his meditation and himself as one.

The prehistory of Yoga is not clear. The early Vedic texts speak of ecstatics, who may well have been predecessors of the later yogis (followers of Yoga). Although Yoga has been made into a separate school, its influence and many of its practices have been felt in other schools.

In the course of time, certain stages of Yoga became ends in themselvesnotably, the breathing exercises and sitting postures, as in the Yoga school of Hatha Yoga. Patanjalis Yoga is sometimes known as Raja (Royal) Yoga, to distinguish it from the other schools.

Yoga, in a less technical sense of achieving union with God, is also used, as in the Bhagavadgita, to distinguish the alternate paths (margas) to such a union.

Beginning in the early 20th century, the philosophy and practice of Yoga became increasingly popular in the West. The first important organization for practitioners in the United States was the Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. Within 50 years, instruction emphasizing both the physical and spiritual benefits of Yogic techniques was available through a wide variety of sectarian Yoga organizations, nonsectarian classes, and television programs in the United States and Europe.

Excerpt from:
Yoga | philosophy | Britannica.com

For the family of spiritual practices that originated in India, see Hatha yoga and Asana.

Yoga as exercise is a modern exercise practice influenced by hatha yoga. It involves holding stretches as a kind of low-impact physical exercise, and is often used for therapeutic purposes.[1] Yoga in this sense often occurs in a class and may involve meditation, imagery, breath work and music.[2][3]

Yoga has roots in India. The foundational text for yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yoga came to the attention of the western public in the mid 19th century along with other topics of Hindu philosophy. The first Hindu teacher to actively advocate and disseminate aspects of yoga to a western audience was Swami Vivekananda, who toured Europe and the United States in the 1890s.[4][5]

Nearly all types of hatha yoga practices include asana, pranayama and savasana.[6] The physical asanas of hatha yoga have a tradition that goes back to at least the 15th century, but they were not widely practiced in India prior to the early 20th century.

A hatha "yoga boom" occurred in the 1980s, as unconnected to a religious denomination.[4] Since then, hatha yoga has been used as a supplementary exercise practice.[7]

The more classical approaches of hatha yoga, such as iyengar yoga, move at a more deliberate pace, emphasize proper alignment and execution and hold asanas for a longer time. They aim to gradually improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Other approaches, such as Ashtanga or power yoga, shift between asanas quickly and energetically. Contemporary approaches to yoga invite students to become their own authority in yoga practice by offering principle-based approaches to yoga that can be applied to any form.

Much of the research on hatha yoga has been in the form of preliminary studies or clinical trials of low methodological quality, including small sample sizes, inadequate blinding, lack of randomization, and high risk of bias.[8][9] Hatha yoga does not have specific standardization of its practice.

A 2010 literature review stated, "although the results from these trials are encouraging, they should be viewed as very preliminary because the trials, as a group, suffered from substantial methodological limitations."[10] A 2015 systematic review on the effect of yoga on mood and the brain concluded that "yoga is associated with better regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, as well as a decrease in depressive and anxious symptoms in a range of populations."[11] The same review recommended more methodological rigor be applied to future clinical trials.

One review found little evidence that yoga helps people with dementia perform their daily activities,[12] while another showed there were no effects on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.[8] There was weak evidence supporting yoga as an alternative treatment for insomnia, with no evidence that yoga was better than general relaxation.[13]

Only weak evidence was found to support the use of hatha yoga as a complementary therapy for rheumatic diseases, with no evidence of its safety.[14] Although one study found a small effect of yoga to lower high blood pressure, overall this evidence was too weak for any recommendation to be made, and provided no information about safety.[15] There was no evidence of benefit in treatment of epilepsy or menopause-related symptoms.[16][17] Practice of yoga had no effect on the underlying mechanisms of cancer.[18]

Although relatively safe, yoga is not risk free. Sensible precautions can usefully be taken for example beginners should avoid advanced moves, yoga should not be combined with psychoactive drug use, and competitive yoga should be avoided.[19]

A small percentage of yoga practitioners each year suffer physical injuries analogous to sports injuries.[20] The practice of yoga has been cited as a cause of hyperextension or rotation of the neck, which may be a precipitating factor in cervical artery dissection.[21]

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Yoga as exercise - Wikipedia

New to Yoga?

If you are looking for an attainable way to begin yoga in the comfort of your own home, yoga for beginners is for you. It is essential to begin with balancing your body, mind, emotion and energy and creating an inner atmosphere of joy. Yoga for beginners is an easy, safe, and fun way to start your journey towards good health and wellbeing. Having physical agility and having previous experience is not a requirement for yoga for beginners. These simple practices from the ancient science of yoga, have been designed by Sadhguru a world-renowned yogi, mystic, and one of the foremost authorities on yoga.

You can choose to learn yoga from any one of these videos:

A powerful practice that nurtures the physical, psychological and energy dimensions of a human being that takes just 8 10 minutes a day and is done in a standing position. Benefits of this practice include activating the lumbar region of the spine, and strengthening the muscles around the spine to prevent collapsing of the spine that can occur with aging, and for overall wellbeing.

Learn Yoga Namaskar for Free

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This practice cleanses the nadis which are the pathways through which pranic energy flows. This is a gentle practice that can be done any time of the day for 4 minutes and is done in a sitting position. Benefits include balancing the system and psychological well-being. It alsoaids with insomnia.

Learn Nadi Shuddhifor Free

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The yoga of sound allows you to utter sounds that create complete balance in the energy system and foster an inner atmosphere of joy. This gentle practice is done in a sitting position and takes just 12 minutes. Benefits include an increase in energy levels and improved mental clarity.

Learn Nada Yogafor Free

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You can try this free guided meditation at a space youre comfortable in and at any time you wish. This is the convenience of doing a free online guided meditation. Any time youre feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, you can try this easy-to-follow guided meditation. After this guided meditation, you will feel refreshed, relaxed, and capable of handling day-to-day life situations. This free online guided meditation takes only 12-18 minutes and is an easy to learn step-by-step process that you can do at home, work, or wherever you are. This is a short guided meditation that anyone can do at their own convenience. The instructions for this short guided meditation are very simple, involving your breathing and thought process. This meditation can be practiced sitting on a chair.

Read more:
Yoga for Beginners - Inner Engineering Pages

International Yoga day at a glance

International Day of Yoga, or commonly and unofficially referred to as Yoga Day, is celebrated annually on 21 June since its inception in 2015. An international day for yoga was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).[1] Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India.[2] The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN address suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.[3]

The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi during his speech at the UNGA, on 27 September 2014.[4] He stated:[5]

Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.

The origins of yoga are shrouded in mystery and mythology while some historians find many clues in the practices of Himalayan Shamans as still be seen in Tibet and Nepal. The Lord Shiva is considered the father of ancient yoga while some historian claims that Patanjali is the father of modern yoga.

By the 5th century, BC yoga was becoming well known and begun to appear in Vedic Scripture. The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word and it comes from the root word Yuja which basically means to bind to align to hold.[6]

Following this initial proposal, the UNGA held informal consultations on the draft resolution entitled "International Day of Yoga", on 14 October 2014. The consultations were convened by the delegation of India.[7]In 2015 Reserve Bank of India issued a 10 rupees commemorative coin to mark the International Day of Yoga.[8]

On 11 December 2014, India's Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in UNGA. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.[9]

When proposing 21 June as the date, Modi said that the date was the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere (shortest in the southern hemisphere), having special significance in many parts of the world. From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana. The second [10] full moon after summer solstice is known as Guru Poornima. Shiva, the first yogi (Adi Yogi), is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of mankind on this day, and became the first guru (Adi Guru).[11] Dakshinayana is also considered a time when there is natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices.

Following the adoption of the UN resolution, several leaders of the spiritual movement in India voiced their support for the initiative. The founder of Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, stated, "this could be a kind of a foundation stone to make scientific approach to the inner well-being of the human being, a worldwide thing... It's a tremendous step for the world."[12] The founder of Art of Living, Ravi Shankar, lauded the efforts of Modi, saying, "It is very difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive without state patronage. Yoga has existed so far almost like an orphan. Now, official recognition by the UN would further spread the benefit of yoga to the entire world."[13]

The first International Day of Yoga was observed all over the world on 21 June 2015. The Ministry of AYUSH made the necessary arrangements in India. 35,985 people, including Narendra Modi and a large number of dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 yoga asanas (postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi. The day devoted to yoga was observed by millions across the world.[14] NCC cadets entered the Limca Book of Records for the "largest yoga performance simultaneously by a single uniformed youth organisation" by performing at multiple venues.[15]

The event at Rajpath established two Guinness world records awarded to the Ministry of AYUSH and received by AYUSH minister Shripad Yesso Naik. The two records were for the largest yoga class, featuring 35,985 people,[16] and for the largest number of participating nationalities (84 nations).[17] In San Francisco, 5,000 participants gathered in the Marina Green park to practice yoga.[18]

A senior government official said, "The government of India has decided to take forward the momentum created by International Day of Yoga, 2015 with greater and more active participation of youth during the current year celebrations."[19] The ministry organized an event titled "The National Event of Mass Yoga Demonstration" at Chandigarh, which was to be attended by the Indian Prime Minister.[20]

India's Permanent Mission to the UN organized celebrations at the United Nations on 20 and 21 June 2016. A special event titled "Conversation with Yoga Masters Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" was the centerpiece.[21] Sadhguru was the main speaker at the event.[22]

In Lucknow, the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi participated in the event and practiced yoga along with 51,000 participants.[23][24] Many business leaders in India also took part in the event.[25][26] In New York, thousands of participants gathered to practice yoga on Times Square. Japan created a Parliamentary League for the promotion of yoga just prior to the event, in April 2017.[27] In China, the largest gathering was 10,000 participants in the city of Wuxi.[28] In Athens, the event took place on 25 June as part of the Greek Open Yoga Day[29] and in Kyiv, the event happened on 18 June and gathered a few hundred participants.[30] In Ireland, participants met in the round room of the City Hall in Dublin.[31]

The event in Dehradun was held at the Forest Research Institute. PM Modi led an estimated 50, 000 volunteers to mark the fourth anniversary of International Yoga Day. The theme for 2018 was "Yoga for Peace"

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International Day of Yoga - Wikipedia