What Is Yoga?

In simple words, the word Yoga is originated from sanskrit word 'Yuj' which means 'Join' or 'Union' or 'Combine'.Union of our will to the Gods will power.

One who follows the path of yoga is called 'Yogi' or 'Yogini'.

Yoga is the easiest method to reach God.He who achieved it,shall not be moved by the greatest Sarrows.This is the real meaning of Yoga.

Stages Of Yoga (or) Yoga sutras

Physician- sage 'PATANJALI' enumerates as the Eight stages of yoga:They are

1.Yama (Universal noral commandments)
Encourages moderation and restraint

2.Niyama(self disciplin)
Gives the ground rule for self-discipline and inner awerness

3.Asana(Posture)
Keep the body healthy and mind calm,creating an atmosphere in which the life energy can flow more easily

4.Pranayama(Rhythemic control of breath)
Focuses on expericing the link between the breath,mind and body

5.Pratyahara(withdrawal of mind from domination of the senses)

6.Dharana(Concentration)
In which the mind,once withdrawn into itself,is fixed in one-pointed inner concentration.

7.Dhyana(Meditation)
Without focus on object,founded in a deep,inner space of awareness

8.Samadhi Is the ecstatic state of being,in which the meditator becomes one with the meditation

Yama,Niyama & Asana are known as 'Bahiranga sadhana'(outward Quests)

Pranayam $ Pratyahara are known as 'Antharanga sadhana'(Inner Quests)

Darana,Dhayana & Samadhi are known as 'Antharatma sadhana'(Quest of Soul)

The Sun salutation (Suryanamaskar)

Surya namaskara is a series of twelve physical postures. These alternating backward and forward bending postures flex and stretch the spinal column through their maximum range giving a profound stretch to the whole body.

Surya Namaskar has a deep effect in detoxifying the organs.

Benefits:-

Tones up the digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of abdominal organs. It activates digestion and gets rid of constipation and dyspepsia.

Improves muscle flexibility

In women, stimulates the breasts to help firmness normally. Restores any lost elasticity, through stimulation of glands and the strengthening of pectoral muscles.

Helps reduce fat.

Broadens chest and beautifies arms.

Produces health, strength, efficiency and longevity

How to do:-

1.Exhale.Bring your palms together on your chest.

2.Inhale.Raise your arms straight above your head,hands together.Lean back,push hips forward.

3.Exhale.Keeping your arms fully extended and your legs straight,lean forward until your hands are flat on the floor beside your feet(Try slow).

4.Inhale.Slide one leg back placing the knee and the top of the foot on the floor.The opposite knee should be directly above the ankle.Let your hip weight drop down and forwad.

5.Hold the breath.Slide the other leg back,and come up on your toes.Keep your body and arms straight.

6.Ehale.Keeping your buttocks up in the air,drop your knees,chest and forehead on the floor.

7.Inhale.Slide your weight forward pushing your head up and back and your chest forward.Keep your hips on the floor.Keep your elbows slightly bent and touching your sides.

8.Exhale.Push your hips up high,push your heals towards the floor and your shoulders towards you feet.Keep your knees straight.

9.Inhale.Bring the same leg you slide back in step 4 forward until your foot is between your hands.(Then rest as in 4 the step.

10.Same as in 3rd step.

11.Same as in 2nd step.

12.Return to start position.

Repeat this atleast 8 times altenating the leg you start with in 4.

Who Should not do:-

Pregnant women should not practice this after third month of pregnancy.


Patients of Hernia and high blood pressure are warned against this practice.


People suffering from back conditions should seek proper advice before commencing Surya Namaskar.

Women should avoid Surya Namaskar during menses

Cat and Cow Stretch

This exercise brings great flexibility to the spine and circulates the spinal fluid.A great warm-up exercise.




A.Cow Stretch:-

Position on your hands under shoulders & knees under hips. Inhale lift head & tail bone arching the spine towards the ground and bring your head back.Always starting from the pelvis.

B.Cat Stretch:-

As you exhale,flex in the opposite direction so that your back is arched upward in catpose and your head comes down so that your chin is close to your chest.

Alternate between cat and cow stretchs atleast 10 times concentrating on breathing.