Yoga involves movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote mental and physical well-being. Yoga is not only the asanas or stretching exercises but focuses on overall well-being including mental health as well.
There are several types of yoga and many disciplines within the practice. Furthermore, regular yoga practice can promote endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.
To get proper benefits from your yoga practice you must follow the guidance of a qualified yoga trainer. In addition, a yoga trainer can help you access your current conditions, define a path for you and ensure that there are no overstretching or injuries happening during the practice.
The experienced meditation teacher also takes you through the journey of meditation as a part of yoga.
Traditionally considered six branches of Yoga:
- Hatha Yoga: The physical and mental branch aims to prime the body and mind.
- Raja Yoga: This branch involves meditation and strict adherence to a series of disciplinary steps known as the eight limbs of yoga.
- Karma Yoga: This is a path of service that aims to create a future free from negativity and selfishness.
- Bhakti Yoga: This aims to establish the path of devotion, a positive way to channel emotions and cultivate acceptance and tolerance.
- Jnana Yoga: This branch of yoga is about wisdom, the path of the scholar, and developing the intellect through study.
- Tantra Yoga: This is the pathway of ritual, ceremony, or consummation of a relationship.
Risks and side effects
Many types of yoga are relatively mild and therefore safe for people when a well-trained instructor is guiding the practice.
It is rare to incur a serious injury when doing yoga. The most common injuries among people practicing yoga are sprains and strains. However, people may wish to consider a few risk factors before starting a yoga practice.
A person who is pregnant or has an ongoing medical condition, such as bone loss, glaucoma, or sciatica, should consult a healthcare professional, if possible, before taking up yoga.
Some people may need to modify or avoid some yoga poses that could be risky given their specific condition.
Beginners should avoid advanced poses and difficult techniques, such as a Headstand, Lotus Pose, and forceful breathing. When managing a condition, people should not replace conventional medical care with yoga or postpone seeing a healthcare professional about pain or any other medical problem.
About Author
Sayali is a leading Yoga Teacher from Pune, INDIA. She a qualified Yoga master and associated with Gokhale Institute, Pune besides running her own classes for local and International students.
Address: Sinhagadh Road, Pune, INDIA 411021
