The greatest wealth is health.  ~ Virgil

YOGA - to ‘join’ or ‘yoke.’ The union of mind, body & spirit.

About Yoga

Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. The form of yoga generally practised in the West is Hatha Yoga - a physical system combining breath control (pranayama) and postures (asanas). The practise of yoga poses synchronised with the breath, helps still the mind, relieving mental stress. It also helps ease physical tension. When the mind is focused entirely on the breath and the posture, it is freed from its everyday thoughts.

Hatha yoga is practised in many forms, with Astanga yoga, Bikram yoga, and Iyengar yoga being a few recognised styles.

The physical practice (asana) is just one small part of yoga.  Asana practise in India was traditionally done by younger people, as a precursor to ‘higher’ forms of yoga, such as  pranayama, meditation and contemplation.

Benefits of yoga

Body:

• Increases flexibility and suppleness
• Maintains muscle tone and builds strength
• Maintains mobility of joints and spine
• Can help improve posture

General health:

• Reduces stress and aids relaxation
• Energises the body
• Improves circulation - helps flush away toxins and bring in nutrients
• Strengthens the body's own self-healing powers
• Generates a deep sense of physical and mental well-being

Mind:

• Helps improve concentration and focus
• Helps calm and quieten the mind - experience greater peace of mind

© Angela Lewis 2005-2007