| In the late 19th century, Yoga was introduced to the | | | | the Western world. Therapeutic yoga is a |
| Western World by India and since then has gone | | | | professional calling that requires more difficult training |
| through many adaptations. Now, Yoga is practiced in | | | | and skill than ordinary type. Yoga is normally for |
| five basic ways. | | | | people who don't suffer from disabilities or ailments |
| 1. Yoga For Staying Fit. It seems that Yoga as a way | | | | but yoga therapy caters to these special needs, for |
| to stay fit and flexible is the most common way that | | | | example chronic back pain may be helped by |
| we in the western world use it. It could be classed as | | | | therapeutic yoga. Some insurance companies actually |
| the biggest change the traditional. Hatha Yoga is a | | | | offer coverage as an alternative therapy. |
| traditional type of Yoga and the western style is a | | | | 4. Yoga Lifestyle Choices. Yoga as a lifestyle is |
| derivative of that. Yoga as fitness training is pertains | | | | actually the proper realm of yoga. Even a couple |
| to the physical body, flexibility and strength. Most | | | | hours a week is better than none but yoga can be |
| people new to Yoga come to it for the physical | | | | taken to higher levels when you choose it as a |
| reason but then realize that there are other benefits | | | | lifestyle. It is not just about fitness. Lifestyle means |
| to it such as moral and spiritual qualities that are | | | | actually living yoga, practicing it everyday whether it |
| designed to reach a level of enlightenment. The | | | | be the physical part or the mental part. Participating in |
| original masters realized a need to keep the physical | | | | the wisdom of yoga brings self awareness and clear |
| body in shape but also found greatness in keeping | | | | thinking. You can even take it to a point where you |
| the mind and spirit in shape also. | | | | get into the teaching of what to eat, how to sleep, |
| 2. The Sport Side of Yoga. In some Latin American | | | | how to work, how to relate to others and so on. It |
| countries yoga is considered a sport but is somewhat | | | | is not necessary to start your new lifestyle in one |
| controversial. These sportsmen are incredible athletes | | | | day you can start by making a few simple changes in |
| and have mastered many extremely difficult yoga | | | | daily living and take it one step at a time. |
| poses and do demonstrations of their excellent skills | | | | 5. The Spiritual Side of Yoga. Yoga is healthy, fitness |
| in International competitions. Traditional yoga | | | | oriented and focused living. The other side of yoga is |
| practitioners that consider this an art form have been | | | | the spiritual side which leads to enlightenment and |
| known to criticize these competitions. Some feel that | | | | your spiritual nature. When we say spiritual we mean |
| yoga should not be competitive. The good part is this | | | | your natural being. The word in yoga is atman or |
| sport has really helped to put yoga on the map in | | | | purusha. If you study yoga philosophy you will find |
| some parts of the world. | | | | that spirit is the same for everyone. It is immortal, |
| 3. Therapeutic Yoga. Yoga has played a large role in | | | | subconscious and formless bliss. It resides in all beings |
| restoring health and mental function in many cases. | | | | and things. Being transcendental, it is in existence far |
| There are Western teachers that use yoga for | | | | from the limited body and mind but the moment of |
| therapeutic purposes. This type of therapy has been | | | | enlightenment you discover your spirit. |
| around for many years but the idea is fairly new in | | | | |