| Though yoga originated in India as a religious practice, | | | | effects of certain conditions like asthma and PMS. |
| it has evolved into different forms of discipline. When | | | | However, it is also very well suited to reducing stress |
| chosen as exercise, it can benefit almost everybody. | | | | and anxiety. With a consistent practice, at each |
| The term is a derivation of a Sanskrit word that | | | | session, the body becomes both relaxed and |
| means union. In its more common usage, the term | | | | energized. It may be the controlled breathing that |
| refers to the poses or asanas that are one of the | | | | targets stress best. Focusing on the breath takes the |
| means to achieving a sense of well being. The poses | | | | mind away from other worries. |
| combine stretching with controlled breathing. There | | | | Here is one asana anyone can try now as long as the |
| may also be meditative segments and guided | | | | back is healthy. It is called the cat pose. It increases |
| imagery. | | | | familiarity with the body's center and helps with |
| The key to benefiting is to establish a practice or | | | | coordinating movement and breathing. Begin on all |
| regular routine. Flexibility and fitness are not required | | | | fours, preferably on a padded surface so that there |
| since there are modifications available. As strength | | | | will be less pressure on the knees. Make sure the |
| grows, practitioners can move into more difficult | | | | hands are straight down from the shoulders and the |
| variations and further increase the suppleness of the | | | | knees are straight down from the hips. Rock forward |
| muscles. Classes are available in many places including | | | | and back gently to find the place where the spine is |
| community centers, health clubs, and yoga studios. | | | | straight and the body is balanced. Inhale. On the |
| Very little special equipment is required. | | | | exhale, pull the abdominal muscles up and curve the |
| There are several branches. They emphasize | | | | spine. Drop the head so there is a single semi-circular |
| different types of poses as well as variations in | | | | line running from the base of the spine to the top of |
| intensity. Finding the form that feels right on one's | | | | the head. Inhale and release the pose. |
| body can take time but is well worth the effort. A | | | | Developing a yoga practice requires commitment and |
| good version to try first is Hatha. Its pace is slower | | | | discipline. However, it is well worth the effort. Not |
| and its poses are relatively easy. | | | | only will the body become stronger and more flexible, |
| Studies have shown that yoga may help limit the | | | | the mind will be more relaxed and resilient. |