| Have you noticed the increasing number of yoga | | | | scriptures. Through practices such as meditation, |
| classes advertised from the gym to the community | | | | breathing exercises (pranayama), and physical |
| centre and at all points in between? Have you seen | | | | postures (asanas) among others, insights into the |
| smiling people carrying their yoga mats with | | | | nature of existence arise. Through the breathing |
| contented looks on their faces? These people share | | | | exercises, more oxygen enters the tissues, enabling |
| one thing: a search for balance. Their search led them | | | | waste to leave easily. With the postures, muscular |
| to the 5,000+ year old Indian tradition of yoga. | | | | tension is released and relaxation comes easier. During |
| The practice of yoga is growing in popularity. There | | | | meditation, repetitive thought patterns and limiting |
| are classes for beginners as well as those with | | | | beliefs become apparent. Using these tools with |
| experience, for those with injuries or those looking | | | | proper instruction, detachment from worry and |
| for gentle stretching and relaxation and for those | | | | anxiety is achievable. Whether you are philosophical |
| seeking vigorous activity. Prenatal, Postnatal, Family | | | | or not, the advantages to deep breathing, better |
| Yoga and even Laughter Yoga are all available. Yoga | | | | posture, deeper sleep and toned muscles can be |
| is adaptable to the individual so there is something for | | | | experienced first-hand. |
| everyone. Contrary to what you might think, you do | | | | Many Westerners driven by ambition seek greater |
| not have to be flexible to 'do' yoga. All you need is | | | | flexibility, strength, stamina, energy and stress relief |
| an open mind. | | | | from yoga. All of these health benefits can be |
| Dr. Timothy McCall, MD, yoga instructor and author of | | | | experienced, along with several others, but they are |
| the book Yoga as Medicine, lists 50 health conditions | | | | secondary. Primary changes in lifestyle arise from |
| that are benefited by yoga according to scientific | | | | enhanced self-awareness. Many practitioners find that |
| studies. These include: Alcoholism, anxiety, asthma, | | | | their intuitive sense deepens and they engage with |
| cancer, diabetes, Fibromyalgia, psoriasis, multiple | | | | life on a more immediate level than previously. Yoga |
| sclerosis, osteoporosis, schizophrenia and kidney | | | | invites transformation on all levels, encouraging |
| failure. His website has all the details. So what is this | | | | creativity, health and longevity. |
| ancient healing practice and how does it work? | | | | For more information, check out a class at your local |
| The Sanskrit word yoga means to yoke or to join, | | | | studio or recreation centre, or rent a DVD or book |
| union. It refers to the joining of body, mind and spirit. | | | | from the library. Even YouTube has several yoga |
| Yoga is not a religion; there is no dogma to follow. | | | | clips demonstrating techniques. Remember, all you |
| Rather it is a philosophy rooted in a group of ancient | | | | need is an open mind. |