Yoga - Its Origins, Purpose and Relevance in Today's Society

Since we have been discussing Yoga as treatment for panic attacks during the past few days it would be appropriate today to discuss some facts about what yoga actually is and its relevance in today's modern society.

Yoga
is an ancient form of exercising meant to enhance the harmony of body and mind. "Yoga" is pronounced "yog" in its original dialect and literally means unification or merger. It is symbolic for the measures practiced to bring about union of mind and body. The ultimate aim for the yoga exercises is to bring about harmony between the body and the soul for self enlightenment.

For this yoga utilizes movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation for establishing a healthy, lively and balanced approach to your life. These yoga exercises were initially in the ancient days used to prepare those who were going in for a life of asceticism and meditation. Yoga prepared them for the rigors of meditation, the concentration required for long periods of time, to help them to develop the temperament for long periods of sitting and standing still. In those days such meditation was thought to be a way of reaching out to God and hence they took great pains to get it right and thus yoga was popular.

In Hindu life cycle, the last few years of old age are meant to be spent in solitude like staying in exile, giving up on all worldly possessions and thinking about what all you had accomplished in life and repenting all your repentable deeds. These all were thought of as ways of getting ready to meet God once you died. Hence yoga and meditation played a great role in accomplishing these too.

In today's context, yoga can be used as a means to lead a stress less life. To maintain your composure in day to day problems and to maintain a fine balance between work and a healthy mind. Yoga is also a great form of alternative medicine which is gaining popularity among the population. Yoga works for great many disorders related to the respiratory system, the digestive system, the musculo-skeletal system, body weight, psychiatric problems such as panic attacks etc.
Thus yoga should not be ignored when considering some complementary medicine to go for along with conventional therapy. It is just a one time investment - the training part - and you have an asset for life which can help you in innumerable ways.

If you need to de-stress your self, are looking for sure shot way for weight loss, want to learn about yoga's role as complementary medicine for some disorder that you may have, log on to The International Yogalyam for learning and training yourself for yoga.

Regards,

Dhritiman Chakrabarti.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Yoga is more than relevant when it comes to treating panic attacks. www.calm clinic.com often has it that yoga is one of the best ways to treat anxiety without being subjected to medications such as taking medicines.