Power of Yoga
Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning to unite or to integrate. These meanings help new practitioners understand the goal of Yoga, which is to spiritually unite a person with the supreme. Yoga is considered to be one of the six branches of classical philosophy in India. It is believed that its origins are rather ancient, going as far back as to Lord Shiva handing the knowledge of the said practice to his wife, Parvati, who in turn shared the knowledge with men. There are six branches of Yoga. These are Hatha, Bhakti, Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Tantra. Among the six, the one most popular in the West is the Hatha, or the Yoga of Postures. It employs Asana or physical poses, Pranayama or breathing techniques and meditation in its sessions. The postures that are taught in one branch are not that different from that of another branch. They differ only in the temperature used in the classroom, the pace with which the positions are executed, and the breathing exercises employed. Speaking of postures, Yoga has poses that are reserved or are specially made for specific purposes. For example, there are poses that are meant for your eyes, neck and even your abdomen. There are also some that are used to control such ailments such as anxiety and insomnia. Although males and females are allowed to mix in one class, there are certain positions that are made for women only and the same goes for the men.
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