Oriental Medicine


Yoga

Yoga as we know it today is practiced to improve overall health and well-being. Its roots are in the Hindu tradition, and date back nearly 5000 years.

Derived from the Sanskrit word for "union", yoga aims to bring its practitioners closer to the supreme being.

The exercises we now simply call "yoga" are actually "hatha" yoga. This form attempts to prepare the body for the pursuit of union with the divine, while raising the practitioner's awareness of creation to a higher level.

There are three disciplines which contribute to this search for union:

Breathing

The life force, or "prana" is believed to enter the body through the breath. Shallow, rapid breathing therefore inhibits the life force. Hatha yoga focuses on deep, slow, controlled breathing (pranayama) to disperse the energy from the life force throughout the body, resulting in a feeling of calm.

Postures

There are a wide variety of yoga postures (asanas) which can be undertaken. Some stretch and strengthen muscles, others improve posture and the skeletal system, while others aim to compress and relax the organs and nerves. While some postures can be awkward at first, with practice they are more easily achieved. Overall, the main purpose of the postures is to develop the body into a worthy host for the soul.

Meditation

Meditation focuses the mind, and relaxes the body, reinforcing the disciplines of hatha yoga, and leading to a quiet, calm frame of mind. It is the process of calming the mind and making still the body to create a feeling of inner peace and well being.

Too often in our increasingly hectic daily lives, we don't take the time to slow down and simply "be".

Meditation is widely recognized in cultures throughout the world for its ability to connect the mind and body to the spirit.

Although meditation can be performed anywhere, it is best to practice the ritual in the same space, thus building the energy of the area.

Posture is an important aspect of meditation as good posture ensures a smooth flow of oxygen and energy throughout the body. Ideally, one should feel as though they are being lifted by the head, and that the spine is fully extended. This position is best accommodated by sitting, or walking, as lying down can induce sleep during meditation.

Begin the meditation by sitting comfortably (preferably in a cross legged position if possible). Check your posture carefully before beginning.

Holding the thumb and forefinger of each hand in a traditional meditative pose signals the mind that you are now entering meditation, and allows the energy in the body to flow continuously.

It is now time to begin. A variety of meditiations exist, as listed below. Choose one which appears the most suitable for you:

What Yoga Can Treat

Despite the use of physical exercises, yoga is most closely linked to mind-body therapies.

Yoga offers a significant number of proven health benefits. It increases the efficiency of the heart, and slows the respiratory rate, improves fitness, lowers blood pressure, promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and allays anxiety.

Yoga also improves coordination, posture, flexibility, range of motion, concentration, sleep, and digestion. It can be used as a supplementary therapy for conditions as diverse as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, migraines, and helps to combat addictions such as smoking.

While yoga can make a major contribution in the easing of pain symptoms, promoting relaxation, and creating an overall sense of well being, your health practitioner should be consulted first if:

 you have had a recent injury or surgery

 you have arthritis, a slipped disk, heart disease, or high blood pressure

 you are pregnant (special classes which modify postures are available)