The science of yoga extends beyond the art of contorting the body into different postures– it’s a way of healthy living. It is the natural system of keeping the body, mind, and soul in unison that is fundamental to leading a life brimful of health, wellness, and happiness.
The various forms and styles of Yoga miraculously work with each organ, cell, muscle, fiber, and nerve of the human system enhancing their capacity, functioning, and amplifying their strength and flexibility for the manifestation of a robust body, serene mind, and stabilized spirit — in harmony with the Self and Nature.
Being centered in Self or Swasthya is the celebrated route to attain higher consciousness and Vyadhi or disease is one of the nine hindrances to achieving this divine state. Yogic methods are healing medicines in itself making the individuals free from all impurities at physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Here is a guide to how you can live healthy through various yogic practices:
1. Incorporate the Philosophy Of Yoga:
The first step towards making a way through the healthy world of Yoga lies in a thorough adherence to the Patanjali’s Eight Limbs outlined in his work of Yoga Sutras. These threads offer enlightenment towards purifying the body and mind, leading to absolute bliss. The virtues of Yamas and Niyamas govern our conduct and guide us to be mindful of our actions throughout the journey of life. The Yamas are the moral principles assisting the individuals to live in harmony with the Self and the universe around, while the Niyamas are the observances for creating a thriving environment for the wellbeing.
- Ahimsa: The first Yama of non-violence. Being compassionate to ourselves and other living beings.
- Satya: Truthfulness in every action performed.
- Asteya: Non-stealing. Adopting a Self-regulating behavior when the urge to steal arises from a sense of scarcity.
- Brahmacharya: Practicing celibacy in thought and deed, by which one can attain Self-Realization.
- Aparigraha: The principle of non-greed. Help others in need by donating things you do not need.
- Saucha: The first Niyama of cleanliness. Purify the body, mind, and soul of negativity.
- Santosha: Being content with what you have and where you are in your life.
- Tapas: Cultivate a sense of discipline and passion and pave the way to greatness.
- Svadhyaya: Coming closer to what we really are, realizing our own thought patterns, etc.
- Isvara Pranidhana: Surrender to the higher Self for the cultivation of a strong relationship with the universe.
2. Regular Practice of Yoga Postures:
A daily practice of yoga postures are highly recommended for a number of reasons: for keeping the physical-psychical health in shape, for being sane, for developing courage, and to pursue mind-body connection. Incorporate the forward folds for a calming effect on the body, to relax the mind, and to bring awareness. Practice the twists for massaging the internal organs. Delve into relaxing poses for restoring the peace of body, mind, and soul.
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana): The basic pose for bringing the body, mind, and soul in rhythm for leading a disease-free life. Stand still in the tadasana and let the stretching action of the pose work its magic for the thighs, posture, feet, etc.
- Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana): Try the humble warrior pose for awakening the dormant strength, courage, and vitality within you. Feel the strength to take on the ordeals of life with perseverance.
- Downward- Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Try this challenging pose that lengthens the upper back and completely rejuvenates the body. Modify the pose using yoga props for comfort and benefits.
- Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): Release all the tensions stored in hips and stomach while preparing yourself for the practice of deeper hip openers.
3. Learn To Breathe:
Breathing is essential for survival and Yogic Breathing exercises (Pranayama) is crucial for reaping the greater rewards of the postures, for unblocking the blocked energy channels, centers for achieving enlightenment, and for supporting the parasympathetic nervous system. Learning the art of deep breathing and synchronizing the yogic movements with the breath is the ultimate key to savor longer years of life.
- Ujjayi Breathing: This pranayama technique is beneficial for physical ailments like headaches, sinus, a decrease in phlegm, and strengthening of the nervous and digestive system.
- Kapalbhati Breathing: This forceful breathing technique enhances the lung capacity and removes blockages in heart and lungs.
- Anulom-Vilom Breathing: The alternate nostril breathing technique of Anulom-Vilom has infinite powers to heal the heart health, depression, arthritis, etc.
- Bhramari Breathing: A technique to calm down the agitated mind and honor the practitioners with a good sonorous voice.
4. Meditate Often:
“Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body.” — Deepak Chopra.
A regular practice of meditation inspires to become more introspective of the choices and to correct them for leading a physically, mentally, and a spiritually balanced life. Meditating for 10 minutes in solitude can profoundly affect your body, mind, and soul in inescapable ways.
- Mantra Meditation: Chant sacred mantras while meditating for relaxing the nervous system and healing the whole being.
- Transcendental Meditation: Sit in this meditation and rise above the negativities of life while focusing on the inner calmness.
- Mindfulness Meditation: A meditation practice of Buddhist tradition to become fully aware of the present. Accept the thoughts as they cross the mind and acknowledge the reality.
- Breathing Meditation: The practice of counting the breaths while being seated in stillness for tranquilizing the mind and soul.
5. Eat Mindfully:
Our relationship with food is directly influenced by our mood and behavior often leads us to bad food habits. The science of yoga promotes healthy eating and encourages us to develop an intuitive eating style based on the appetite and fullness cues. The yogic lifestyle helps us incorporate the principle of ahimsa into our diet motivating us to go vegetarian.
- Fruits: Eat a lot of fresh and juicy fruits that keep you light, hydrated, and fresh all through the day. Fruits contain necessary calcium and vitamins.
- Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Cashew Nuts are rich sources of nutrients, fiber, and proteins that are beneficial in curing diverse diseases.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: Add green vegetables to your diet as they are full of iron, vitamins, and magnesium.
- Herbs and Spices: Make aromatic spices and Ayurvedic herbs a part of your health plan. The spices and herbs are a powerhouse of benefits and enhanced food tastes.
Couple these yogic techniques with a daily routine (Vihar) for a healthy lifestyle.
Author Bio :
Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He provides Yoga Teacher Training in India. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.