The significance of the day was such that the Indian government designated 21 June as a public holiday to celebrate Yoga. It was one of the resolutions of the 17th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
What is Yoga? In India, Yoga refers to physical, mental, and spiritual practice. Yoga originated in India and has become the world's fastest-growing occupation in the last three decades.
In 2015, India's Ministry of External Affairs had said that India would like the United Nations to declare 21 June as the International Yoga Day and the prime minister has spoken about this on several occasions.
What is Yoga?
Yoga or 'aṅkā', has been practiced for thousands of years in India and many parts of the world.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to about 2,000 BCE, though a detailed chronology is only available since the 8th century CE, as per an article on India Science Wire.
While the story of yoga as an ancient Indian religion has been questioned in some quarters, there is no doubt that yoga has had a significant influence on religious practice around the world.
History of Yoga Gandhi coined the term asana in the 1920s. Practitioners of Yoga believe that they will be healthy and happy if they meditate and remain fit, as per Bloomberg.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice. Several studies show that practicing Yoga can improve several health conditions, including breathing problems, chronic pain, back pain, knee problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression and mental fatigue.
It can also reduce anxiety and the number of phobias in children. Yoga can also help to control weight, the frequency and severity of headaches, and chronic cough and asthma.
The mental benefits of Yoga include stress management, concentration, and a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It can help regulate the mind and improve the way you think.
Different Types of Yoga
There are various forms of yoga. One of them, Ashtanga Yoga, is practiced at a professional level. People can either practice with the guru or on their own.
It focuses on breathing and meditation. Yoga Mala Yoga malas are used to hold the body in various postures while performing yoga. The lines of support for your arms, legs and back must be strong and there should be minimal creases in the fabric.
Make sure you are comfortable and your form is correct. Yoga Vinyasa This is a form of yoga which is practiced as a rhythmic physical exercise to warm up your body. It is like a dance with increased breathing, according to yoga books.
Where Is Yoga Celebrated In India, many organisations organize Yoga Nidra Classes. These are group yoga sessions when people take rest in a trance.
The History and Spread of Yoga
Sage Patanjali is considered the pioneer of Yoga and his haveli is now a place of worship in Varanasi, which dates back to 700 CE. In the era of the Mauryas, yoga was taught in Vedas and even in the Shastras.
It has now been transcribed into over 7000 ancient Indian texts. The Chitrakoot Ashram, which is known as one of the oldest Hindu Yoga ashrams is believed to have been set up by Adi Shankara in the 7th century. In the 11th century,
Ramakrishna's teacher Sivananda Saraswati was awarded with the title "the learned disciple of Ramakrishna ''. Later, Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest innovators in the field of yoga, also learnt from Sivananda. During his lifetime, Vivekananda explained that yoga is India's gift to the world.
International Day of Yoga
Yoga is said to be a good health treatment. During this practice, the body, mind and spirit come together to find a balance. It is very beneficial for both physical and mental health.
It is meant to help ease the stress of daily life. Even though the event is supposed to be a yearly affair, this year's celebration is special as it marks the third International Day of Yoga. READ ALSO:Top 5 Health Benefits of Yoga.
With India emerging as the largest and the fastest growing economy in the world, there are increasing health concerns. According to the World Health Organization, Yoga is the world's fourth most common type of exercise. It was ranked third by the Ministry of Tourism.
Best Yoga Exercises to Get the Perfect Body
Want to get in shape, relieve stress, and have more energy? Then try these simple yoga poses, perfect for beginners. Do it for an incredible total body workout.
Yoga is great for body image
I am sitting in my local café, looking in the mirror, checking out my hair, then my face. It's the middle of the day, which means it's time for lunchtime grooming, and, to the untrained eye, a pretty routine little ritual.
But what really matters about this woman in front of me is not that she has shaved her legs; it's what she is wearing, not the fact that she is wearing makeup, or that she has been painstakingly applying lip gloss over and over again.
Put plainly, I'm checking her body. I'm looking at her belly button and her thighs and her hips and her calves and her elbows, because I want to know how far I can see.
5 easy yoga exercises to get the perfect body
Get a six-pack with these quick yoga exercises. This article originally appeared on. It is no secret that any exercises that involve bending and stretching will stimulate the lymphatic system.
Studies have found that lymphatic massage reduces the buildup of fat cells in the body's lymph nodes, while strengthening and toning the muscles. Here are 5 easy yoga poses to get rid of that bulge.
Tree pose
When you walk in this pose you're looking downwards at the floor. Take your right leg forward and to the outside of your left knee. Take your left hand and place it over your right ankle.
You should feel the stretch in the lower back. Keep your head still and gently press your shoulder blades down and away from your ears. Hold this posture for 30 seconds.
Standing Forward Bend Pose
Standing forward bend pose helps to improve posture and to increase flexibility. Here are some benefits of this yoga pose:
This pose is great to build strength, endurance, and balance. It is a great pose for those with back or knee pain.
Standing forward bend pose opens the shoulders and strengthens the core muscles and improves balance.
If you have a low back injury, this pose is a good one for you.
If you are looking for a chair yoga pose that improves balance, alignment, and flexibility, this is the one for you.
This pose can also help to build inner strength, agility, and discipline.
Standing forward bend pose helps improve posture, make the eyes and face soft and open, and allows you to think straight.
Plank Pose
This move works your entire body and can help you improve posture and increase flexibility. How to do it: Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Inhale, and lift arms into Line of Sight, keeping arms parallel to the floor.
As you exhale, lower arms to the floor. Pause, Then slowly return arms into Downward Facing Dog position. Repeat for 30 seconds. Up: Try this pose by lying on your back with knees bent and feet on floor.
Inhale, and lift arms into Line of Sight, keeping arms parallel to the floor. Lower arms back to the ground. Exhale and slowly return arms to the ground. Don't forget to lengthen your spine in this position. This pose will work your entire body.
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
If you've never done a downward-facing dog, it's an excellent starting point to work toward balancing on one leg—you may find it tricky at first, so take your time.
Plus, you can customize this pose. For example, you can get your feet closer together, so you're almost flat on the ground, or lengthen your arms and legs to take on an almost all-round (evenly-spaced) position.
You'll feel incredibly balanced and grounded. How to do it: Start in forward fold with both arms on the ground. Place your left hand flat on your mat beside your left hip.
Bend both knees until they're parallel to the floor and lower down, until you're in a bent-knee position. From here, extend your arms to take up the space between your chest and legs, and your right leg straightens.
Cobra Pose
Cobra pose can be challenging for some but you can adjust the width of your knees to make it easier.
Go to your hands and knees, bring your knees up so your palms face down, and then put your hands in a prayer -like position with your thumbs toward your sternum and your fingers pointing up.
Then draw your hips down to a half split and stretch your arms up to touch your hands. Stay here for a few minutes.
What Have You Learned -
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