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Yoga is a science over 6,000 years old that has been
developed and perfected over the centuries. It is a system of
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. The word
Yoga means union. The purpose of all Yoga practice is to unite
man the finite with the Infinite, Cosmic Consciousness, Light,
Nature, God or whatever one may call the Ultimate Reality.
Yoga exercises and postures (called Hatha Yoga) are the usual
starting place for Yoga practice. This is the Yoga of physical
well-being. It includes breathing exercises and various selected
postures that stretch, flex, and massage the spine, muscles,
nerves, and internal organs, thus promoting proper elimination,
circulation, and glandular function. It is not necessary to take
up the more advanced forms of Yoga unless one so desires.
AGE LIMITS: SIX TO SIXTY-FIVE PLUS
Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises can be practiced
by almost anyone from six to sixty-five plus. Our local classes
have had members in their eighties. We have active teachers in
that age range as well.
CAN YOGA CURE DISEASE?
Yoga cannot cure anything. Nature is the only healer. Yoga exercises
can only help remove impurities and obstructions and tone up
the body to give Nature a chance to perform her normal function,
that of maintaining physical health. If you have any physical
ailment or handicap, inform your Yoga teacher, as some Yoga exercises
may not be advisable for you.
HOW ARE YOGA EXERCISES DIFFERENT?
Yoga exercises are a scientific art applied to the anatomy of
the living body. Gymnastics are a form of engineering that is
applied to the muscles of the body. There is a vast difference!
Yoga exercises tend to normalize the functions of the entire
organism. They regulate the involuntary processes of respiration,
circulation, digestion, elimination, and metabolism, affecting
the glands and organs as well as the nervous system and the mind.
You will experience stimulation and a sense of well-being rather
than fatigue after doing Yoga exercises - even for as little
as ten minutes a day. They will help to keep you young and alert
when performed properly.
HOW MANY YOGA EXERCISES ARE THERE?
There are said to be eighty-four, many of them variations of
the 20 or 30 selected for teaching in these classes. some are
quite simple to do and others require patience and practice.
In the class you are taught a progressive series of exercises
so it is advantageous to attend a course in its entirety.
ARE YOGA EXERCISES DIFFICULT TO MASTER?
There are so many exercises that if some are too difficult for
a student, due to age, inexperience or some handicap, there are
others he can do, right from the start.
WHAT RELIGION DO YOGI'S PROFESS?
As we have said, Yoga is not a religion. It is a way of life.
We have Yoga members who are Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and
Hindu, for example, and others with no church affiliation at
all.
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