The image above is exactly what Yoga looks like at the first glance. I remember folding my legs and sitting still for few seconds in an attempt to practice Yoga. But why and how did I get interested in such a practice? Could it be due to what I heard or read online?
Well that's true! I read articles promoting Yoga as a source of some type of supernatural ability to connect my mind to the metaphysical in such a way that would allow me control aspects of the universe, starting with an ability to heal my self at will!
Wait a minute, is that even possible?
Well it appears so. According to a research carried out by a group of Psychologists, Mandarin rain and colleagues in their Publication
as referenced by Wikipedia states that
"Traditional yogic systems that involve breathing exercises (Pranayama), yoga postures (Asanas), chants and meditation have been known to reduce physical and mental stress, enhance lung functions, and immunity (Hakked et al., 2017)."
Wait a minute, what is Yoga?
The answer isn't far fetched,
"Yoga is the Sanskrit word for "yoking" or "union", is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India" Wikipedia
Hindu and Buddhism have their origin from India, from my research it appears as if their religion and philosophy is as old as man! The philosophy can be traced back to the 2nd century as far as 3000BCE, if that doesn't scare you, am scared!
Just bluffing, however on a serious note, the practice is so strong that it survived this long.
It didn't just survive, it evolved. It's evolution can be seen in the variation in the definition, ranging from the 4th century as seen in the book,
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
There Yoga was defined as follows,
"Yoga is the calming down the fluctuations/patterns of consciousness" to it's contemporary definition.
Yoga is one of the 6 schools of the Hindu philosophy, the rest includes
"The realism of the Nyāya, the naturalism of the Vaiśeṣika, the dualism of the Sāṅkhya, the non-dualism and knowledge of Self as essential to liberation of Advaita, "Wikipedia.
The truth is that, yoga involves several physical postures that one can not do with out thorough practice. Here are some of the images depicting these postures.
Source
Can you do that?
Here's another.
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Then this....
Source
Hit this Link to see more
So back to the topic, why is Yoga harmful to your health?
By now you should know that everything on earth has both advantages and disadvantages! Because we live in a universe where the Balance of Nature must be kept.
Here's a few disadvantage on my list.
Depression and anxiety, these can be as a result of remembrance of a very bad and unpleasant memory, during practice of Yoga and meditation, however, this is not a big threat.
Asides from recovering unpleasant memories, you could fall or strain your muscles in a bid to take one or more of the Yoga poses above.
A pregnant woman could injure herself and her baby, in the process.
Finally yoga isn't for everybody as far as I know, because the physically challenged and disabled individuals can't participate, correct me if am wrong.
Now these doesn't sound as a very big reason not to do yoga, and honestly it's not, except for the part of pregnancy. However they still serve as valid disadvantages to the practice.
Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that women tend to appear more for Yoga classes. They're the ones we see mostly in the images.
Could it be because women are constantly looking for ways to loose weight and look slim?
Well no one can tell for sure. However I know that there are some who practice yoga, for the sole purpose of achieving the true Union of their physical, mental and spiritual lives.
I have seen many Yoga tutors in this community, feel free to join any. Am sure they'll be glad to help you. However if you wish to read more on how yoga is practiced you can visit this Website
Until next time guys, bye for now🎉
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