Yoga Life, Holistic approach to health

The definition of health according to WHO . Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. — Preamble to the Constitution of the WorldHealth Organization, 1946.  

 The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘unity’ or ‘oneness’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means to join  

           युज्यते अनेन इति योगः (Yujyate Anena iti yogah)  

This unity or joining is described in spiritual terms as the joining of the individual consciousness (Jivatman) with the universal consciousness (Paramatma). To achieve wellness, one must practice the holistic approach to health by balancing the body, mind and spirit through the self-disciplined . The practices of asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhs, shat-karmas and meditation are ways to achieve holistic health 

The eight limbs of yoga are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yama and Niyama are moral codes that relate to how we behave toward ourselves and society. There are 5 Yamas that are meant to purify human nature, in English, they are: compassion, truthfulness, non-stealing, sense control, and non attachment. There are also 5 Niyamas that are personal purifying laws. These are: purity of thought, contentment, discipline of the body, self study(reflection), and celebration of a higher entity. Asana and Pranayama are purifying physical limbs, which prepare the yogi for meditation. The final four limbs deal with meditation. Pratyahara is detachment and sense withdrawal. Dharana is one pointed concentration. Dhyana is meditation on the Divine. Samadhi is final union with the Divine and release from suffering. Desire, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and envy are six obstacles that need to be overcome in order for the yogi to reach Samadhi. 

Yoga harmonizes your movements with your breathing and focus. It energizes you and makes you more conscious about everyday choices.  You no longer see problems as problems but you actually enjoy looking for solutions and becoming a stronger person in the process of overcoming obstacles. yoga is not only a physical  exercise   there are some principles which make this practice different from any other exercise  Proper  Pranayama (breathing)Proper,Asana(exercise) Proper yogic diet Proper dharna thinking Proper relaxation. A yoga practice consists of physical postures, pranayama, and meditation.Certain postures should be practiced every day, particularly the ones that affect the spine, systems and glands of the body. These fundamental poses are maintenance exercises that keep the spine and joints supple, the ductless glands secreting their chemicals properly, and the body calm, yet, energized. There is a certain calm confidence that regular asana practice brings to the mind. A basic regime is enough to improve the immune system by simply tuning up the body. Removing toxins is paramount to the purifying aspects of yoga. There are soucha, cleansing practices, that a dedicated yogi uses to clean his eyes, ears, intestines, stomach, and sinuses. Deep breathing stretches and tones the entire respiratory system. It rids the body of toxic gases and brings oxygen into the body, building healthy tissues 

Holistic is perhaps the best term to define yoga. The practice is one that incorporates physical, mental, social and spiritual health all into one big bundle of joy  

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