National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga-like mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life.
The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means unite. It is said that once a person the practices yoga, the person is united with the universe and the supreme consciousness. The origins of yoga can be traced back to 2700 B.C. during the period of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization. The person who practices yoga is known as a yogi and Lord Shiva is said to be the first yogi or ‘Adiyogi.’ Shiva then transferred all the yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis — the seven sages. The sages then spread this knowledge to the people in different parts of the world.
The sun was given a lot of importance in the Vedic period. The Surya namaskara or “salutations to the sun” was created which contained a set of exercises and stretches that were performed as a prayer to the sun. The period between 800 B.C. to 500 A.D. is known as the ‘Classical Period’ of yoga. Types of yoga-like ‘Gyan Yoga’(Yoga of Knowledge), ‘Karma Yoga’ (Yoga of Action), and then ‘Bhakti Yoga’ (Yoga of Devotion) were created. The period between 500 A.D. to 1700 A.D. is known as the ‘post-classical period.’ It is also the time when renowned scholar Adi Sankaracharya’s teachings spread across the Indian subcontinent. Pranayama was introduced which taught people to control their breathings which had numerous benefits.
National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga-like mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life.
Why is yoga a self-awareness habit?
Yoga helps us know ourselves better and helps us be in control of our emotions. Hence, yoga helps us improve our self-understanding and awareness.
What are the eight steps of yoga?
There are eight limbs of yoga. They are — ‘Yama’ (abstinence), ‘asana’ (yoga postures), ‘Dharana’ (concentration), ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘pratyahara’ (withdrawal of the senses), ‘niyama’ (observances), ‘dhyana’ (meditation), and ‘samadhi’ (absorption).”
What is the discipline of yoga?
Yoga is a philosophical or spiritual discipline. It helps bring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
5 Relaxing Facts About Yoga
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There are many schools
There are about 18,000 yoga schools in the world.
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It can prolong aging
Research has shown that practicing yoga can delay aging.
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It reached the U.S. in 1893
Yoga reached the U.S. with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
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The first mat was made using carpet
The first yoga mat was made by Angela Farmer who made it using carpet underlay.
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It can help schizophrenia
Studies have shown that yoga helps schizophrenia patients with their cognitive functioning.
Why Love Yoga Awareness Month?
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It gives you a chance to improve our lifestyle
Practicing Yoga has countless mental and health benefits. This month gives us a chance to learn a new skill that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
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It reduces your stress levels
Today in the 21st century, stress is unavoidable. However, with yoga exercises and breathing exercises such as Pranayam, one can significantly reduce stress levels.
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It gives you a chance to learn something
Though yoga originated in the Indian subcontinent, its popularity has reached all over the world. This month gives us a chance to learn something which is one of the world’s oldest disciplines and improve our health at the same time.