Yoga: Way To Unite The Self With The Spirit Of The Universe

Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.

The Sanskrit noun योग yoga is derived from the root yuj "to attach, join, harness, yoke". The word yoga is cognate with English "yoke".

International Day of Yoga, or commonly and unofficially referred to as Yoga Day, is celebrated annually on 21 June since its inception in 2015. An international day for yoga was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Yoga is a group of spiritual, physical and mental practices or disciplines that are originated in
Ancient India. The origins of yoga have been speculated to date back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions which is mentioned in Rigveda.

The eight steps of yoga are yama, niyama, aasana, pranayama, pratyahar, dhyana, dharana and samadhi.

Many studies have tried to determine the effectiveness of modern yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer, schizophrenia, asthma, and heart disease.The results of these studies have been mixed and inconclusive. On December 1, 2016, yoga was listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

The benefits of yoga provide both instant gratification and lasting transformation. In the fitness world, both are extremely important. Too much time with too few results can be incredibly discouraging, and monotonous routines week after week can lead to stagnation. Yoga can change your physical and mental capacity quickly, while preparing the mind and body for

long-term health.

Due to the sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet, people are becoming fatter and suffering from a serious form of the physical ailment called obesity.

Top three Yoga Poses that can particularly help you to fight Obesity are listed below -

1. Naukasana :

As the name suggests, Naukasana or boat pose helps you to reduce belly fat, tone the

abdominal muscles and strengthen your lower back.
Steps -
Lie down on your back. Keep your hands along your body. Take few deep breaths. Now slowly lift your body, chest, arms and legs off the floor, while taking a deep breath in. Continue to hold this position for few seconds or for as long as you can. Continuously feel the pull on your chest, stomach, and back muscles. Slowly come back to the normal position. While breathing out,

relax the pose and come back to the original position. Repeat the asana for at least three times.

2. PawanMuktasana:

This pose is very useful for burning fat in your thighs, hips and abdominal region.

Steps -
Lie down on your back. Now slowly lift your legs up and clasp your hands around your knees. In this position, bring your legs closer to the body. Hold this position for few seconds. Slowly release the pose and bring your head to the floor. Once you are done, straighten your legs and relax.

3. Bhujansana :

This is also called Cobra Pose. This pose is especially helpful toning and stretching your arms,

shoulders, buttocks, thighs, back and abdomen. Bhjangasana is an excellent asana for reducing
belly fat. If practised regularly, this pose can help you to attain a flat belly.
Steps -
Lie down on your tummy on the floor. Place your palms on the floor beside the shoulder. Inhale and simultaneously lift your body till the navel. Hold this posture for a few seconds and slowly come back to the original position. Repeat the posture thrice.

BENEFITS OF YOGA:

1. Doing yoga daily boosts mind,

2. Lowers the heart disease risk,
3. Strengthen bones and increases flexibility,
4. It is a cure to almost every disease,
5. Yoga makes one graceful, improves our skin,
6. And most importantly makes us fit.
7. Lower blood pressure,
8. Releive from chronic back pain and lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Also, Yoga will help tone your body but while doing that, it also helps you to be truly in the moment and infuses your spirit with positive energy. A gym workout is focused primarily on improving your body's physical condition.

Yoga can have a positive affect on your life due to its numerous physical benefits range of motion and muscle strength and improve your posture. Yoga may even improves a disciplined method for attaining a goal, techniques of controlling the body and the mind ,a name of a school or system of philosophy (darśana).