(Previously published on Atoot.com)
Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means ‘to control’ or ‘to bond’. Yoga is regarding the bonding of a person to his surroundings which is attained by keeping a harmony between body, mind and spirit. The Yogis (who practice Yoga) achieved it through the three core mechanisms, which are exercise, breathing and Meditation.
Yoga, originated in India, is a long established science based upon improving Physical and Mental abilities. It was first mentioned in the Mahabharata, the epic, in which Lord Krishna, Indian Mythological God, taught it to his student Arjuna on the battlefield. Later it was popularized by Patanjali, a sage, who has given his 195 Sutras (Dictums) on Yoga.
Yoga is segregated into six branches, which are:
- Bhakti Yoga or Yoga of Devotion
- Raja Yoga or Yoga of Self-Control
- Jnana Yoga or Yoga of the Mind
- Karma Yoga or Yoga of Service
- Tantra Yoga or Yoga of Rituals
In different branches, various methods are used like poses, exercises, chanting and meditation. With the help of these techniques one can enhance his strength and stamina. It also improves the working of immune system and blood circulation and hence develops the entire Organ functioning.
These benefits make it vastly curative and hence a popular alternative treatment.
Few diseases which can be treated with the help of Yoga are, acidity, allergies, anemia, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, hepatitis, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, skin problems, slipped disk, and kidney stones.