Along with many other advantages, Yoga also possesses the magic power of healing. You do not have to spend hours a day to obtain the benefits of yoga. Maybe just ten or fifteen minutes might help. Nowadays coronary heart disease is often treated by a total lifestyle change which includes diet, stress reduction and a fitness program. Yoga fits in very well with this approach.
In the later half of the twentieth century, a co-movement of Yoga teachers to the West and travelers coming to India to study Yoga led to a great rise in teaching of Yoga in western countries. As with Yoga itself, these teachings are incredibly diverse but it can be said that outside India, Yoga has become primarily associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga (a development within Raja Yoga placing more emphasis on physical practice than meditation). Indeed for many practitioners today, Yoga is a purely physical exercise (akin to aerobics and pilates), and is taught without the rest of its philosophy. According to a 2005 study, there are now over 16 million yoga practitioners in the USA alone . This figure suggests the worldwide total may be over 100 million.
BENEFITS OF YOGA HEALING:
- Yoga has been used for healing disorders such as acid stomach, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, constipation, heart disorders, hypertension, insomnia, menstrual disorders, obesity, sinus and a number of other diseases.
- Studies have proved that people who regularly practice Yoga have reduced anxiety, are more resistant to stress, have lower blood pressure, efficient heart function and overall improved physical fitness
- Athletes, dancers and martial artists find that yoga helps develop focus for their own discipline. It also helps to prevent injuries
- The healing power of Yoga is so great that it is being assessed for its potential in treating illness like sclerosis, cerebral palsy and osteoporosis
- Yoga helps prevent stiff joints and promotes muscle tone and flexibility - all of which can be helpful to those who suffer from arthritis
- Yoga's restorative qualities can bring relief to those living with HIV and AIDS
