Yoga: Its History and Emergence Through Time
Yoga: Its History and Emergence Through Time
Yoga: Its History and Emergence Through Time
The history of yoga dates back more than 5000 years ago under the
rich ancient culture of India. Until recently, Western scholars thought that
classic practice of yoga originated much later around 500 B.C. In early
that occurred one point in time. This civilization potentially accounted for the
figures on stones.1
the most ancient intimate connection with the spiritual life of early Indians.
As a means of joining the material and spiritual worlds, the whole theme of
this phase revolved around the idea of sacrifice. Focus of the mind over a
successful sacrificial process. Thus this inner focusing with which that they
were able to transcend the limitations of the normal state of mind is the core
of yoga. Pre -classical yoga on the other hand originated itself from the
having a body and spirit that is, is the edge of classical yoga. This is based
potentials of the body to merge with the formless spirit. Concurrently all of
immortality.
now call Hatha yoga which is the most commonly practiced today throughout
the world.2
which is what other people normally associate with the practice of yoga in
general; Jnana yoga which paths towards wisdom and is considered the most
through extreme devotion, and Karma yoga which incorporates all kinds of
Hatha yoga is the system where all other systems are based. It is
defined as the yoga of physical health and balance ensuing to the very goal
of all forms: unity of the mind and body. It is the most practiced form in the
West and is done mainly for enhancing physical health and endurance. A
tree of several branches, Hatha yoga is further subdivided into types of
muscular and skeletal systems. It also involves the balancing of the energy
flow within the body. This most intensive Hatha yoga consists of 240 poses
though breathing exercises are done, there is not much emphasis when it
comes to that matter. Iyengar yoga is also characterized by the use of props
such as wooden blocks and blankets as a guide for proper alignment and
postures.
particular it takes in account the body type, emotional needs and interest of
a student. The poses are synchronized in harmony with the breath resulting
replicate the temperature of the place of origin of yoga in India. This very
orderly manner. They claim that it removes the symptoms of diseases and
chronic pain in the body. Bikram yoga involves the stretching of muscles,
ligaments and tendons and is highly recommended for yoga veterans and
meditation clears and calms the body and mind. This is what they claim to be
the uniqueness of yoga among all other forms of exercises such as cardio
and stretching. All in all it can lead not just to a healthy and fit body but most
human, have become a way of life. Stress is typically defined as the normal
physical response of the body from personal worries that disturbs the
deadlines for instance. But long-term stress can lead to having higher risk of
Stress comes in different sorts depending on the person i.e. how his
perception on certain situations and physical health are two major factors.
Overeating, smoking and drinking could also lead to being under stress.
The process of how one’s body response with stress is called allostasis.
Stress on a major note, would also have different forms namely acute or
response which the body produces due to sudden threat. After which, the
body releases certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin in the
strength. 8
(back and neck pain, tension, headache), digestion problems (acid stomach,
manageable and treatable kind yet if neglected could lead to more serious
Chronic stress is yet another form which results in the body production
this.
yoga and along with two other control conditions. This study underwent the
positive effects compared to the control group. This study revolved around
reactive protein (CRP) which are known as some reliable predictors of all-
stressor on an individual. Thus if yoga were able to limit the changes these
stressors cause, then regular practice through time should have substantial
health benefits.10
yoga, this time more specifically Iyengar yoga, from the study of 24 women
subject to either one of the two sub sequential sessions of Iyengar yoga for 3
months. The outcomes were assesd through the use of scales such as Cohen
States. Salivary cortisol levels were also measure before and after each yoga
classes. It concluded that women suffering from mental distress who
reduces stress, anxiety, blood pressure and if it improves the overall quality
South Australian subjects with mild to moderate levels of stress. After the ten
collect five various randomized controlled trials wherein the severity of the
References:
1
History of yoga – just exercise?. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2011, from
yoga.htm
2
Feuerstein, G. (n.d.). A short history of yoga. Retrieved February 10, 2011,
from http://www.finden.gr/asp/A%20Short%20History%20of%20Yoga.pdf
3
General yoga information. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2011, from
http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/general.html
4
Twardowsy, T. (n.d.). Types of hatha yoga. Retrieved February 15, 2011,
http://www.einmotion.com/pdf_files/types_of_yoga_eim.pdf
5
Styles/Types of yoga. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2011, from
http://yoga.org.nz/what- is-yoga/yoga_styles.htm
6
Pearson, N. (2007). Yoga for depression. Retrieved February 15, 2011 from
http://www.lifeisnow.ca/wp-content/uploads/file/Yoga-Depression-Lit-
review.pdf
7
Understanding stress. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2011 from
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
8
Stress and your health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2011 from
http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Other/loader.cfm?
csModule=security/getfile &pageid=1119
9
Stress: the different kinds of stress. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2011
from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-kinds.aspx
10
Janice, K. et. al. (2010). Stress, inflammation and yoga practice. E-journal
http://www.yoga4vets.com/docs/stress_inflammation_and_yoga_practice.pdf
11
Michalsen, A. et. al. (2005). Rapid stress reduction and anxiolysis among
http://www.yogavidya.de/fileadmin/yv/Yogatherapie/Artikel/StressreduktionY
og a.pdf
12
Smith, C. et. al. (2007). A randomized comparative trial of yoga and
http://www.sciencedirect.com