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Ask the expert |
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Yoga 101 |
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By Alison
Finney | | |
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I'm curious about yoga. What is it, and is
it right for me?
Here are some basic facts
about yoga and what it can do for you:
Yoga
is a gentle exercise system that benefits both body and
mind. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word for
"union." Yoga focuses on breathing, postures (or
asanas) and meditation to restore the whole person.
Yoga benefits the body by relaxing muscles
and improving flexibility. It calms the mind by teaching
us how to manage stress, emotions and habits. When your mind
is relaxed, your ability to concentrate improves and you can
be more peaceful.
Yoga is safe for people of all
ages and all levels of fitness. Even pregnant women and those with chronic
health problems can practise yoga under the guidance of a
qualified teacher.
People with stress-related
problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety, backaches,
fatigue, arthritis and depression can benefit from a regular
yoga routine because yoga can be practised at your
individual level of comfort.
Want
to learn more? Click here to find out how to get started with
yoga.
Alison Finney is a certified hatha and kundalini
yoga teacher in Ottawa. She is registered with the Yoga
Alliance and the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers
Association and is the founder of PranaShanti, a health and
yoga resource. For more information, visit www.pranashanti.com.
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