Yoga and meditation

Basics:

Yoga has come from the word yuj (which means to unite in Sanskrit). The basically yoga harmonizes the whole body with the soul and the mind. It was developed 5000 years ago in the indus valley.

It includes postures and meditation. It aligns and balances the body in a regular basis. Yoga is a way of well being and not a remedy to medical conditions. It is based on the belief that prevention and care is better than cure.

The practice of yoga makes the body strong, flexible, and improves the functioning of the various organs and organ systems.

Types of Yoga:

Today, what we understand as Yoga is nothing but Asanas (exercises) and Pranayama (breathing exercises). Yoga has many forms and practices:

• Karma-Yoga: Yoga of service.
• Hatha-Yoga: Yoga of physical processes
• Raja-Yoga: Yoga of meditation.
• Jnana-Yoga: (Gyana yoga): Yoga of wisdom.
• Bhakti-Yoga: Yoga of devotion and prayers.

It encompasses all the aspects of livelihood.

Note:

• There are misconceptions about yoga. It does not have any religious roots neither is it a religion.
• It does not include any form of medication or intake of supplements.
• It does not do any harm to any form of medication you are taking.
• It does not have a detrimental effect when you are not well. It is however recommended that it should be done under supervision of an expert.
• Different postures are meant for different purposes and overdoing one single posture and ignoring the rest may not be a very healthy thing to do and defeats the whole purpose for which yoga was designed.
• In the modern world, patients are of more value to the health business. There are plenty of yoga schools and centers who offer special courses to deal with ailments. Please remember, Yoga is not a way of cure. It is a way of being healthy and conserving health.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha; Last updated: 19.11.07 © Medhospital Foundation

There is no generalization possible in medicine. The pages included in this website are purely educational and have been presented for information purpose only. Each section has been prepared with utmost care but should not be used as a substitute for your own physician's advice and care. Please see conditions for use.