Yoga is a traditional system of healing for the mind and body. It means union. It is a popular belief that yoga can cleanse your body of toxins and improve muscle tone, as well as help in blood circulation. Yoga was first originated in India, where it still remains a living tradition and is followed as a means to enlightenment. This spiritual practice has been evolving for more than 5,000 years now. In yoga there are many spiritual and physical exercises that are practiced to improve ones health and well being. It is very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more.

Pankti defines: “Good Health” in its true sense is experienced when the Mind, Body and the Soul are all aligned and there is a Metamorphosis in the individual. She strongly advocates Yoga and that with regular practice of the asana and the pranayama, it clears your mind and lets new thoughts flow through you and makes you more receptive for positive energies around you.

Of the Many benefits of Yoga she has listed a few for the readers to get motivated and inspired to make Yoga “A WAY OF LIFE”.

Healthy body and happiness:
It is a popular saying that a sound mind could lead to a healthy body. Everybody has the right to be happy. Happiness and peace comes from within. It depends on your thinking and also on your body. Your body's health and your mind are directly related. Only if you have a healthy body will you be free from any physical pain, and your mind will not be disturbed. Without good health you cannot be completely at peace. In yoga various types of meditation are taught, and you are made to concentrate on your inner self. It helps to focus on positive thinking and push all the negative thoughts away. Every disease and sickness is considered nothing more than an imbalance in the natural harmony of the body and mind. Restoring this balance leads to true healing.

Yoga has become very popular worldwide. People are seeking for it, as they realize the importance of self-contentment and inner peace. Be it work pressure or health problems, yoga can help you see through it. Following yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation can relieve you from all pains and troubles. Yoga can also help you to lose weight. It lets you tune in, chill out, and shape up, all at the same time.

Health benefits of Yoga:
Yoga is said to be beneficial for healing many problems. Some of the benefits of yoga are:

» Helps to control anxiety
» Reduces stress
» Improves arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis
» Relieves asthma
» Controls blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy
» Combats chronic fatigue and depression
» Cures headaches, heart disease and multiple sclerosis
» Improves concentration and creativity
» Improves blood circulation
» Lowers fat
» Creates a sense of well being and calm

Risks:
It is very important to practice yoga under the supervision of an experienced and well-trained trainer; otherwise doing wrong exercises can sometimes worsen your problem and lead to complications. The best time to do yoga is said to be in the morning. Pregnant ladies can also do yoga, as it helps in easy delivery and helps lose weight post pregnancy.

Reach your goals:
Yoga means to unify all forms of life. It has a holistic approach to all aspects of life - physical, mental and spiritual life. Each person is considered a unique combination of body, mind and soul. It teaches the importance of maintaining harmony between the mind and the body. One can achieve happiness, contentment, liberation and enlightenment from the union with the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with Atman, the transcendent Self. With yoga, one can achieve these goals.

“May the practice of yoga be like my daily prayers. May the daily prayers be as true as my breath. May involuntary breathing happen with more awareness…. in communion with the divine consciousness”