Importance and Benefits of Yoga

The reasons why Yogasanas have a preference over other systems of physical exercises are enumerated below:

• In other systems of physical exercise, the internal organs of the body do not get proper exercise, while Yogasanas give sufficient exercise to the internal organs of the body. Consequently, an individual can maintain good health and longevity of life.
• Only a small airy place and few types of equipment are required for practicing Yogasanas.
  
• Two or more individuals are required in other games, while Yoga is a solo-practice.
  
• Yogasanas have a greater impact on the mind and the senses than other physical exercises with the result that Yogasanas help to develop one’s physical and mental powers to calm the wind and control the senses.
  
• The practice of Yogasanas is not expensive as one practicing Yogasanas does not necessitate eating more.
  
• There is sufficient elimination of stool and other waste matter from the body through Yogasanas and hence the body acquires more resistance power to keep a disease away.
  
• The body becomes flexible by Yogasanas. It becomes active with an increased ability of doing any activity. One who performs Yogasanas looks younger in age and lives longer.
  
• The blood in the different blood-vessels is purified through different Yogasanas.
  
• The power of contraction and expansion of lungs is increased by practicing Yogasanas and Pranayama. This results in the purification of blood to a great extent.
  
• Life-span, youth and health depend upon the flexibility of the spinal cord. Yogasanas keep the spinal cord flexible.
  
• Asanas require the least possible use of physical energy. As a result, one feels less tired. This is the reason why Yogasanas are called a ‘non-violent activity’.
  
• One who practices Yogasanas becomes a morally good person.
  
• Yogasanas help the mind to experience tranquility. There is progressive intellectual development because of a calm mind.
  
• Yogasanas stimulate different glands of the body. These stimulated glands produce secretions in proper proportion which, having been mixed with blood, helps the body to acquire a well-balanced growth.
  
• Diseases like constipation, gas-trouble, diabetes, blood-pressure, hernia, headache, etc. can be cured by practicing Yogasanas and Pranayama.
  
• Yogasanas make possible not only physical and mental development but also intellectual and spiritual development.
  
• There is no restriction of age and sex for Yogasana aspirants. Our ancient sages had adopted this system for thousands of years with the result that they enjoyed sound health for a long time.

Tips to get Advantages of Yoga

To take the full advantage of Yogasanas, it is advisable to follow the following hints-

1. For practicing Yogasanas, early morning is the ideal time. Before starting Yoga practices, the bowels and the bladder should be emptied. It is better to do Yogasanas after a bath because it makes the body light and active and one can practise Yogasanas with greater ease. If one wishes to take a bath again after practicing Yogasanas, one should use warm water instead of cold water.
2. The ground for practising asanas should be level, clean and free from noise. Asanas should be practised on a mat or a carpet.
   
3. Clothing should be in accordance with the season. Men should wear a loin-cloth or shorts. Women should wear a loose blouse and stretch pants.
   
4. One should remain silent while practicing asanas. While practicing asanas, concentration should be on breathing and on the limbs which have a stress or strain. Concentration in the practice of Yogasanas is necessary for an all-round progress of the body and the mind.
   
5. Before one begins to practice other asanas, one should perform Shavasana in order to make breathing normal and the body and the mind tranquil.
   
6. Yogasana is a non-violent activity and, therefore, no force or jerk should be exerted in the practice of Yogasanas.
   
7. There should be a gradual increase in the time duration in the practice of Yogasana. This process will help the body become flexible and in a short time it will easily accomplish a perfect state in each asana.
   
8. Yogasana is a scientific process which deals with the internal and external parts of the body. A beginner should start practicing Yogasanas after having learnt all their techniques under proper guidance.
   
9. The performer of asanas should take light food in order to keep the body light.
   
10. If one is suffering from complicated diseases or severe fever, one should not practice asanas. Women should not practice asanas four months after conception, for three months after delivery and during menstruation. A woman-aspirant should not as far as possible perform, without proper guidance asanas which uvolve lifting up the weight of the whole body on her hands.
    
11. The number of asanas and the duration for each of them should be increased gradually. Practising many asanas on the first day should be avoided.
    
12. Haste or quickness in coming to the final position from the initial position and vice versa should be avoided.
    
13. After practising Yogasanas, Shavasana should be performed. Shavasana is a perfect asana. By Shavasana, the body gets speedy relaxation and becomes energetic.
    
14. Yogasanas are supposed to be performed advantageously in the right direction if the aspirant, after practisining Yogasanas, feels no tiredness and has an increased capacity to work with his light and refreshed body.