Yoga and its Five Principles

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years in India. To the Western countries it came just recently and became a fashionable form of exercise, a new trend in the fitness world.

Yoga is based on a simple concept to attain a healthy mind and a healthy body. By practicing yoga we do not mean only practicing physical hatha yoga postures but also correct breathing, relaxation, meditation and a healthy diet.

Those five principles make yoga as a whole and without them yoga will be only a mere physical exercise, like any other.

1. The first principle of yoga is - Proper Exercise

The correct form of exercise in yoga is achieved through different form of hatha yoga poses and stretches. These exercises tone the muscles, enhance the flexibility of the spine and regulate the blood flow.

Yoga poses are co-ordinated with the breathing. Each movement is tuned with a correct breathing allowing to feel the union between the physical body and the mind.

2. The second principle of yoga is - Proper Breathing

Proper breathing is deep, slow and regular. When the breathing is correct it utilizes all part of the lungs to increase the oxygen intake. Regulating the inhalation and exhalation brings deep relaxation to the body and mind.

3. The third principle of yoga is - Relaxation

Relaxation is done at the beginning, in between and in the end of the hatha yoga session. Proper relaxation will help to release muscular tension and put the mind and body in a tranquil state.

Deep relaxation revitalizes the nervous system and makes each day of our life complete and peaceful.

4. The fourth principle of yoga is - Meditation and Positive Thinking

To meditate is to still the mind. It is a very difficult thing to achieve as our mind is in constant movement and never still.
But through regular meditation we can relax and refresh the mind. It will help us in concentration and having more clarity in our lives.

5. The fifth principle of yoga is - Healthy Diet

The food we eat greatly affects the way we think. For example chilli food can bring unrest at mind level. Our diet should be light with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and eaten in moderation. The good thing to remember is to eat only when you are hungry.

The last evening meal should be very light and taken three hours before going to bed, allowing for good digestion and sound sleep.

So! When you start your yoga practice try to keep in mind the five principles of yoga and implement them into your daily schedule. That way you will be healthy and happy for the rest of your life.

Issued in public interest by Barbara Tomasik, a Personal Yoga Trainer in London.

Ms Barbara Tomasik is a certified yoga trainer and also a teacher in physical education. She is a member of REPs as Advance Instructor level 3. She have been learning, practicing and teaching many styles of yoga for around 10 years.

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