FAQ's
General FAQ's
1. What is Yoga?
2. Why do Yoga?
3. What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
4. Is Yoga a religion?
5. What are the eight limbs of Yoga?
6. Who can Practice Yoga?
7. How much time should I give to my Yoga practice?
8. How is Yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
9. Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?
10. What if any are the main guidelines for Yoga practice?
11. What are typical items of Yoga Equipment & Clothing?
12. What are the main types of Yoga?
13. What does Om mean?
Specific FAQ's
YOGA4 Active Birth
YOGA4 Nurseries, Early Years, Schools & Families
YOGA4 Work-Life-Balance
YOGA4 Seniors
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. Yoga includes everything from physical postures; healthy diet & lifestyle to meditation; breathing and relaxation techniques; it forms a complete system for overall health and well being.
Yoga is one of the best and most time tested paths to physical and mental well being known to mankind. Yoga not only stretches and strengthens the body, it greatest benefits come from its profound effects on the internal systems of the body. Yoga soothes and tones the nerves; regulates the endocrine system; strengthens the respiratory system; improves digestion and elimination; and is extremely effective in relieving stress & tension.
There are numerous benefits of practicing yoga (Yoga Health Benefits), here are few:
No. It's a philosophy that has it roots in India, and has endured 5,000 years! It is a practical approach to healthy living based on a philosophy that mind, body and spirit are one. You can practice yoga without conflict with your own beliefs or values.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serve as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga:
The eight limbs provide the medium through which individuals can refine their behavior in the world and also focus inwardly until they reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment). Today most people are engaged in the third limb, asana - physical postures designed to purify the body and provide physical strength and stamina.
Yoga can be practiced by any one at any age regardless of levels of flexibility; strength; balance; or ailments provided that the individual knows and respects the limits of their body and seeks guidance from an experienced or certified teacher. It may also be necessary to avoid or adapt certain poses at certain times in our lives e.g. during pregnancy. If you have serious concerns, discuss any issues of health with your medical professional. Above all, yoga is non competitive and if you feel pain, stop what you are doing.
Yoga is quite unique & wonderful-even if you practice for one hour a week; you will reap the benefits. It is more important to establish a regular practice even if it's only 20 minutes per session, than set time constraints or unrealistic goals. As you see results you will naturally expand your practice.
Yoga is unique because the movement of the body is connected with the fluctuations of the mind and the rhythm of the breath. This enables us to direct our attention inward and become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. This awareness makes yoga a practice and a process, rather than a task or a goal to be completed as with most other forms of exercise.
Do not eat or drink large quantities for at least an hour, preferably 2 hours before practice. In yoga practice you can expect to bend forward and backward, twist from side to side and turn upside down - it can be most uncomfortable with a full stomach!
There are four paths of Yoga:
The ancient yogis understood that everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that they acknowledged with the sound of Om. It is a mantra, or vibration, traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions enabling individuals to sense a bigger connection that is soothing, uplifting & reassuring.
Generally it is okay to continue practicing yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practicing before conception. It is also advisable to let the pregnancy establish before starting yoga -i.e. around 14 weeks. A number of yoga postures & techniques are or will become contra-indicated as pregnancy progresses. It is considered prudent to work with a teacher who specialises in pregnancy yoga. There is no upper limit on practice-as long as you feel able and enjoy it.
Yoga can be safely introduced to young children, not as a discipline but in a playful manner to develop their enjoyment and motivation to continue with it. Children tend to learn faster by observing than by words and are quite dynamic. Postures should be taught in quick succession with plenty of variety and continuous challenges.
By introducing and integrating yoga practices into Early Years Settings it is possible to enhance the learning environment by:
Yoga can be used to effectively support the achievement of Early Education Goals:
2. Why do Yoga?
3. What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
4. Is Yoga a religion?
5. What are the eight limbs of Yoga?
6. Who can Practice Yoga?
7. How much time should I give to my Yoga practice?
8. How is Yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
9. Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?
10. What if any are the main guidelines for Yoga practice?
11. What are typical items of Yoga Equipment & Clothing?
12. What are the main types of Yoga?
13. What does Om mean?
Specific FAQ's
YOGA4 Active Birth
YOGA4 Nurseries, Early Years, Schools & Families
YOGA4 Work-Life-Balance
YOGA4 Seniors
1. What is Yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. Yoga includes everything from physical postures; healthy diet & lifestyle to meditation; breathing and relaxation techniques; it forms a complete system for overall health and well being.
2. Why do Yoga?
Yoga is one of the best and most time tested paths to physical and mental well being known to mankind. Yoga not only stretches and strengthens the body, it greatest benefits come from its profound effects on the internal systems of the body. Yoga soothes and tones the nerves; regulates the endocrine system; strengthens the respiratory system; improves digestion and elimination; and is extremely effective in relieving stress & tension.
3. What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
There are numerous benefits of practicing yoga (Yoga Health Benefits), here are few:
- Improved alignment & muscle tone.
- Learning to relax and stay relaxed.
- Improved sleep.
- Increased flexibility & mobility of the spine.
- Internal systems benefit, particularly the glands and nerves.
- Lungs expanded, increasing oxygen intake.
- Less tiredness & irritability.
- More energy.
- Strengthened immune system.
- Improved digestion & less gas and bloating.
- Dispel self-limiting belief & learn to trust yourself more.
- Learn the value of setting time aside just for you!
4. Is Yoga a religion?
No. It's a philosophy that has it roots in India, and has endured 5,000 years! It is a practical approach to healthy living based on a philosophy that mind, body and spirit are one. You can practice yoga without conflict with your own beliefs or values.
5. What are the eight limbs of Yoga?
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serve as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga:
- yamas - restraints / abstentions.
- niyamas - observances.
- asana - postures / steady poses.
- pranayama - breathing & the control of vital energy.
- pratyahara - withdrawal of senses.
- dharana - concentration of the mind.
- dhyani - meditation.
- samadhi - absorption / super conscious state.
The eight limbs provide the medium through which individuals can refine their behavior in the world and also focus inwardly until they reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment). Today most people are engaged in the third limb, asana - physical postures designed to purify the body and provide physical strength and stamina.
6. Who can Practice Yoga?
Yoga can be practiced by any one at any age regardless of levels of flexibility; strength; balance; or ailments provided that the individual knows and respects the limits of their body and seeks guidance from an experienced or certified teacher. It may also be necessary to avoid or adapt certain poses at certain times in our lives e.g. during pregnancy. If you have serious concerns, discuss any issues of health with your medical professional. Above all, yoga is non competitive and if you feel pain, stop what you are doing.
7. How much time should I give to my Yoga practice?
Yoga is quite unique & wonderful-even if you practice for one hour a week; you will reap the benefits. It is more important to establish a regular practice even if it's only 20 minutes per session, than set time constraints or unrealistic goals. As you see results you will naturally expand your practice.
8. How is Yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Yoga is unique because the movement of the body is connected with the fluctuations of the mind and the rhythm of the breath. This enables us to direct our attention inward and become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. This awareness makes yoga a practice and a process, rather than a task or a goal to be completed as with most other forms of exercise.
9. Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?
Do not eat or drink large quantities for at least an hour, preferably 2 hours before practice. In yoga practice you can expect to bend forward and backward, twist from side to side and turn upside down - it can be most uncomfortable with a full stomach!
10. What if any are the main guidelines for Yoga practice?
- Practice yoga postures barefoot using a yoga mat/rug on a non slip surface.
- Yoga postures that compress the abdomen & inversions should be performed on an empty stomach. & empty bladder.
- Wear clothing that is comfortable & allows you freedom of movement.
- Ensure you have enough space to extend your arms and legs in all directions and the room is well ventilated.
- If you weak or shaky in a pose come out of it; you will gradually build up your strength to hold the pose longer.
- Respect your body and do not go beyond your personal limitations; extend your boundaries gently.
- Breathe with awareness by focusing on inhaling and exhaling fully and completely through your nose.
- Regular practice is the key to receiving all the benefits of yoga; have patience and build your practice up slowly.
11. What are typical items of Yoga Equipment & Clothing?
- Yoga mats - Provide cushioning on a hard floor; helps you define your space and create traction for you hands and feet preventing you from slipping. You basically need to use a Yoga Mats in all poses, especially when you have to lie down on the floor. It is much more comfortable to do the poses over a soft surface than over a cold, hard floor.
- Yoga Mat Bag - Useful for transporting your yoga mat to and from places.
- Yoga Blocks & Bricks - Lightweight (usually made from foam), durable, solid, & easily stored. Typically placed under hands, feet, or buttocks to provide support and help maintain correct alignment and posture.
- Clothing & Footwear -Clothing should provide maximum comfort; ease of movement; be breathable and sweat absorbent. Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot.
- Yoga Blankets - Very versatile and can be used to achieve various sitting, kneeling, lying & restorative postures more comfortably as well as providing warmth and added cushioning to your yoga mat.
- Yoga Straps - are strong, soft to the touch, easy to hold onto, comfortable against your skin and have convenient end loops for your hands or feet and allow you to perform some exercises easier and better.
- Yoga Balls - They come in different sizes and are useful for developing core strength and balance and can act as a base for various yoga poses.
12. What are the main types of Yoga?
There are four paths of Yoga:
- Jnana - the path of knowledge or wisdom.
- Bhakti - the path of devotion.
- Karma - the path of action.
- Raja - the path of self control.
- Astanga - A system which speeds up the postures and co-ordinates them with deep breathing patterns and results in blood moving around the body. It is very beneficial for flushing out toxins and toning up muscles.
- Iyengar - Focuses on achieving and holding the correct posture, with the help of blocks and belts in order to work on the breath and mind.
- Hatha - A very gentle & relaxing experience with an emphasis on awareness of the experience with poses acting as a tool for exploring the breath.
- Scaravelli - Focuses on the elongation of the spine, working with the body rather than against it and incorporates wider holistic approaches to life.
- Satyananda - Incorporates the whole person, and emphasises awareness & change as a natural rather than forced process.
- Kundalini - Incorporates vigorous meditation, chanting and asana-related movements with the aim of creating focus and energy, creativity and the power to change negative habits.
13. What does Om mean?
The ancient yogis understood that everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that they acknowledged with the sound of Om. It is a mantra, or vibration, traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions enabling individuals to sense a bigger connection that is soothing, uplifting & reassuring.
SPECIFIC FAQS:
YOGA4 ACTIVE BIRTH
1. Can I practice Yoga if I am pregnant?
Generally it is okay to continue practicing yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practicing before conception. It is also advisable to let the pregnancy establish before starting yoga -i.e. around 14 weeks. A number of yoga postures & techniques are or will become contra-indicated as pregnancy progresses. It is considered prudent to work with a teacher who specialises in pregnancy yoga. There is no upper limit on practice-as long as you feel able and enjoy it.
2. What are the main Yoga Health benefits for pregnancy & birth?
- Strengthens mind, body, spirit and connectivity between mother and baby.
- Helps to promote a deeper sense of health & well being during a time of great change and transition.
- Gentle stretches, movements and seated positions can help to alleviate some of the more common discomforts of pregnancy.
- Working with the breath prepares the body and mind and techniques support women to remain calm & centered during birthing.
- Yoga can support, create and maintain a positive environment conducive to birthing.
- Enables women to remain at the centre of the birth and to fully participate in any decisions that may need to be made.
- Explores how different positions can help to speed up or slow down contractions.
- Can help to minimise strain on the pelvic floor muscles during birthing and help to restore and balance energies.
YOGA4 NURSERIES, EARLY YEARS, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES
1. Can children practice Yoga?
Yoga can be safely introduced to young children, not as a discipline but in a playful manner to develop their enjoyment and motivation to continue with it. Children tend to learn faster by observing than by words and are quite dynamic. Postures should be taught in quick succession with plenty of variety and continuous challenges.
2. What are the main Yoga Health benefits for infants?
- Strengthens leg and back muscles aiding movement.
- Opens the hip and knees joints and keeps them flexible.
- Stretches the chest, enabling deeper breathing.
- Develops balance helping sitting, crawling and walking.
- Stimulates the internal systems and keeps the organs healthy.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Helps prevent and relieve colic and constipation.
- Helps promote peaceful sleep.
- Facilitates positive play, learning and interaction with others.
3. What are the main Yoga Health benefits for children & teenagers?
- Postures work to develop strength, flexibility, stability, balance, poise, co-ordination, and spatial awareness, strengthen the immune system and keep the internal systems of the body healthy.
- Breathing exercises enhance lung capacity and balance energy levels.
- Relaxation techniques create greater clarity, memory retention and improved sleep patterns.
- Vocalization techniques and postures release anxieties and dissipate nervous energy.
- Concentration exercises improve focus.
- Enhances creativity, imagination, improves self-expression and self-confidence.
- Develops the whole human being, the whole personality, the whole child and not just the body.
- Supports other sporting and physical activities and is a valuable aid to preventing injuries.
- Develops self respect and respect for others.
4. What are the main Yoga Health benefits for children & families?
- Creates opportunities for family learning through involvement, participation and shared experience.
- Provides a medium through which to raise awareness of the importance of good health and its affects on the happiness of children and families.
- Builds self-esteem, confidence and the ability of children & families to relax.
- Ensures children & families receive a positive experience of a healthy lifestyle and encourages families to take ownership of their health & well being.
- Provides a medium through which to strengthen family bonds and build mutually supportive relationships.
- Develops self and mutual respect.
5. Can Yoga Support the achievement of Early Education Goals & Every Child Matters Outcomes?
By introducing and integrating yoga practices into Early Years Settings it is possible to enhance the learning environment by:
- Supporting children to become aware of and understand the value and the importance of "being in the present moment."
- Minimising unnecessary tension and expectations thereby providing children with a chance to relax and have fun while learning.
Yoga can be used to effectively support the achievement of Early Education Goals:
- Physical Development - Develops self-awareness and enhances skills of Proprioception i.e. the sense of the relative position of neighbouring parts of the body. Unlike the six Exteroceptive Senses (sight, taste, smell, touch, hearing, and balance) by which we perceive the outside world, and interoceptive Senses, by which we perceive the pain and the stretching of internal organs, proprioception is a third distinct sensory modality that provides feedback solely on the status of the body internally. It is the sense that indicates whether the body is moving with required effort, as well as where the various parts of the body are located in relation to each other.
- Personal, Emotional and Social Development -Enhances relationships, through self respect and respect for others.
- Creative Development - Draws on the ability of children to use their imagination through guided visualisation & relaxation.
- Communication, Language and Literacy - Develops confidence through the use of vocalisation techniques and their ability to communicate ideas and experiences.
- Mathematical Development - Incorporates the use of language to describe shapes, sizes and objects.
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World - Encourages children to ask questions and to explore their internal world and the world around them.
YOGA4 WORK-LIFE-BALANCE
1.What are the main Yoga Health benefits for adults?
- Improves personal efficiency, productivity and effectiveness through improved concentration and focus.
- Improves abilities to manage emotional stress, tension and anxiety - an effective antidote to the modern-day challenges in business and in personal life
- Lessons muscular tension and back pain; helping to reduces sick time and staff absences.
- Relaxes the brain and enables individuals to gain improved levels of communication and contact with their emotional intelligence.
- Develops self and mutual respect and helps to improve morale and team work in the workplace.
- Decreases anxiety and tension.
YOGA4 SENIORS
1.What are the main Yoga Health benefits for seniors?
- Postures work to develop strength, flexibility, stability, balance, poise, co-ordination, and spatial awareness, strengthen the immune system and keep the internal systems of the body healthy.
- Breathing exercises enhance lung capacity, balance energy levels, reduce or solve the problem of insomnia & help to cleanse the body on many different levels.
- Balancing exercises strengthen leg muscles and help to prevent falling and potential disabilities that may result from falling.
- Relaxation techniques create greater clarity, memory retention and improve sleep patterns.
- Movement work increased circulation and decreased rigidity, thereby helping to alleviate arthritis, cramps & pains.
- Increased circulation resulting in improved memory and concentration.
- Stretching & flexibility exercises keep the body and joints limbered up, which could help prevent injuries and falling and can speed up a recovery from an injury.
- Renewed vitality and the ability to achieve greater peace and harmony.
