Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It revolves around the practice of sutras, which are the core principles of yoga. Regular practice of these central tenets provide pathway towards individual enlightenment. Without delving extensively into the spiritual aspect of yoga (as I am a physiotherapist and not a yoga instructor), the practice of yoga is aimed to control the fluctuations of the mind. This is achieved by the performance of physical postures called asanas, which through sequential practice prepare the body for meditation. This entails developing a greater internal locus of control, and reducing reliance on an external locus of control. Hence, development of the mind-body connection is paramount to the practice of yoga.
It is a myth that flexibility is the primary goal of yoga. This misconception is largely due to the mass commercialization of yoga in the fitness industry. The fitness industry fallaciously promotes yoga as an activity, where the primary goal is to become a contortionist. Hence, the other health benefits of yoga are down-played and undervalued. Not only does yoga improve flexibility, but also core strength, co-ordination, proprioception, general muscular conditioning ,stress management and mental clarity. While yoga postures do have a physical element, their sequential practice is primarily designed to prepare the body and the mind for meditation.
It is also a myth that yoga caters to lithe women, like ballet dancers. From a physiotherapist perspective, I incorporate the practice of yoga with some of my clients because it encourage the spine to move in all six directions. This counter-balances the repetitive strain Western-based lifestyles and occupations impose on the human spine. Specifically, the majority of Western lifestyles revolving around placing the spine in repetitive, prolonged flexion. Flexion of the spine is necessary for driving, desk work and lifting activities. Conversely, the practice of yoga encourages the body to move in extension, flexion, bilateral side-flexion and bilateral rotation. Without regular movement in these five other planes of motion, the spine is susceptible to injury.
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