Yoga means concentration leading to complete spiritual absorption. Asanas make the mind steady and create breath awareness. “Asana practice respects the body and considers it as an instrument for the journey of perfection. Practising yoga improves blood circulation and concentration, while aiding in proper muscular movements along with proper breathing and relaxation,” explains yoga instructor Meenal Maliramani, founder of Energizer Yoga.
Another important part of yoga is sukshmavyayama — a combination of physical and breathing exercises — which works out all the joints of the body and warms it up. The set of exercises are also credited with a significant purifying effect on the energy system, and can be performed by people of any age, even at 90 years. “A mere 60 seconds of intentional breath work can change your mood drastically, leaving you mentally and physically active and fresh. When practised regularly, the asanas and pranayama can even increase one’s focus, which adds to his or her meditative capacity,” she adds.
However yoga does have its share of misconceptions too. “Many feel yoga is for old or flexible people, or for ascetics or vegetarians. Fact is that yoga makes the body strong and flexible, and makes one confident and capable to face the challenges of daily life. Another misconception is that yoga can cure all diseases. In reality, yoga does have therapeutic effects on some of the diseases and the practice can be a preventive discipline. But it is not a panacea for all aliments,” clarifies Meenal.
