A short introduction to Yoga

A short introduction to Yoga

Yoga is a 5000-year-old Indian philosophy that combines exercise, breathing, diet, relaxation and meditation. It is a combination of physical and mental disciplines which make the body stronger and healthier and the mind calmer and more controlled, helping towards self-realisation. It emphasizes the relationship of body, mind and breath, the synchronisation of the breath and movement, the use of preparation, counter pose, sequences of linked postures and modification of postures to suit individual needs.

Yoga is the art of skilful living. It has many aspects. It is about getting to know yourself. Integrating the many aspects of ourselves and putting us in control of our minds; the effects are holistic, bringing about health awareness and a change of attitude towards ourselves and the world around us. We cannot practise Yoga without changes happening within ourselves, becoming more aware that it influences our life and the way we live.

The practice can be low impact but it can also be very demanding. The beauty of Yoga is that it is accessible to everyone, as the session can be adapted to each person's level of fitness or state of health. For those who love Yoga, it becomes a way of life. Whether your path is physical, mental, spiritual or a combination, yoga is for everyone.

Most Yoga classes are composed of people with all abilities; these are termed as 'mixed ability' classes. There are classes especially for beginners, intermediate and advanced practitioners, enabling teachers to grade their students and plan the lesson accordingly.

Hatha Yogais probably the best known form of Yoga and includes Asanas (body postures), Pranayama (control of vital energy through breath control), Kriyas (cleansing practices), Meditation, and Deep Relaxation to reduce stress and build self-confidence.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is good for your posture and structural balance (leading to mental balance), it promotes flexibility and suppleness, strength and stamina, tones the internal organs, improves concentration, teaches you how to breathe more effectively, facilitates deep relaxation and calms the mind.

When you breathe slowly and deeply, more oxygen circulates through the blood. During exercise the cells of the body receive a fresh supply of nutrients and oxygen, so increasing energy, vitality and the flexibility of youth.

Yoga can help a whole range of ailments including asthma, high blood pressure, lower back pain, arthritis, ME, menopausal changes, menstrual problems, stress, anxiety and depression. Yoga movements stretch all the major muscle groups and release built up tension. Through posture work, as the body's circulation increases and bones are properly aligned, age related rheumatism and arthritis can be alleviated.

You should not expect immediate results as Yoga is a gradual, progressive process. However, some people may find instant benefit after their first session. Yoga is not a 'cure all' treatment and care should be taken to find the right teacher and class if you have any medical condition. For some conditions it may be advisable to seek advice from your doctor before commencing a yoga class. It is important that the teacher knows about your condition prior to the practice (all information is confidential).

Recommendations for the practice of Yoga

Do not wear clothes that will restrict the blood circulation or impede free bodily movement.

Bring with you a non-slip mat to work on and a blanket for cover during relaxation.

Ensure that you get to your class on time.

Before you begin your session obey the calls of nature.

It is generally recommended not to wear contact lenses during a Yoga class especially during relaxation.

Switch off your mobile phone.

Yoga should preferably be done on an empty stomach. Allow three hours to elapse after a heavy meal; or one hour after a light meal, and half an hour after a drink.

Although effort is required in order to progress, no undue strain should be felt, especially in the facial muscles, ears, eyes or in breathing, during your practice. Allow your body to be your guide.

If you suffer from dizziness, high blood pressure or any similar ailment then seek medical advice before starting Yoga.

If you know of any reason why the practice of Yoga posturessome of them fairly strenuousmay be unwise for you, please inform your teacher.

Special Provisions for LadiesIf you are pregnant, please tell your teacher at once and, after the third month, do only prescribed exercises.

BWY Ethics & Code of Practice

Identifying the moral and ethical basis of Yoga

Ethical standards comprise such values as integrity, responsibility, competence and confidentiality. BWY teachers and accredited teachers, in assenting to this Code, accept their responsibility to their students, colleagues, to society and to the BWY itself. In support of these principles, Yoga teachers subscribe to standards in the following areas:

Issues of responsibility Issues of competence

Traditional Ethics of Yoga

Yoga is founded on ethical principles and has its own built-in code of ethics. This comes from the classical source ofAstanga Yoga the eight-fold path. The first step on this path is the concept of Yama, giving us guidance on how we relate to others and the world around us. It has five aspects:

Ahimsa: Non-violenceThis means we should treat all others with respect, doing nothing to cause harm, physically or psychologically

Satya: Honesty/TruthfulnessWe should act in an open and honest way in all that we do and say

Asteya: Non-stealingThis refers to mis-appropriation of ideas as well as material theft

Brahmacharya: RestraintMaintaining respect for oneself and others

Aparigraha: Non-GreedNot hankering after the achievements and possessions of others

The above list encompasses all the issues we need to address as yoga teachers within modern society. These concepts are now presented in a framework that uses up to date language and relevant situations.