Yoga

Yoga is an ancient discipline originating from India over 5,000 years ago. [1] It comprises a series of movements, breathing techniques and meditation. It’s a practice that connects body, breath and mind. In fact, the term yoga means the union of body and mind.

Yoga has many dimensions, including a spiritual one, which can be adapted to each individual’s needs. Its physical dimension promotes the body’s flexibility. The practitioner is invited to listen to the body in each posture, called asana in Sanskrit. No matter how flexible you are, you can practice yoga. Every asana can be adapted. Another important dimension of yoga is the conscious connection to the breath. There are several breathing techniques, known in Sanskrit as pranayama. Meditation is another important dimension of yoga, known in Sanskrit as dhyana. Yoga is a philosophy of life, both on and off the yoga mat.

 

[1] Google Arts & Culture. Explore the Ancient Roots of Yoga. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/explore-the-ancient-roots-of-yoga/rAKCRDl92CPuJg

WHAT ARE IT’S BENEFITS?

Yoga creates harmony between body, mind and spirit. It invites you to consciously connect with your breath, which in turn brings you into intimate connection with your body. Getting in touch with your body enables you to be more anchored in the present moment and more attuned to your needs. This age-old discipline promotes concentration and  calms the mind.  Yoga invites you to take the time to stop. Asanas and breathing help to circulate energy throughout the body. Regular yoga practice promotes flexibility, muscular strength, balance, vitality, endurance and self-reflection. It enhances well-being on many levels: physical, spiritual, mental and spiritual.[1] It helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression. With its principles of relaxation, yoga involves the parasympathetic system, relaxing the nervous system and the whole body. It improves mental and physical balance. It invites you to let go. Being aware of your own flexibility and limits is key to avoiding injury.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF YOGA?

There’s yoga for every taste and need. Depending on the practice, there are slower and faster rhythms. There are more and less dynamic types of yoga. We can choose to do it in a temperate or hot room, hence the name hot yoga. Outside studios, we can also choose to practice yoga with the help of videos.

Here are a few types of yoga. They may vary according to schools of thought and studios.

  • Hatha yoga: Sustained asanas with a slower rhythm than other types of yoga. Ha means sun and Tha,  moon. Its practice promotes balance. We often find the sun salutation, called Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit.
  • Hatha flow yoga: sustained asanas with a higher rhythm, hence the flow in the sequence of postures.  The sun salutation is also often part of this practice.
  • Vinyasa: [1] Dynamic, fast-paced asana sequences. Involves physical endurance. Vinyasa means movement synchronized with the breath [2], and is inspired by Ashtanga yoga. It is said to be a more athletic form of yoga.
  • Yin yoga: Sustained series of postures lasting a few minutes. The rhythm is slow, but will provide in-depth bodywork, from the muscles to the deep tissues of the body.
    • Bikram yoga: 26 asanas in a defined sequence. Practiced in a room heated to 40° and humidified, inspired by the Indian climate. One of the most physical forms of yoga. It requires good physical condition. [3] There are a few contraindications to Bikram yoga, so it’s important to consult your instructor when starting out.

    Ashtanga: 6 series of pre-established asanas. The series are performed in the same order. Each class begins with the first series. The level of difficulty increases with each series. Sometimes it takes several months to master one.  Ashtanga is also one of the most physical forms of yoga. It requires good physical condition. [4]

[1] Hatha, Hatha flow et Vinyasa Yoga sont inspirés des enseignements de Sylvie Tremblay. Yoga Sangha. Montréal.

[2] Yoga fitness. Vinyasa. https://yogafitness.com/cours/vinyasa/

[3] Yoga Québec. Camille Carcenac. (27 juillet 2023). Le yoga Bikram, qu’est-ce que c’est? https://yoga-quebec.ca/pratiquer/yoga-bikram/

[4] Yoga Québec. Camille Carcenac. (27 juillet 2023). Le yoga Ashtanga, qu’est-ce que c’est?  https://yoga-quebec.ca/pratiquer/yoga-ashtanga/

WHERE TO START?

There are many yoga studios to suit your tastes and needs. Don’t hesitate to visit them and ask your questions to find the perfect match.

Before practicing yoga, it’s important to consult your instructor and inform him or her of your state of health. Yoga adapts to the practitioner, not the other way round. Whatever form you’re in, yoga can be practised regularly.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE?

To find out more about our mental health and wellness services, talk to your doctor or a member of your care pod.

*The information contained herein is not intended to replace professional medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only.