- Yoga, health and wellnes -
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul that lives in it.
B.K.S Iyengar.
Yoga and GRD
The word "Yoga" comes from Sanskrit and means unity, because it symbolizes the union of body and mind through physical, mental and spiritual practice.
However, the most widespread aspect of Yoga in the West and the type of yoga that has become popular with greater intensity is known as Hatha Yoga, the yoga of strength and harmony of the body. Hatha Yoga is based on the control of the body through postures (asanas) and techniques of breath control (pranayamas), which acts as a preparation for access to meditative forms of yoga ».
This physical aspect of Yoga and the multiple health and wellbeing benefits that it brings, together with its rapid and solid implementation in Spain, in recent years, has generated a need for regulation to guarantee the health and safety of its increasing number of users. This regulation has come to recognize Yoga as a physical activity of a sporting nature, although yoga is not only its physical aspect, but much more.
In this context was born the Sports Recreation Group (Grupo de Recreación Deportiva - GRD) ANANDA YOGA, a private non-profit association registered in the registry of sports entities of the Valencian Community, whose exclusive purpose is the promotion and practice of Yoga as a physical activity, according to the philosophical principles and ethics of the Yoga tradition.
.Yoga as a physical activity
The physical dimension of Yoga, is characterized by the execution of asana techniques (postures), according to the various asanas , the philosophical principles and the ethics of the Yoga tradition. Yoga stabilises and harmonises the energy and nervous system of the body.
These techniques are coordinated with breathing to increase the flow of blood circulation, improve flexibility in the joints, facilitate disc decompression and obtain strength, stability and calm. Among them are the techniques of inverted asanas, flexion and extension of the spine, torsion, lateralization, balance, meditation or relaxation.
The great variety of existing asanas have been developed over time to exercise each muscle, each nerve and each gland of the body, thereby acquiring flexibility, muscle toning, coordination, greater range of movements, relaxation, concentration and meditation.
In each practice, different asanas are combined according to a sequence programmed to the purpose of the session. The control and of maintenance of the postures, the transition of some asanas to others (which can be more leisurely or more dynamic) and the control of breathing (inhalation, exhalation and / or retention) determines the physical and mental benefit that it gives.
From a physiological point of view the practice of yoga is considered an isotonic, eccentric and aerobic exercise: the muscle lengthens and oxygen is used to maintain a muscle stretch.
This is one of the aspects that differentiates the practice of yoga from a dynamic muscular exercise (running, aerobics, cycling, etc.), in which an isometric and anaerobic exercise is performed: the muscle does not vary in length, is contracted and in tension = power which conditions the non-use of oxygen to maintain muscle work, favoring the presence of muscle fatigue as a result of anaerobiosis.
Muscle relaxation as an isotonic, eccentric and aerobic exercise does not generate muscle fatigue or fatigue. During the duration in the asana, that is, during the time that we maintain the posture, the correct attitude is relaxation and concentrated mental attention.
Social importance of Yoga - UN and UNESCO.
This discipline is recognised internationally as a healthy practice, especially anti-stress and relaxation, also supported by its rapid expansion and consolidation in the West. Yoga has recently gained support of two important international organizations.
On December 11, 2014, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, with resolution 69/131, in recognition of its universal popularity.
Said Resolution stated:
"Noting the importance of people and populations adopting healthier choices and ways of life that promote good health,
Stressing the fact that global health is a long-term development objective, it requires closer international cooperation through the sharing of best practices, aimed at the adoption of individual lifestyles that do not include excesses of any kind,
Recognizing that yoga offers a holistic approach to health and well-being,
Recognizing also that disseminating more widely the advantages of practicing yoga would be beneficial for the health of the world population,
1. Decides to proclaim June 21 International Yoga Day;
2. Invites all Member States and observer States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Appropriate way and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga".
In 2016, Yoga was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, which described it as follows: "The philosophy underlying the ancient practice of yoga in India has influenced many aspects of society in this country, ranging from the Health and medicine up to education and the arts Based on the unification of mind, body and soul to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Yoga values are an important part of the ethos of the community. Yoga combines the adoption of a series of postures, meditation, breath control, chanting and other techniques that aim to achieve personal fulfillment, mitigate any suffering experienced and facilitate access to a state of liberation. This practice is for the old and young without any discrimination for reasons of sex, social class or religion, and their practice has become popular throughout the world. "