AYURCLINIC MELBOURNE

Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge spanning 5 millennia. The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to unite or integrate.” Yoga then has a focus on the union of an individual’s and universal consciousness.

Ancient Yogis believed that for a person to be in harmony with themselves and their environment, they had to integrate the body, the mind, and the spirit. For this to occur, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Yogis devised a way to achieve and maintain balance via exercise, breathing, and Meditation – the three main Yoga structures.

Yoga, treats the body with care and respect, it is the primary instrument in an individual’s work and growth. Breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life. Yoga students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing, focus on breathing, prepares their minds for the next step – Meditation.

In Meditation, students bring the activities of the mind into focus, resulting in a ‘quiet’ mind. By designing physical poses and breathing techniques that develop awareness of the body, Yoga helps to bring focus and relieves stress.

Visit our website to learn more about the six branches of Yoga and to view our timetable

Yoga versus Exercise Health Benefits

Yoga Benefits

• Parasympathetic nervous system dominates
• Sub cortical regions of brain dominate
• Slow dynamic and static movements
• Normalization of muscle tone
• Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
• Low caloric consumption
• Effort is minimized, relaxed
• Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
• Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups
• Non-competitive, process-oriented
• Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
• Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

Exercise Benefits

• Sympathetic Nervous System dominates
• Cortical regions of brain dominate
• Rapid forceful movements
• Increased muscle tension
• Higher risk of injury
• Moderate to high caloric consumption
• Effort is maximized
• Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
• Imbalance activity of opposing groups
• Competitive, goal-oriented
• Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.)
• Boredom factor 

For more information about Yoga classes at AyurClinic call, visit our website or click on one of the buttons below to message us