Yoga down the lane and its benefits

21st of June saw the entire nation waking up to the importance of Yoga on the International Yoga Day. Yoga dates back to thousands of years ago. In fact, experts believe that its origin can be traced back to an era when there was no religion or belief systems.

According to the Hindu mythology, the first Yogi is considered to be Lord Shiva who is often pictured in robes and meditating in the Himalayas.

Mythic symbolism

It is believed that the Adiyogi dispersed his profound knowledge into the legendary Saptarishis or seven sages. These sages carried forward these powerful Yogic science to different parts of the world including the Middle East, Asia, South America and North America.

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Trailing the lineage would take you to the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of which show Yogic motifs and figures performing Yoga sadhana.

Upanishads and Puranas have details of the tradition that speak about the union of mind and the body. Mythologically too, there have been numerous evidences to show that men had teh capacity to transport themselves from one place to another through the power of Yoga. Yoga teaches one to unite the seven Chakras of the body.

Yogic effects and body wellness

Here are a few positive affects of Yoga on the body and mind after continuous practice. Please note that the changes come slowly, unlike gymming or dieting, but continue to show results over a period of time. Here are certain benefits of Yoga:

[Read: 20 minutes of yoga can improve brain function: Study]

• Improved brain function
• Low stress levels
• Improved Sexual Function
• increase flexibility
• Reduced Chronic Neck Pain
• Strong bones
• Healthy heart
• Low blood pressure
• Relief from Chronic Back Pain
• Improved Lung Capacity
• Control blood sugar level
• improved sense of balance