Yoga/Meditation
Holistic healing includes not merely the physical; but also the mental, the emotional, the spiritual, the social and the environmental well being. Avalon Ayurveda is committed to working at all these levels to the maximum extent possible to maximize your well being. In particular, Ayurveda says that all health problems are psycho-somatic – what affects the body will also affect the mind and what affects the mind will also affect the body.
Thus one of the important factors on this journey is the care of the mind and the spirit; so often, in the contemporary world, excessive stress levels contribute to severe bruising of the mind and the spirit. And more importantly, one does not realize this till it is very late.
The Ayurveda program at Avalon attempts to also make a beginning in addressing the needs of the mind and the spirit. We say “a beginning”, because this is a journey and the mental and spiritual needs get addressed only over a period of time. Thus a gentle introduction to yoga and meditation is what we envisage at Avalon.
Some of the documented benefits of getting into the practice of yoga and meditation include:
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Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation |
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Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility |
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Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control |
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Helps in rehabilitation of old and new injuries |
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Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity |
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Boosts functioning of the immune system |
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Enhances posture and muscle tone |
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Improves blood circulation |
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Results in healthy, glowing skin |
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Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning |
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Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life |
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Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony |
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Best of all, Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments proven to be relieved, reversed and even healed through the practice of Yoga are acidity , allergies, alzheimer disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, facial wrinkles, gastro-intestinal disorders, headaches, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hypertension, immune-deficiency, impotence, menopause, menstrual cramps, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, nervous tension, obesity, osteoporosis, prostate, enlargement, sciatica, skin problems, sleep apnea, slipped disk, sterility, stiffness, stress, insomnia, intoxication, thyroid problems, kidney stones, stuttering and stammering, urinary tract disorders for women, vaginal infections and many more...
Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yujir Yogey” meaning to unite, to yoke, to join, to put together, Yoga is not about mind over body. On the other hand, Yoga is about developing harmony between them. In Yoga, you use your mind to perceive (diagnose) and guide (heal) your body. Never control, let alone force it!
Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken.
Contrary to popular – or unpopular – perception, Yoga positions are not about how far you can reach to touch your toes or how many repetitions you can perform. It is all about paying attention to how your body feels; how it moves without that excruciating pain or agony! Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn’t call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Meaning to say, right Yoga is learning how to do things right, do less that gets you more!
Ironically, by doing less – correctly – Yoga enhances your strength, energy, vitality, flexibility and levels of endurance. Accordingly, your body and mind start to become more balanced until, eventually, you find it takes so much less energy to move through the day. Yes, any and everyone can do less…and get a lot, lot more!
A little more about yoga and meditation
Yoga is practiced by 200 million people daily. Everyday people are reporting beautiful experiences with Yoga, the transformation of being, taking you beyond the here and now. In one wonderful session of Yoga, people get to practice a number of things, some Yoga poses (asanas) breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and chanting. In Yoga you get to learn basic terms like Mudras, Bandhas and Chakras. Best of all, Yoga is fun and relaxing while, at the same time, being delectably challenging to beginners. Yoga is for the body, mind and spirit. You learn to use your body, breath and mind to stretch, relax and energize yourself.
Yoga the word came from the root “yuj” means union. That is nothing but the union of Jeevatma and Paramatma. It consists of Eight divisions or limbs (ashtangas) namely :
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yama or control |
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niyama or rules of conduct |
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asanas or poses |
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pranayama or regulated breathing |
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pratyahara or withdrawal from the senses |
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dharana or concentration |
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dhyana or uninterrupted meditation |
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Samadhi or complete equilibrium |
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Thus yoga is not merely about physical exercise alone; that is a small part of Yoga. Yoga is more a “way of life” which is what Ayurveda also is. And hence it is commonly said “where Ayurveda ends, Yoga begins”.
Thus through Ayurveda, one keeps the physical body well and then move on to the practices of Yoga to attain mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Meditation is also an integral part of the Yoga practice.
At Avalon Ayurveda center, very simple yoga and meditation practices will be introduced based on the individual’s need. The individual will also be encouraged to continue and further these practices back home under the guidance of a well trained and well aligned Yoga teacher.
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