The practice of Yoga helps people to overcome the limitations of their bodies.
It also teaches people that the goal of their life is to take the inner journey
to the soul. Not only does it offer the goal, but it also offers the means to reach it.

Yoga teaches us that obstacles in the path of our self realization indicate themselves in Physical or mental indisposition. When our physical state is not perfect, this causes an imbalance in our mental state, which is known in Sanskrit as chittavritti. The practice of yoga helps us to overcome that imbalance. Yogic Asanas, or poses, can cure vyndhi or physical ailments, and redress argumejaytatva or unsteadiness in the body. Shvasa prashvasa, which translates as uneven respiration, an indication of stress, is alleviated by the practice of yoga. Asanas tone the whole body. They strengthen bones and muscles, correct posture, improve breathing, and increase energy. This physical well being has a strengthening and calming impact on the mind.

Health Yoga: The Best Way to Start Your Day

Asanas and pranayama work together to cleanse the body. Just as a goldsmith heats gold in fire to burn out its impurities, similarly, asanas by increasing the circulation of fresh blood through the body, purge it of the diseases and toxins which are the consequences of an irregular lifestyle, unhealthy habits, and poor posture. Regular practice of the stretches, twists, bends, and inversions—the basic movements of asanas—restores strength and stamina to the body. Asanas together with pranayama, or the control of breath, rectify physical, physiological, and psychological disorders. They have a positive impact on the effects of stress and disease. Among the many ailments that benefit from the practice of asanas are osteoarthritis, high and low blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and anorexia.

Yoga Narayan, from Khajuraho, India, depicts the god Vishnu in a state of yogic calm.

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