Abstract
This chapter aims at connecting ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga by looking at the past with fast-paced, cutting edge natural science that constantly re-invents itself with time. It will unpack and explain both wisdom and experience from the orient against science and experiences from the West. The separation of East and West will give us an opportunity to see connections and boundaries of Western lifestyle as a convenient signpost to why yoga is relevant to society today. Furthermore, the chapter seeks to go beyond spirituality, mythology, and present yoga as a perpetual, evolving practice relevant in today's societies to challenge and engage today's science and medical research.
TopIntroduction
Most of the times general people hold an idea that yoga originated in India and its roots are of Eastern origins, nevertheless some academics and historians suggest that yoga originated in Africa Kemet1 . Ancient Kemetic people originated Kemetic yoga which was later taken to the shores of the East by ancients Egyptians (Scaramella, 2012). Kemetic yoga focus on the styles that heals and restores body through spinal alignment focuses on relieving stress, improve blood circulation and uses pranayama to smooth the body (Scaramella, 2012). Most of the time, it is challenging to talk about Yoga to the general public and academic audience, especially when it comes to defining what Yoga is and why it is relevant on modern society. One should understand Yoga as a diverse and rich form of exercise. Some of the components of Yoga may include physical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects. Yoga has a long history and evolution and is ever-changing socially and culturally. A range of Yoga styles and applications have developed with slightly different characteristic (Sherman, 2001, Chan, Ng, Chan, Ho & Chan, 2003, Sherman, 2001, Knapik, Steelman, Hoedebecke, Austin, Farina & Lieberman, 2016). The simple broad definition of Yoga is that yoga is a mind-body and soul exercise rooted on Oriental traditions, this includes physical training, traditional medicine and philosophy.
Yoga differs with the normal Western attitude, Eurocentric model of life and philosophy. Third world countries with black population and some of the Western world, looks at yoga as strange practise. Yoga is not glamorous, it is something which is slow and steady, gradual and constant and humble. It requires a transformation of one’s mind-set. Yoga takes time. This means, doing yoga is engaging in something for long time to commit on mindful manner (Sherman, 2001, Chan et al, 2003, Sherman, 2001, Knapik, et al, 2016). Practising yoga is based on the science of breathing, therefore breathing supplies every system in our body, each breath deliveries the cells with essential life giving force called oxygen (Sherman, 2001, Knapik, et al, 2016). By focusing our attention on the breathing and flow of breath we help to centre ourselves, strengthens our perception of our surroundings and respond with calmness.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Yoga: The term yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning “yuk” meaning union. The union of both physical exercises (asana), mental meditation, and breathing techniques (pranayama) to support the muscles and discharge anxiety.
Body Energy System: Are 7 centres of energy called Chakras that run from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each energy centre in the body is believed to create health and energy when open. Body gets its energy from many sources including food, breathing, resting or meditation.
Asana: Are body postures, asanas are called yoga poses or yoga postures in English. There many types of poses or positions, stand-up, twisting, and balancing poses.
Yoga Education: Yoga education is the educational appendage to school and university knowledge. This education to give students physically and mentally for the integration of their physical, mental and spiritual faculties so that the students can be integrated to society with a sober mind of yoga and meditation.
Mindfulness Excises: Are type excises that gives you a chance of meditation in which you focus one to be in the moment, without any judgment. Mindfulness excises includes breathing methods and other practices to lower the body stress and calming the mind to help reducing stress.