Ancient History of Yoga
Ancient History of Yoga
Although yoga has only recently become more popular in the west, the practice of yoga has been used in the east for thousands of years. The history of yoga begins in the times of ancient Indian asceticism, which was found in the Indus Valley civilization which existed in 3300 to 1700 BC. When examining historical sites where there are ruins with figures in artwork and on walls, the history of yoga can be seen since there are often figures that are in positions that are distinctly yoga poses that are still used today. There are other picture histories that show many different yoga activities that confirm the history of yoga in this, very ancient, civilization.
The Next Civilizations
There are some other practices of yoga mentioned in the Vedas, which are found in 800 to 100 BC and are still used in different meditations. The history of yoga continues into the recent times as the practice of the different forms of yoga has been refined and reconfigured throughout the ages.
There are many different types of yoga that have been passed down through the years in the history of yoga. There is the Hatha yoga style which is usually slow paced and gentle in comparison to other styles and is a good introductory style for users to practice when beginning. There is also the Vinyasa style of yoga in the history of yoga. This type of yoga provides a combination of the yoga poses and the breathing techniques that are practiced in this form of yoga. This style is a little more vigorous than the Hatha style, and there are some combined poses that follow one after another in a series. One common series is called the Sun Salutation, which is often used in repetition to warm up or warm down in a yoga class.
Another style of yoga in the history of yoga is called the Iyengar style, which emphasizes not just the poses, but also the alignment of the body in the poses to make sure that the person is doing them correctly. The Kundalini style is one that uses the breathing method of rapid breaths in conjunction with the physical poses to create a freeing of the energy in the body, thus making it healthier. Finally, there is the style of yoga that is called Bikram yoga, which is practiced in very hot conditions and is very vigorous. The room should be about 95 to 100 degrees so that the participants sweat a lot to let out toxins.
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