The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’. Yoga means a union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. It is a 5000-year-old Indian body of knowledge. But Yoga is not just physical exercise even though people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways. It goes much deeper than that and is also exercise for the mind and soul and helps one get in touch with their inner selves. The science of Yoga imbibes the complete essence of the Way of Life. And let’s not forget that Goa played host to the World Yoga festival in February this year. People come from far and wide, all the way to Goa just for a taste of this same inner peace. They do Yoga at special schools, on the beach and now in swimming pools. They’ve even named the latter as Aqua Yoga.
Meditation and exercise make for a peaceful life
The earliest mention of the contemplative tradition is found in the oldest surviving literature Rig Veda, in Nasadiya Sukta. It dates back to the Indus-Saraswati civilization. A lot has been written on Yoga as a physical, spiritual and holistic practice and for the truly interested, check out the Wikipedia page on Yoga as well as articles like Yoga: Way of Life | Art of Living India and so many others. Now let’s find out about Aqua Yoga and how exactly it benefits us if we were to choose to do it.
Aqua Yoga and its benefits
So what is Aqua Yoga really? Simply put, it’s Yoga that’s done in a water body. The asanas are performed in either a warm water pool or even in the sea. In a lot of ways, it’s a better and safer way to practice Yoga since it’s a low impact activity when done in water. This makes it a lot more beneficial for people that struggle to do any kind of physical exercise.
Aqua Yoga adapts the principles of yoga along with the postures, including breathing exercises, in water. It is believed to be very relaxing, soothing and helps a great deal in calming the mind due to the effect of being immersed in water. Practicing Aqua Yoga also helps stimulate the lymphatic system, strengthen the whole body and improve the range of motion and flexibility.
Additionally, given that one is in a buoyant environment, Aqua Yoga is less stressful on the joints. This makes certain postures much easier to do as well as help the yogi achieve an optimum stretch. Not to forget that bathing in water is also considered therapeutic on a physical as well as a mental level.
Try some Aqua Yoga yourself, this summer
If you would like to try out Aqua Yoga, there is a lady by the name of Hoor Girglani giving classes at the International Centre in Dona Paula. Keep yourself fit, rejuvenate your senses, improve your muscle tone and a whole lot more at the pool this summer.
Aqua Yoga comes highly recommended by doctors for diabetics as well as the elderly. Those suffering from obesity and arthritis can also do this kind of exercise as there is no stress on the body. Pregnant ladies can also do Aqua Yoga with absolute ease. And the great part is, you don’t need to be a swimmer since you’ll be standing in shallow water and doing your exercises.
So, wait no longer, contact Mrs. Girglani on +91 9588445202 or +91 9766015762 to register for classes or to find out more information.
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