Yoga : Introduction

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Yoga is an age-old art or practice of staying fit mentally and physically by means of exercises as well as mind control practices such as controlled breathing, deep meditation etc. Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means 'union' i.e of the body, mind and spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago.

Basically Yoga is an amalgamation of breathing exercises and structured movement. It is an excellent tool to enhance the body’s internal health and external beauty and to achieve a higher standard of overall health and immunity. It concentrates on the emotional and psychological health of a patient along with his/her physical condition. 'Asanas' (physical exercises) and 'pranayama' (breathing techniques), the integral parts of yoga, are performed in correlation with each other. The application of these yoga practices to cure various mental and physical diseases is called yoga therapy.

Medical science has acknowledged the practice of yoga, to possess many curative and preventive qualities. Regular yoga practice will create multiple and noticeable benefits to your health. Many physicians now recommend yoga to combat back ailments, sleeping disorders and other stress related problems. Yoga's stretching and breathing exercises improve your flexibility, helping joints, tendons and muscles stay limber. It is an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve your bone density. People suffering from hypertension can benefit from yoga tremendously, as yoga can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga benefits anyone's mental health, reduces anxiety and stress helping him or her relax, so it is an effective form of psychological therapy.

Health and fitness have become areas of major concern in the fast paced life of today and the popularity of yoga is increasing in leaps and bounds all around the globe. And more importantly, people are reaping the immense benefits of this art.

Although the practice of yoga has been prevailing in India from several centuries, yoga as a career option has become popular only in the recent past. As now people the world over are taking up yoga as the best way to keep them healthy, the scope for taking up a career in this field is immense. One could become a yoga instructor or a therapist in the field, and be healthy as well as enjoy its lucrative benefits.

Eligibility & Course Areas

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Educational: Professional qualification in the field of yoga is imparted at both under graduate and post graduate levels. For under graduate program, one has to pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognized Board. For post graduation program, minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university, although philosophy graduates are given preference. Courses are also available at degree/ diploma and certificate levels. Specific qualification is not a must, instead experience is counted in this field.

Study and practice under a master yoga instructor is all that is required to qualify one to teach yoga. But, though qualification is not mandatory to be a yoga instructor, a teaching certificate indicates serious time and interest you have invested in the subject and may increase your authenticity as an instructor.

Yoga trains individuals with all the fundamental aspects of the ancient art. The courses on yoga include every nuance of yogic postures, meditation and breathing exercises.

Personnel attributes: The job of a yoga teacher demands hard work and dedication. Excellent anatomical knowledge is the main attribute to be in this field. A positive attitude, professional conduct, a desire to learn and contribute to the students are essential. He/she should be smart enough to design a regimen to suit different needs of different people. Must have the ability to convince people and communicate complex ideas sensitively and clearly. He should have the ability to encourage and inspire the clients, to lead a healthy life.