It seems that millions of people everywhere in the world are yearning for self improvement, personal fulfillment and individual growth. One just has to look at the astonishing number of books and articles devoted to self improvement to see that this is indeed a very large phenomenon. The internet, too, features countless sites dedicated to help people to find fulfillment, inner peace and wholeness. By practicing yoga Newmarket ON residents feel that they have found the ideal solution to their personal needs.

The correct name for this philosophy is actually Asana. It is a complicated collection of methods and techniques that aim to help people to develop holistically. This means that equal attention is paid to the spirit, the body and the mind. The philosophy is that no personal growth can truly take place unless all these domains are addresses in a balanced manner. It is not a religion, as many people seem to believe and it is most certainly not a physical fitness program either.

Nobody knows exactly where Asana originated. What is known as a fact, however, is that a Hindu philosopher named Vivekananda who first introduced it to western societies. It was an immediate hit. Asana gained hordes of followers almost instantly and it has never stagnated. It is now practiced globally by millions of people of all ages.

A lot of people see Asana as nothing more than a system consisting of a wide variety of specific poses and stretching exercises. This is true, but the exercises and poses are used to achieve many different goals. They certainly help the practitioner to improve both balance and flexibility, but most exercises and poses are also used to demonstrate very specific spiritual principles.

One of the main attractions of Asana for many people is that it does not allow competition among practitioners and students. There are no contests. Each individual progress at his or her own pace, learning new techniques only when they feel ready to do so. Classes are often mixed, consisting of students varying from very young to the aged, males and females and even disabled people.

Asana has been studied from every possible angle and by experts from many different fields. There is no doubt that it offers distinct medical advantages. Chronic pain and asthma sufferers have reported almost immediate relief from the symptoms they have been suffering from. There are also psychological benefits especially for those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Taking up Asana is straightforward and easy. Beginners will find numerous websites where they can watch video tutorials and obtain support from experienced practitioners. There are also many books specifically aimed at beginners. There are different approaches to the practicing of Asana, so it may be wise to ask advice from an expert before choosing a specific approach. It may also be worthwhile to attend classes, at least in the beginning.

Yoga has become immensely popular. It offers practitioners a holistic approach to their own well being. The philosophy does not place any pressure on any practitioner. As an added bonus, practicing Asana does not involve costly gear or outfits. It can be done anywhere.