Unit​​ 4:​​ Allied Knowledge on Yoga

i. Yoga Vs Physical Exercise

ii. Yogic Diet

ii. Yoga Education institutes in India and abroad

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Meaning of Yoga and Physical Exercise

Meaning of Yoga

Yoga is a holistic practice that integrates physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques to promote overall well-being. It aims to create harmony between body, mind, and spirit, promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, and inner peace.

Meaning of Physical Exercise

Physical exercise focuses primarily on physical activity aimed at improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. It involves repetitive movements or activities designed to increase heart rate, burn calories, and build muscle strength or endurance.

Difference between Yoga and Physical Exercise

1.​​ Yoga focuses on integrating the body, mind, and spirit, aiming for holistic well-being, while physical exercise primarily targets physical fitness and strength.

2.​​ Yoga incorporates various techniques such as yoga poses, breath control, meditation, and relaxation, whereas physical exercise typically involves cardiovascular activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

3.​​ Yoga emphasizes conscious breathing techniques to enhance energy flow and relaxation, whereas breathing may not be a focal point in physical exercise.

4.​​ Yoga enhances flexibility through gentle stretching and holding of poses, while physical exercise may improve flexibility through dynamic movements.

5.​​ Yoga strengthens muscles through holding poses and bodyweight exercises, whereas physical exercise focuses on building muscle strength through resistance training and weightlifting.

6.​​ Yoga helps reduce stress through relaxation techniques and mindful movement, while physical exercise can reduce stress by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of accomplishment.

7.​​ Yoga cultivates mental focus and concentration through meditation and mindfulness, whereas physical exercise can indirectly improve mental focus through the release of neurotransmitters.

Yogic Diet or Sattvic Diet​​ 

A Yogic diet, also known as a Sattvic diet, is a dietary approach followed by practitioners of yoga to support physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual development. It is based on the principles of Ayurveda and emphasizes fresh, whole foods that promote purity, balance, and harmony. Here are the key aspects of a Yogic diet:

1.​​ Fresh and Whole Foods:​​ A Yogic diet consists primarily of fresh, natural, and minimally processed foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy products (if consumed). Processed and refined foods, as well as artificial additives and preservatives, are minimized or avoided.

2.​​ Sattvic Foods:​​ Sattva is one of the three gunas (qualities) in Ayurveda, representing purity, clarity, and harmony. Sattvic foods are those that promote these qualities and are considered ideal for supporting physical health and spiritual growth. Examples of Sattvic foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as rice, quinoa, and oats), nuts and seeds, legumes, herbal teas, and pure water.

3.​​ Moderation and Balance:​​ A Yogic diet emphasizes moderation and balance in food choices and portion sizes. It encourages mindful eating, listening to the body's hunger and satiety cues, and avoiding overeating or consuming foods in excess.

4.​​ Plant-Based Emphasis:​​ While some Yogic practitioners may include dairy products in their diet, particularly if they follow lacto-vegetarian or ovo-lacto-vegetarian dietary patterns, many choose to adopt a predominantly plant-based diet. Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants and are associated with numerous health benefits.

5.​​ Digestive Support:​​ A Yogic diet includes foods that are easy to digest and support optimal digestion and assimilation of nutrients. This may involve cooking foods lightly or using gentle cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or sautéing with minimal oil and spices that aid digestion.

6.​​ Mindful Eating:​​ Practitioners of yoga emphasize the importance of mindful eating, which involves paying attention to the sensory experience of eating, chewing food thoroughly, and savoring each bite. Mindful eating promotes greater awareness of hunger and fullness cues, prevents overeating, and fosters a deeper connection to food and nourishment.

7.​​ Seasonal and Local Foods:​​ A Yogic diet encourages the consumption of seasonal and locally grown foods whenever possible. Eating seasonally aligns with the body's natural rhythms and provides a variety of nutrients that support overall health and vitality.

8.​​ Ahimsa (Non-violence):​​ Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a core principle of yoga philosophy that extends to dietary choices. A Yogic diet emphasizes compassion towards all living beings and may involve choosing plant-based alternatives to animal products to minimize harm to animals and the environment.

Yoga Education institutes in India and abroad

Several institutes in India and abroad offer yoga education programs for individuals interested in deepening their understanding and practice of yoga. Here are some renowned yoga education institutes in both India and abroad:

In India:

1.​​ The Yoga Institute, Mumbai:​​ Established in 1918, The Yoga Institute is one of the oldest yoga centers in the world. It offers various programs, including a Diploma in Yoga Education and Teacher Training Courses.

2.​​ Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams:​​ With centers across India, including locations in Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres offer residential courses, teacher training programs, and yoga retreats based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda.

3.​​ Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala:​​ Kaivalyadhama is a renowned yoga research institution that offers yoga teacher training courses, yoga therapy programs, and workshops on yoga philosophy, anatomy, and physiology.

4.​​ Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune:​​ Founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, RIMYI is dedicated to the teachings of Iyengar Yoga. It offers intensive yoga courses, teacher training programs, and workshops for practitioners of all levels.

5.​​ Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh:​​ Located on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan offers yoga teacher training courses, spiritual retreats, and workshops on yoga philosophy and meditation.

6.​​ The Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, India:​​ Founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, The Bihar School of Yoga offers residential yoga teacher training courses, yoga therapy programs, and workshops on yogic philosophy and lifestyle.

7.​​ Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai, India:​​ Founded by T.K.V. Desikachar, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram offers yoga teacher training programs, yoga therapy courses, and workshops on yoga philosophy and therapeutic applications of yoga.

Abroad:

1.​​ YogaWorks, USA:​​ With multiple locations across the United States, YogaWorks is one of the largest yoga studio chains offering yoga teacher training programs accredited by Yoga Alliance. They offer various styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Iyengar.

2.​​ Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, USA:​​ Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Kripalu offers yoga teacher training programs, workshops, and retreats focused on holistic wellness and self-discovery.

3.​​ The British Wheel of Yoga, UK:​​ The British Wheel of Yoga is the largest yoga membership organization in the UK, offering accredited yoga teacher training courses, workshops, and events nationwide.