| As
with some of the ancient Chinese therapies
yoga is said to influence the flow of prana
(qi, life energy) through nadis (meridians,
energy channels) that cross at chakras (the
body’s energy centres). A chakra can be
associated with a specific mantra such as
the most sacred manta “OM”, which represents
the original sound of the universe. The
flow of energy in the subtle or astral body
equates to electrical impulses, neurological
pathways, and nerve centres and organs when
talking about the physical body.
There are many different
types of yoga, the most commonly practised
in the west being Hatha yoga. Hatha means
“balance” and focuses on balancing mind
and body. Asanas are designed to benefit
both mind and body, and are performed slowly
coordinated with breathing. Other examples
of yoga types are Bikram (vigorous), Iyengar
(uses props), Jnana (yoga of self-knowledge),
Sivananda, and Tantra (the body is your
temple!).
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