Yoga Month 09.2008 and Yoga Health Festivals

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1. WHAT DOES THE TERM YOGA MEAN?
Yoga is a lifestyle and is often used to describe a variety of mindbody balancing methods like hatha yoga, pilates, power yoga, tai chi, qi-gong, etc.

2. WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that originated in India more than five thousand years ago and has been adapted in the west especially over the last 30 years. It includes various postures (exercises) that involve deep breathing, body movement and relaxation. Its purpose is to lower stress, to help improve our physical, emotional and mental health and therefore the quality of our lives.

3. WHY YOGA?
The scientifically proven benefits of yoga are that you can experience an increase in the flexibility of your body and reduction of stress. Everyone gains some level of benefit. The only requirements are proper instruction and regular practice.

4. WHO IS PRACTISING YOGA?
Based on a survey by Yoga Journal over 15 Million people from all walks of life are practising Yoga in the US already and another 15-25 Million are interested to try. There is a Yoga style for everyone - from children, teens, business professionals, politicians, celebrities to seniors.

5. WHY YOGA MONTH?
Our mission is to educate about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. Yoga Month participants come from many different countries, backgrounds, beliefs, religions or colors. Our campaign is like an empty bowl and platform allowing everyone to get involved. We accept and encourage all different forms of yoga students, teacher and studios to join the Yoga Month.

6. CAN I REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Yes you can. Commit yourself to a healthy lifestyle. Start with yourself - one breath at a time and get involved now:
* Sign the Yoga Month declaration.
* Start practicing yoga regularly.
* Join Yoga Month 092008

7. IS YOGA A RELIGION?
Yoga is a lifestyle or philosophy not a religion. Yoga can be done by anyone of any faith. In fact, yoga or yoga-related lifestyle modalities can be found in many religions or faiths around the world. By lowering stress and facilitating physical, emotional, mental balance, Yoga has been know to deepen one's faith.

Yoga Month specifically focuses on the health benefits of yoga and how practicing yoga can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and quality of life.

8. WHAT TYPE OF YOGA ARE AVAILABLE?
There are many different types of yoga, starting from power or fitness yoga (focusing on the physical aspects like weight loss, toning) to a more spiritual approach (becoming more aware, deepening your spiritual practice).

Here are brief descriptions of some of the most common types of yoga:

Ananda: Emphasis on meditation
Anusara: Heart-oriented
Ashtanga: The Power of yoga
Bikram: Turning up the heat
Hatha Yoga: Control of the body through poses
Integral: The healing power of relaxation
Iyengar: Symmetry and alignment
Kripalu: Meditation-in-motion
Kundalini: Awakening energy
Sivananda: Encouraging a Healthy lifestyle
Tantra: Sensual spirituality
Viniyoga: Gentle flow

9. HOW OLD SHOULD ONE BE TO START YOGA?
You can start yoga at any age.

10. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PRACTICING YOGA?
Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are increased flexibility, stronger muscles and connective tissue, alignment the vertebrae, toned and rejuvenated internal organs. The epidermal, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins and waste matter; the nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and toned; and brain cells are nourished and stimulated. The end result is increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Yoga is one of the 10 most used Complementary Medicine methods in US. Because Yoga works on so many different levels, it has great potential as an effective therapy for chronic diseases and conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatment methods. In addition, a regular Yoga routine can help develop greater concentration, balance, and composure.

11. HOW TO FIND A TEACHER?
There are many excellent yoga books that explain the postures and have beautiful photographs and illustrations. Yet a teacher can impart an understanding of the poses and the practice of yoga in a way that a book cannot. A teacher can also help you develop correct alignment in the various poses so that you get the greatest benefit and an internal stretching and healing begins.

While there is still an emphasis on yoga as a physical exercise, many teachers now address the more spiritual aspects of practice as well.

12. HOW YOGA DEVELOPED IN THE US?
The word "yoga" as we use it in the US, refers to a broad category of some very different kinds of mental, physical, and spiritual practices. If you have a desire to learn, you should take some time to get acquainted with the different schools and styles to appreciate what various teachers have to offer. This is, in fact, a most personal kind of exercise, and the benefits accrue slowly and subtly over time.

When yoga was first introduced in the US, the physical exercises were separated from the spiritual and mental disciplines and the latter were de-emphasized. As a result, the physical postures or asanas were presented as a relaxing form of exercise and many early practitioners were women. Over the last few years, however, the West has become more accepting of a well-rounded yoga practice.

The increased interest in yoga has also come at a time when traditional Western medicine is engaged in understanding more about the mind-body relationship. Many studies have explored the benefits of yoga, and although none were rigorously designed, they do suggest benefit for such conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, osteoarthritis, and improving balance in seniors. Studies of yoga as a treatment for asthma have produced inconsistent results suggesting at most a minor benefit.

13. WHY IS THIS A COMMUNITY GRASS-ROOTS CAMPAIGN?
Because starting with ourselves, making a small difference in our own life and in our personal community will help us create a healthy personal and global lifestyle.

First focus within and begin your journey of healing. Second, take small steps, allow yourself to grow one breath, one step at a time. Third, breathing integrates body and mind guiding you towards balance and a more peaceful, balanced and aware life.

14. WHO IS BENEFITING FROM YOGA MONTH?
Yoga Month campaign proceeds go to the Yoga Health Foundation to support the next generation of oustanding community leaders and projects with a passion in building a healthy personal or global lifestyle.

The Yoga Health Foundation board of directors consisting of yoga experts, celebrities and teacher will decide which leader, initiatives and projects will be funded.