Page 13 - Oct-Dec 2016

VOl. 13 No. 4

YOGA-SCIENCE OF BODY AND MIND

It is believed that Yoga was developed during the Indus
Valley Civilisation around 5,000 years ago. DID YOU KNOW?
The word yoga was first mentioned in rig Veda which Thoppu-karanam was once a
was gradually developed by the rishis who documented regular mode of punishment in
schools and is the way we pray
their practices in the upanishads which contains over 200 to Lord Ganapati. This yogic
scriptures, one of the main scriptures on yoga. squat is basically holding one’s ears with opposite hands and
bending on knees.
The first systematic work on yoga is the Yogasutras written
by Patanjali around 400 bCe. The methods described in The scientific study has proved this exercise to be a super
brain yoga which stimulates the neural pathways in brain
the text were practiced from 3000 bCe. Yogasutras written by activating the acupuncture points on the earlobes that
in sanskrit is divided into four books that has 196 sutras. synchronizes the right and left hemisphere of the brain.
This practice increases concentration, quality of academic
in the late 1800s and early 1900s, yoga travelled to performance and helps developing social skills.
the west which began with Parliament of religions in So would you like to try it?
Chicago (1893) attended by swami Vivekananda. Yoga S. Sarvesh, VI-A, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Coimbatore and Rakshitha, V, Little
is considered a spiritual discipline which focuses on Scholars Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Thanjavur
bringing harmony between mind and body. it is an art
and science of healthy living. when is the international YOGA pOSTURES
Yoga Day celebrated?
kapalbhati pranayama

"Kapal" means forehead and "bhati" means shining.
it brings glow on the face of the practitioner. Done in a
sitting posture, it is a type of breathing exercise focusing on
"exhaling" and simultaneously contracting the abdomen
muscles. it helps in relaxing, clears the respiratory passage
and improves blood circulation.

Anulom-Vilom pranayama
anulom-Vilom Pranayama, a nostril breathing exercise
is mentioned in yogic texts, siva samhita, Puranas and
in the upanishads. in this pranayama, inhalation (Puraka),
retention (Kumbhaka) and exhalation (rechaka) is
practiced. it removes toxins from the body and can reduce
weight and is useful in combating stress and anxiety and
calms the mind.
YOGA ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS Surya Namaskar

Candle Gazing Surya Namaskar

encourage students to concentrate only on the flickering meaning ‘sun
flames for 10 to 30 seconds. watching the flames is salutation’ is an
mesmerizing and will help their mind to relax. ancient practice of
paying respect to the
Draw Your pose sun, the source of all Illustration by: Moby Sara Zachariah

ask students to make yoga flash cards in a creative way. forms of life on the
earth. it is a series of 12 postures or asanas which include
Yoga Song, Rap or Rhyme... alternating backward and forward bending postures. it

ask the students to come up with interesting songs for helps in blood circulation, weight loss, brings glow on the
face, prevents hair loss, and improves memory.
school yoga sessions. Take help from your music teacher.

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