Yoga For Beauty

Yoga is a holistic workout. It is an exercise for the mind, body and spirit.

But can it make you beautiful?

Devoting about half an hour daily can help enhance your natural beauty. A balanced diet, sleep, hydration and proper skin care are also needed of course.

There are about 30 million people in America, and 1 million people in the United Kingdom practicing Hatha, the most popular form.

In the West, the practice is exercise related and involves gentle stretching, breath control and meditation.

Some benefits are:

Reduction in stress levels

Improved blood circulation

Maintain ideal body weight

Maintain correct posture (for a more youthful appearance)

Detoxification of the body

THE 8 STEPS OF CLASSICAL YOGA

1) YAMA Meaning: "restraint" Refraining from violence, lying, stealing, casual sex, and hording.

2) NIYAMA Meaning: "observance" Purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance.

3) ASANA Physical exercises.

4) PRANAYAMA Breathing techniues.

5) PRATYAHARA Preparation for Meditation Described as "withdrawal of the mind from the senses."

6) DHARANA Concentration Being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time.

7) DHYANA Meditation The ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely

8) SAMADHI Absorption, or realization of the essential nature of the self.

From the above list of 8 Steps, Modern Western classes generally focus on the 3rd, 4th and 5th steps.

If we take a look at steps less traveled (numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 8), we can see that we might be leaving out some key parts in our practice. Parts that contribute to an overall beautiful you. Focus on the physical is important, but other aspects of our beings are equally important like:

***The ability to focus on one thing. (or no thing)**
***Purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance. **

These days just finding the time to practice is challenging. But a commitment to practicing all parts of Yoga can enhance your natural beauty. The healthy glow of a balanced mind, body and soul is beautiful.

Learning all the asanas or poses from a qualified teacher will be safe and beneficial. Effectiveness depends on how frequently you practice. The illustrations below will help you remember the poses when you practice on your own.

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