S.P. Publishing Group Co., Ltd. 11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh, A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200 Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457 E-mail: guidelin@loxinfo.co.th

	---> MORE Health: _________________________________ YOGA IN CHIANG MAI TAI CHI IN CHIANG MAI Massage History Massage Schools The Dirty Details of Detox Ayurvedic Massage Botox City Renew Your Smile

YOGA:
Leading to a Functionally-effective Life

What's yoga?
To put it simply, Yoga is a kind of alternative method of exercise and meditation practise, originating in India 5,000 years ago. Beyond this, such therapy is also intimately related to Indian religions in the way it provides one with specific spiritual experience and comprehension toward the existence of nature.

Derived from its Sanskrit root, the term yoga varies in meanings - from "to control" to, "to yoke" and "to unite," all sharing the common ideas of union and conjunction. It can be surmised that in its origins, yoga was a term to signify the conceptual balance between human life and nature.

Functioning as an exercise and meditation practise that leads to physical and mental relaxation, yoga combines the discipline of asanas, one of the 8 original ancient yoga disciplines, featuring the postures applied during the exercise. Some of the basic postures include the inverting posture in which one places the head on the ground and elevates the feet, while the lotus pasture is most frequently used in meditiation.

Unlike the other kinds of exercise, the practice of yoga doesn't focus much on muscular strength. Further, its movements tend to be slow and deliberate, at the other pole from aerobics or jogging. Its adherants claim that yoga practice is effective in recovering mental balance through control of the breathing process.

Invisible benefits?
Of course, we all recognise the value of exercise where well-being is concerned. Practicing yoga regularly, two to three times a week for example, will surely help improve your health. First, the blood circulation system is stimulated and muscular stiffness is relieved, while the joints function more smoothly. And good news for the ladies, since yoga effectively reduces the PMS, following stimulation of the blood after practice.

How can I start?
While having a teacher is of great benefit, it's possible to learn from books and videos at home. The perfect location for yoga practice is a small room with a suitably peaceful environment. There's no doubt though that learning is quicker and more effective with a teacher, and fortunately competent yoga gurus can be found right here in Chiang Mai. Their schools range from the austere and simple, to the elaborate and luxurious. One or two of them are listed below.

Agama Yoga School:
inside the alley opposite the City Police Station, Ratchadamnoen Rd.. Tel. 086-0101536.

California WOW:
4th Floor, Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport. Tel. 053-999499.

Yoga Exercise: Tel. 089-700105
Branch 1:
Hillside Condominium 7, behind Carrefour Superstore, Super Highway.
Branch 2:
Pattanapanyathai Building, close to Chinese Consulate, Chang Lor Rd.
Branch 3:
Female Student Dormitory (the pink building), Chiang Mai University.