Spiritual Yoga
Sivananda Yoga was founded by Swami Vishnudevananda and is a system of Yoga that primarily focuses on spirituality. Sivananda Yoga utilises asanas (yoga postures) but is not limited to them.
Principles
Sivananda Yoga consists of the following 5 principles outlined below that aim to teach an authentically Vedic system and teaches that retaining the vitality of the body is a byproduct of the discipline and not the goal.
Exercise
Enhances the flexibility of the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments and stimulates circulation. Flexibility and strength of the spine keep the body youthful.
Breathing
Proper breathing can help relieve stress and depression. This can be achieved by breathing more deeply with increased awareness.
Relaxation
Relieves the body of existing stress symptoms (including muscle tension and breathlessness) and also helps develop resistance against external stress factors.
Diet
Foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, legumes and milk are considered sattvic (Hindi word which essentially means good, clean, pure & natural).
Positive thinking and meditation
Think positively and meditating helps eliminate negative thoughts and provides inner peace by controlling ones mindset; Sivananda Yoga considers this to be the key to peace of mind.
Benefits
Practising Yoga has been related to mental and physical health. Studies have shown that practising Yoga can temporarily help with neck or lower back pains and with regards to mental health, it has shown to help with depression, anxiety and stress.
Attire
Typically loose-fitting clothings or leggings are worn for Yoga classes.