The practice of yoga aims to unite the body and mind. Yoga consists of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Yoga is a way of life that emerged over 2,000 years ago in India and then spread throughout the world. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "union." The practice of yoga aims to unite the body and mind. Yoga consists of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

What is yoga for?

Yoga helps you achieve harmony with yourself and others. It has a multitude of benefits, including:

• improving concentration
• stress reduction
• increased vitality
• strengthening flexibility

Why practice on an empty stomach in the morning?

To reap all the benefits of twists, including abdominal massage, for example, it's essential to fast to avoid the risk of regurgitating. Additionally, as with any physical activity, exercising on an empty stomach helps burn stored fat.

What is OM?

Among yoga practices, the pronunciation of "om" is uncommon in the West, while in India this syllable accompanies the traveler everywhere. In India, "om" is sacred.

How to pronounce it? It is pronounced AUM, with the lips half-open, after a deep inhalation, the slow exhalation expels the breath which, in passing, makes the vocal cords vibrate in a prolonged "au" until the lungs are completely emptied. The sound must be as deep and uniform as possible. When emitted correctly, the hand placed flat on the chest at the level of the collarbones, should feel a vibration. At the end of the exhalation, close the mouth and finish, contracting the abdominals to exhale the last remnants of air by emitting a mused "m" which buzzes in the skull. The other hand, placed on the top of the skull, should also feel the vibration.

Vibrational effects: the "au" vibrates the skeleton of the rib cage, which proves that the vibration communicates with the mass of air enclosed in the lungs, and that the delicate membrane of the alveoli in contact with the air also vibrates, which stimulates the lung cells and allows for better gas exchange. - Blood circulation intensifies in the tissues and organs concerned - The internal secretion glands, which release their hormones directly into the blood and lymph, are stimulated - The sympathetic and vagus nerves are not immune to the beneficial influence of vocal vibrations - The musculature of the respiratory system is both relaxed and strengthened - Breathing increases and with it the supply of oxygen throughout the body Electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibration of the "om", propagate throughout the body, increase dynamism and the joy of living and improve concentration

Why avoid inversions when you are unwell?

Ancient Yoga texts recommend avoiding the practice of Yoga during menstruation because it is a time when the body is already maintaining significant activity and therefore needs to focus on its main task without being further stressed. Practicing inversions during menstruation is first of all simply contrary to nature, which dictates that the body is in a process of elimination. Blood flows out of the body naturally and supported by gravity, so why do the opposite? Another reason is that during inversions, the uterus is also inverted. Its ligaments are then stretched, which can cause distension or even collapse of the veins and arteries that continue to "pump" blood. However, you can absolutely practice gentle Yoga postures during your period. For example, sitting and lying on your back postures.

I have back pain: can I do yoga and will it help?

Probably yes, unless you have a very specific problem. Talk to your teacher first. When practicing postures with self-respect, they work the back in all directions, allowing it to both strengthen and become more flexible.

I lack flexibility, can I come to the class? I will probably be less good than the others.

Yes, you can participate in the classes, as they are designed to fit your current abilities to help you evolve. Yoga strengthens the entire body but also makes it more flexible. As for comparing yourself to others, this is irrelevant in yoga, where there is no competitive spirit. The important thing is to progress in relation to yourself, not in relation to others. You won't be the only person in the class who lacks flexibility. One important thing to remember: the goal is not to achieve a perfect posture or movement at all costs, but to feel the effects and benefits of these.

How many postures are there?

In the sacred texts, there are supposedly 8,400 postures, but in reality, 84 postures are sufficient, 12 necessary and 3 indispensable.

We hope these answers have enlightened you, do not hesitate to ask us other questions on social networks and we will complete this article!