Yoga is a dense and broad activity. It is very easy to get into it, and perform some beginner poses and techniques, but when progression is necessary so is a better understanding of the underlying principles of yoga.

As with any deep activity, yoga is built upon these basic principles. A sound understanding of them is required to master the complex art. In this article, we’ll be telling you a little about these fundamentals of yoga. It’s important that you get a grasp on them, but it’s more important that you are mindful of them during your actual practise.

Yoga, in case you’re wondering, is to unite the body, mind and soul into one. It is a method through which we can access the deepest part of our being, which some may wish to call soul, but regardless of the nomenclature, it is this part of our being that yoga helps give us access to.

The basic principles listed below are the ways through which we access this fundamental part of ourselves, they are the ways through which we unite ourselves with the highest part of our being.

This article is by no means a definitive and comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of yoga. Such a topic lies outside the scope of an introductory explanation. However, if this article achieves what it has set out to, which is the education of the basics of yoga that underlies all its practical aspects, then it is likely that you should be spurred on to deeper and more focused topics of yoga. We assure you that it is worth the look.

Asanas

An asana is a posture. You would know what we are talking about, if you’ve ever seen yoga performed; you simply don’t know what it is called. The asana is a posture or pose that brings peace and comfort to the mind while also bettering our physical state.

One of the biggest benefits of yoga is its ability to increase blood flow to the body and this is what the asana does. It brings blood to the various organs of the body, and focuses especially on the brain.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a technique that can best be described as the control of one’s breathing. The breath is considered the life force and the control of it is how can unlock the full potential of one’s existence.

Pranayama techniques focus on how to best draw energy from the solar plexus and convert this into mental and physical benefits. A whole range of benefits are associated with these breathing techniques. Broadly said, it grants a vitality to the body and the spirit. This seemingly simple idea of breathing in a certain way is not to be underestimated. It is among the most powerful techniques in yoga.

Meditation

Meditation needs little describing - almost everyone knows what it is. In yoga, meditation has you focus on a particular aspect of your body or a particular yoga goal. It is keeping your mind focused on a single thought and freeing it from disturbance. For many, it is the most difficult - and rewarding - aspect of yoga practise.

These are not all of the aspects of yoga, but they are some of the first concepts you will encounter. They are at the very core of yoga and work together to form higher-order concepts. If you feel that this is all a bit daunting. These ideas go hand in hand with practise and you’ll quickly understand the importance of these concepts and what they represent in the art of yoga. Each of them have an important role to play and each of them deserves your attention.

The only way to become better at yoga is through the practise of it. The theoretical aspect is a good supplement to it. You have plenty of accessories to supplement you, such as neck compresses and knee compresses, and also candles and oils to enhance your experience. When you think of the number of benefits you are gifted with by Yoga, you become especially heartened. Stay committed and practise regularly!