Yoga has steadily grown more and more popular over the years. While the east practices it on a more spiritual and religious level, the west has embraced it for its numerous health benefits. I love the way yoga strengthens my body, stretches my muscles, and gives me a boost of energy for the day, but the reason I do yoga is beyond the health benefits; it keeps me on my desired path and adds a positive element into my life. There are many ways to do yoga, and everyone has their preferences for what they enjoy. Some do it in the air, others do it with their pets, and some practice yoga as a way to overcome an addiction. Yoga is vast, and it is practiced differently in parts of the world. A few facts about yoga may surprise you.
Eight Bizarre Facts About Yoga
Here are eight strange facts about yoga you might find interesting – and maybe a little weird.
1. You Can Do Yoga With Dogs
The thought of dogs doing yoga might sound on the silly side, but Suzi Teitelman started “Doga” as a way to connect better with your pets. You can use your dog as a prop during stretches, or you can assist them in their own poses.
2. Yoga Can Cause Injuries
The peaceful calm you experience while doing yoga sounds harmless, but if you aren’t careful, you could injure yourself. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, yoga injuries are on the rise. In 2006, there was a reported 4,450 injuries related to yoga.
3. The Lotus Pose Is Named After the Lotus Flower
As you sit with perfect posture in the lotus pose, you might feel the symmetry and beauty of a lotus flower. If you study the names of poses, it will help you understand yoga on a deeper level.
4. Everyone Has a Dominant Nostril
Now we all know that we have a dominant hand, but did you know you have a dominant nostril, too? As you practice breathing through yoga, you will become aware of how much easier it is to breathe through one nostril. Now, don’t get stuck on the idea of why it is the left or right side – it changes every 20 minutes.
5. Yoga Is Not Religion
While Hindus practice yoga, in the west, it is not a religious exercise. However, for some people, it can be a spiritual experience.
6. Yoga Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Several studies show a direct correlation between one’s health and the practice of yoga. It can lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, and even aid with reducing asthma attacks.
7. Yoga Is Found in One of the Oldest Texts in the World
Yoga is somewhat new to the west, but for the east, it has been a way of life for thousands of years. The Rig Veda is one of the oldest, or possibly the oldest, texts in the entire world. While it is fascinating to think about what life was like thousands of years ago, it is bizarre to find yoga elements entwined in ancient writing.
8. There Are Yoga Instructors Older Than 80
If you look at the Guinness World Book of Records, you might be surprised to see 85-year-old Bette Calman as the oldest yoga instructor in the world. Her health and age are inspiring! It really is fascinating that yoga can benefit the body in so many different ways. As I learn new yoga facts, it always motivates me to continue practicing and improving the way I live.
Perhaps one of the most surprising facts about yoga is that it is an extremely beneficial addition to any addiction treatment regimen. To learn more about holistic therapy options and ways to build healthy coping mechanisms, reach out to Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: SF Traveler (Flickr)
