Yoga is a all-inclusive and specifically fine tuned process of uniting the individual consciousness with the omnipresent enormous consciousness. Accepting the spiritual nature and philosophy of yoga is certainly more important than its gross relevance pertaining to the physical exercises, postures and breathing patterns. With their perfection in yoga, the yogis control the agile activation of the body and the mind by relaxing the body completely and the mind in a calming state of peace. It eliminates all physical and mental fatigue and help focusing the consciousness force into the deeper centers of the internal self. This eventually directs to a state of trance that enables spiritual elevation and renovation of life as a whole. The realization of (Brahma Vidya) ultimate knowledge becomes possible only through spiritual enlightenment and transcendent thoughts emanating from the awakened self. As mentioned in the Upanishads, the principles of yoga deal with this awakening of the inner realms of soul. Yoga is a complete discipline of strengthening and improving the physical, mental and spiritual state of being. The science of yoga pertaining to the physical aspects of life focus at improving the health and augmenting the strength of the body. The initial stage of yoga sadhana deals with the practices of asanas, pranayama and several yogic- kriyas of refinement. The physical exercise specific postures of the body practised through different Asanas, bandhas and mudras harmonies the intra-body and brain functions and facilitate activation of otherwise dormant vital energy centers, as one makes progress in yoga. The exercises ( kriyas) like Neti, dhouti, basti, nauli, vajroli, kapalbhati, etc taught under "Hathayoga" for internal purification of the body - system also fall under this category. The discipline of fasting, austerity, penance, etc help in cleansing the body and the mental domains and help in enhancing self - control. Here highlighting some of the findings of the pioneering research works that had helped validation and recognition of this prehistoric science in the modern world, everyplace laboratory experimentation, demonstration and verification as per the current trend largely happened to the criteria for acceptance of validity of truth of concept or a theory. Dr. R Nagaratna, from SVYASA University has achieved remarkable success in curing hundreds of patients of various cardiovascular and chest related problems with the help of yogic asanas and kriyas. Her success in healing the patients of asthma by making them practice specific pranayamas and breathing exercises rather than using any medication which has given trusts and direction to the treatment of this incurable disease/disorder. Pranayama is basically a practice of enhancing and harmonising the flow of prana (vital energy) within the body through controlled breathing and concentration. Purification the bronchial tube, enhancing the lungs capacity and balancing the inflow of oxygen and outflow of carbon dioxide. Dr. Dharmvir N. Varandani and Swami Anand were the 1st few researchers of the modern times who had reported the findings of systematic research on the effects of yoga in treatment of diabetes mellitus. They had presented the results of their preliminary experiments in a national scientific Congress organized by the Central Council of Research in Indigenous medicine and homoeopathy. Large clinical study was carried out at the "Yogic Treatment cum Research Centre" Jaipur for a three month period on 283 diabetic patients from various age groups. The patients were given balanced diet consisting of 98 fm fats, 400 gm carbohydrates, 100 gm proteins , with the total intake of around 2900 calories. Their urine, blood sugar, weight, glucose, ECG etc were tested sequentially during the period of study. The patients were practicing sarvangasana, halasana, mayurasana, padahastasana, uttana padasana, sirshasana, janusirsasana, shavasana, pavanmuktasana, etc, along with some essential kriyas each morning and evening under the proper guidance. There was also a slot for daily prayers, devotional practices and some meditational sadhanas in their routine. The results showed significant improvement after three months in 52% of the patients and most of them had been totally cured. The remaining patients are either in acute state or having diabetes for more than half of their age. Continuing the treatments for few more days showed positive effects. Dr. Lakshmikanthan's article on"Yoga and The Heart" was published in "Yoga Life" annual issue in year 1977. In this article he had reported the findings of his studies on two groups of patients of hypertension in the Government hospital on which the allopathic medicines where largely ineffective. The patients in the first group also had weak hearts or some cardiac problems along with blood pressure. Those in the second group had healthy hearts. The patient in the first group where made to practice shavasana by keeping soft pillows below their legs . Second group were given extra practices of sarvangasana, halasana and viparitkarni mudra. The immediate benefit noted in both the groups was that the patient felt generally relaxed and started getting sound sleep. The healing effects of normalizing the B. P. were quite significant in the second group. Many in the first group began to respond positively to the medicines. Excellent effects of Savasana on cardiac ailments where also reported by Dr. K. K. Date in a similar studies. Dr. Shrinivasan of Patna (India) and Dr. Benson of USA had recorded positive effects of yogic meditation on patients suffering from different kinds of heart diseases. Asanas are scientifically adviced modes of physical exercises that work on the mind body system in a natural way. For example, the stretching and compression of the muscles, these practices regulate the blood flow in a balanced manner, inducing energetic freshness in the body components; it also increases the flexibility of the muscles. The other fitness exercises e. g. Danda- baithaka and some of the aerobics might give rapid results but these usually harden the muscles and there is a risk of wear and tear into them due to excessive pressure. Another advantage of yoga asanas is that if any asana corresponds to forward bending, there is also another in the same set of asanas, which requires backward bending and thus it makes a perfect sequence in terms of biomechanics as well. Sirsasana is known as the best in terms of combined benefits of physical and mental health. However, it should be practised only after sufficient training and having experience of other asanas. The first scientific study on this higher level asana was stated that sometime before 1980 by Dr. Alexandro W. Julian, Director of the Thord Clinic of Meditation, Poland. He had measured the affect of sirsasana on different organs and physiological body functions on a healthy subject with the help of X-ray, ECG, EMG etc. The person under gone for study had good mental concentration and experience of practicing this asana. He was made to do this exercise with empty stomach for 2 to 3 minutes followed by shavasana. The important parameters square of sold before, in between and after the asana practice. Instant balancing of serum level in the blood, regulation of blood flow, increase in WBC count, etc where the immediate positive results recorded. These were indicative for the prevention of coronary blockage and heart attacks and augmenting body's resistance against diseases. The x-ray defines broadening of lung volume without any pressure on the heart; the pulmonary test showed 33% enhancement in the amount of oxygen consumption during inspiration and 10% decrease in its changes of expiration with carbon dioxide. The respiration rate had decreased to normal. These further confirmed relaxation of the heart and improvement of vital capacity. The result of control clinical study on the effect of Bhujangasana were presented in 1978 during the "First conference on the Application of Yoga in Rehabilitation Therapy". This asana was found to reduce stress and normalize the blood pressure. The studies of Kaivalyadham, Lonavala (India), had reported sarvangasana and mayurasana as most suitable for maintaining normal health and fitness. These asanas were also found easier to practice and more effective as compared to the other asanas on anaemic or physically weak patients. The foundation laid by the studies of previous year had not only proved the scientific validity of Yogasanas, but also covered the way for advanced research across the globe on yoga therapy for treatment of psychosomatic disorders. This also enlarges the scope of application of yoga for well- being of the masses. Incorporating these apparently simple practices in day-today life indeed bestows amazing benefits upon physical and mental health.

AN INTRODUCTION TO YOGA Yoga is an ancient wealth of wisdom, which is a gift passed down to us from our ancestors from over five centuries ago. It is unfortunate that in today’s world this tradition of yoga is only confined to the practice of asanas or physical postures. Though in reality, the meaning of the word yoga encompasses so much more.   The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘yuj’, which means to unite. It symbolizes the union of the individual soul (jivatma) with the universal soul (paramatma). In other words, it enables a state of consciousness where the practitioner is in harmony with his or her surroundings.   According to an ancient text of yoga, the Pantanjali yoga sutras, yoga is said to be consisting of eight limbs:   Rules and observances (yama and niyama), postures (asana), breath regulation (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and absorption into the supreme (samadhi).   The hatha yoga practitioners evolved additional techniques like cleansing procedures (kriya), gestures (mudra) and locks (bandhas). THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH The term ‘Health’ is an abstract concept which is hard to grasp. A fundamental question arises, “Can an individual who does not suffer from any disease be called healthy?”   In 1948, The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.   Health consists of physical, mental, social, vocational, moral, emotional and spiritual dimensions.   From this definition, it is evident that health is a dynamic and multi-dimensional state. And therefore, the achievement of optimum health is only possible by the use of a holistic approach which caters to every one of its dimensions. Yoga emerges as the perfect candidate for this purpose. • Asanas (postures) and shat kriyas (cleansing procedures) improve the physical component of health. • Dhyana (meditation) and dharana (concentration) improve mental health. • Yama (discipline) and niyama (observance) are universal rules of morality and social conduct laid down by sage Patanjali. They are similar to modern principles of public health and community medicine. • The practices of pranayama (breath regulation) and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) improve emotional health. • Yoga also strongly advocates the importance of surrender to the almighty or ishvarapranidhana. This encourages the development of spiritual health in an individual.   Therefore, the conventional concept of optimum health can be achieved by the practice of yoga. THE YOGIC VIEW OF HEALTH The knowledge of composition of the human body is inherently necessary for understanding the yogic concept of health. The structural aspect of a human body is derived from the ancient text of Taittareeya Upanishad. This text says that the human body is composed of five sheaths called as the pancakoshas.   Optimum health is said to be achieved when health is achieved at each of these five levels. 1. Annamayakosha or Physical body The physical body is made of the manifestation of the five great elements or pancamahabhootas. These five elements are then further organized to form the seven basic tissues of the human body called as the saptadhatus. They include rasa (lymph), rakta (blood), mamsa (flesh/muscle), majja (bone marrow), medas (fat), asthi (bone) and sukra (semen). 2. Pranamayakosha or Energy body It is predominantly made of energy channels running throughout the human body called as Nadis. These nadis are channels that facilitate the flow of the life force called as prana. There are said to be 72,000 nadis running throughout the human body adopting the path of least resistance. These nadis meet at certain energy centers of the body called as chakras and they are seven in number. The prana that flows through these nadis is of five types based on its functions (udana, prana, samana, apana, vyana), and they are further sub-classified into five upa-pranas (naga, koorma, krikara, devadatta, dhananjaya). 3. Manomayakosha or Emotional body It consists of the three gunas or personality traits of an individual. Sattva, rajas and tamas. The overall personality of an individual is determined by the relative predominance of these three gunas. 4. Vijnanamayakosha or Intellectual body This kosha is the faculty by which an individual is able differentiate the right from wrong. 5. Anandamayakosha or Bliss body The awareness of this kosha only arises in certain deep yogic states. It is a state of ecstasy or bliss. THE BHAGAVAD GITA The Bhagavad Gita defines yoga as follows: Samatvam yoga ucyate (2.48)   The statement says that equanimity is yoga. This indicates that yoga enables a state of both physical homeostasis and mental equanimity. Yoga is a state of harmony where the body’s physiological functions are maintained and the mind remains in moderation, not overly reacting to either aversion or desire.   The Bhagavad Gita also enumerates mental health in great detail. A mentally sound and healthy individual is referred to as a sthitaprajna, which means a man of steady wisdom. The qualities of a sthitaprajna are elaborated in depth throughout the second chapter called as the Sankhya yoga. They include tranquility, situational stability, emotional stability, free from desires, complete self-control and oneness with brahman or knowledge of the ultimate. THE HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA The physical characteristics of a healthy practioner of hatha yoga are explained in the second chapter of this classical text of hatha yoga. This text was authored by Swatmarama, who calls these characteristics as the ‘Hatha Yoga Lakshana’, said to appear after the practice of hatha yoga. vapuhkrishatvamvadaneprasannata nadasphutatvamnayanesunirmale | arogatabindujayo’gnidipanam nadivishuddhir hatha siddhi lakshanam ||(2.78)   Slimness of body, luster on the face, clarity of voice, brightness of eyes, freedom from disease, control over seminal ejaculation, stimulation of gastric fire and purification of nadis are marks of success in hatha yoga. THE PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS A description of bodily perfection (kaya sampat) can be found in the Vibhutipada of the Patanjali yoga sutras. rūpa-lāvaṇya-bala-vajra-saṁhananatvānikāyasaṁpat(4.46)   The perfection of the body includes beauty, gracefulness, strength, and adamantine hardness.   These qualities described are attributed to optimum physical health.   The Yoga sutras are an exposition on the skillful control of the mind. The concepts in the sutras are applied in the management of mental illnesses. The characteristics and steps to attain optimum mental health are also explained in great depth. THE CONCEPT OF DISEASE Impairment of health, a condition of the body in which its optimal functioning is disrupted or deranged is called as disease. THE PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS In Samadhi pada of the yoga sutras, a total of 13 obstacles in the path of Samadhi (antarayas) are described. Vyadhi or disease is one of them. This is in reference to physical illness.   Five kleshas or afflictions are are described in the sadhanapada. They are said to be the root of mental illnesses. They include ignorance (avidya), ego (asmita), desire (raga), aversion (dvesha) and fear of death (abhinivesha). Among these, ignorance (avidya) is said to be the root of all other afflictions. THE YOGA VASHISHTA The yoga vashishta is a treatise on yoga that contains the teachings of sage Vashishta to Lord Rama. In this text, the concept of disease is explained as follows:   In the anandamayakosha (bliss body), an individual is healthiest with perfect harmony and balance.   In the vijnanamayakosha (intellectual body), there are movements but channelized in the right direction.   Imbalances start in the manomayakosha (emotional body). It is the root of all diseases.   These mental imbalances arise due to ajnana or ignorance. This leads to an imbalance in the thought process called as adhi.   The adhis manifest themselves as physical disease called as vyadhi.   The physical manifestation of the adhis can take three forms: • Ajeernatva: indigestion or decreased activity of digestive tract. • Atijeernatva: excessive functioning of the digestive tract. • Kujeernatva: abnormal functioning of the digestive tract.   In Naturopathic philosophy, it is believed that the improper functioning of the digestive tract is the root cause of all diseases. In fact, “constipation is called the mother of diseases”. This statement supports that the causality of all diseases occurs through this progression of events, described above.   In conventional medicine, these are called as psychosomatic diseases. The psychosomatic theory of diseases is in fact a relatively new conceptin the field of conventional medicine. Whereas this theory was already well established in the ancient Indian texts. • Adhi: psychic disturbance arising due to ignorance. • Vyadhi: physical malady or illness. • Adhijavyadhi: stress-borne psychosomatic illness. • Anadhijavyadhi: somatic ailments like injury, infection, toxin etc… They are not stress-borne. The causes are external. • Sara adhijavyadhi: Influenced by heredity. They are congenital disorders. This can only be destroyed by realizing the subtle states of mind or attaining Samadhi. In that state, man transcends the cycle of birth and death. • Samanyaadhijavyadhi: These are not inherited. • Upadhi: Self-imposed suffering.   The progression of symptoms in these psychosomatic disorders are said to occur in the following four phases: 1. Psychic phase: Mild persistent psychological and behavioral symptoms. Eg: irritability, disturbed sleep 2. Psychosomatic phase: Appearance of generalized physiological symptoms. Eg: hypertension, tremors 3. Somatic phase: Disturbed function of organs, especially the weaker organs. Eg: pre-diabetes, overweight 4. Organic phase: Full manifestation of the disease accompanied by pathological changes. The organs may sometimes be irreversibly damaged. Eg: peptic ulcer, cancer   In conclusion, it is evident that the holistic approach of yoga therapy targets total integrated treatment or management of an individual at all levels of being. It is therefore, the best way to achieve optimal health at a multi-dimensional level. In order to achieve the perfect harmonious state of the mind and body, yoga must not only be used as a therapy, rather it must be adopted as a way of life.

DEFINITION:   <b> Sport is an activity </b> involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Participation in sports requires fitness to gain better physical performance. Depending on the sport an athlete competing in sport would need strength, stamina, reflexes, accuracy, dexterity, flexibility, endurance of various muscle groups and joints that are required to enhance one’s performance in that sport (1). Apart from this mental conditioning, stress reduction and will power are important factors needed in a competitive sport (2). While yoga can be useful in conditioning oneself in any sport (3,4); developing these attributes by practice of asanas can also be a sport in itself.   YOGA AS A SPORT   Yoga as a sport is also termed as Competitive Yoga. It is the performance of asanas in sporting competitions. The competitive yoga i.e. yoga competitions are being held in India since several decades.   The Concept of Competitive Yoga is not limited only to perform asanas, but also includes the practice of kriyas, Pranayama, Mudras and Meditation by the participants. The aim behind initiating competitive yoga was to bring awareness about yoga, its benefits and spiritual background in young community.   In the initial days that is around 5000 years back, the yoga competitions were composed of all the angas of yoga as mentioned above. But now the form of the competition is just practicing asanas.   Several countries over the years have embraced yoga as a sport. Competitions have been conducted in several forms and styles of yoga like Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, etc. for different age and gender groups. Participants are evaluated based on grace, poise, stability, balance, relaxation, holding the breath, effortlessness, perfectness of posture, retention time etc. Participants are asked to do few poses in a given time and are judged by a group of judges. It has been declared as a competitive sport in the country in 2015.   The practice of asana can be very physically challenging, and the words “effort and ease” are mentioned in the Yoga Sutras: Sthiram Sukham Asanam, yoga posture is an expression between effort and ease. Alignment, stability and effortlessness play a vital role in this competition. The first world asana championship was held in Uruguay and India in 1986. Since then there have been many national and international yogasana championships.   This, together with the perceived lack of spirituality, emotional benefits and relaxation associated with yoga, are among the biggest critical comments against yoga as a competitive sport. However, there are several aspects that motivate people to take up Yoga. For some using yoga to be physically fit motivates people to take up this challenge to endure difficult poses that gradually led to development of yoga as a competitive sport. This has been nurtured by several schools that propagate advanced poses such the Hatha yoga schools and Iyengar yoga schools to name a few.   Though there has been a raging debate on using yoga as a sport, there has been a concerted effort by several countries who like to see this as an Olympic sport.   REFERENCES   Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR, Desiraju T. PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SPORTS TEACHERS FOLLOWING 3 MONTHS OF TRAINING IN YOGA. 1993.   Institute QF-J of SPE, 2004  . Effects of Yoga to the Functions of Psychology and Physiology. en.cnki.com.cn.   Sharma L. Benefits of Yoga in Sports-A Study. 30 ~ Int J Phys Educ Sport Heal. 2015;1(3).  Sciences MJ-J of S and S, 2003  . Yoga for Sports. academia.edu. 

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What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. Why do we use it? It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).