Apr 30th 2011 Thai Yoga Basics
Most people are familiar with yoga as a form of exercise. But the type of yoga that has become popular in the west is not suitable for everybody. Usually these are modifications of Hatha Yoga, which comes from India. The exercises of Indian yoga can be dangerous and painful especially for people who practice at home without the guidance of a teacher. And even a master like B.K.S. Iyengar suffered injuries during the early years of his training. Thai yoga or Ruesri Datton offers a safer alternative for those who wish to enjoy the health benefits of yoga without risking the dangers.
Basics
Thai yoga is a form of popular medicine that anyone can use to improve their health. The exercises gently stretch, pull and twist different body parts for a specific duration. On the surface, Thai yoga postures seem quite simple and easy. But to students and practitioners of this art, they are very effective.
While Indian yoga originated with Hindu ascetics, the Thais hail a Buddhist doctor named Jivaka as the founder of Thai yoga and other forms of traditional Thai medicine. There is no religious devotion associated with Ruesri Datton, other than the gratitude and respect shown toward the Buddha and Jivaka and the adherence to Thai Buddhist ethics.
Benefits
Teachers of Thai medicine claim various benefits to practicing Thai yoga. It is said to bestow many of the same health boons as Thai massage including relaxation, calmness, improved range of motion, balance, muscle pain relief, flexibility and smooth circulation of energy or “prana.”
Prohibitions
Thai yoga should not be practiced by anyone with health problems without talking to a doctor first. It should be avoided by people with hypertension and/or coronary disease or has had heart surgery.
Requirements
The requirements for Tha yoga practice are minimal. You need an exercise room, a gym mat and comfortable wear. You may need to lose some weight if you are excessively overweight and it is difficult to do the poses.
You can learn Thai yoga by joining a Thai yoga class. The best instructors to learn it from are the Thais themselves in Thailand. A crash course takes only a day so you can easily fit it into your schedule if you ever visit Bangkok or elsewhere in the country where Thai massage and yoga are taught.
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