I can not tell how much benefit this tour to India holds. I came as a tourist last year and went back with some fond memories of the Indian culture and heritage. But this time I’m here for other higher reasons- I’m doing a one year course on yoga therapy. A martial arts teacher by profession, I am amazed at the healing power of yoga.

Yoga has rightly been the way of life of the Vedic Indians and since then it has never fallen out of use, rather went on to conquer continents far and wide. Now I realize why more and more people are taking recourse to yoga as a substitute to callisthenics.

In yoga I have found a faithful companion to martial arts. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes me feel healthier all in body, mind and spirit. It tunes up the various body functions. During my study I’ve found that yoga helps to put reins around stress and anxiety and check the development of a slew of diseases and physical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis........the list seems endless.

In course of my one year training I have also discovered that yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. It has boosted my self esteem and improved concentration and creativity. It lowers fat , improves circulation, stimulates the immune system and creates a sense of well being and calm.

The ancient Indian yogis practised yoga to achieve union with the divine consciousness or the transcendental self which in turn generates true happiness, liberation and enlightenment.

The various postures of yoga and meditation are so soothing for the soul that you need to indulge in order to experience.