Yoga Fellowship of Northern Ireland

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice of postures, breathing, visualisation and meditation to promote good health and inner peace. The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘yoke’ or ‘union’. Through the practice of Yoga people are looking for a balance of body, mind and spirit.

The main purpose of Yoga is to still the mind – everything else is ancillary to this, for without mind control we are helpless. The health, happiness and growth of human beings depend on this.

Yoga can teach gentle control and use of the breath to raise energy levels while maintaining calm and inner peace.

Life is often hectic. Make time to recreate yourself. Take time to enjoy being! Enjoy being you!!

What are the Benefits?

Increases flexibility, maintains suppleness and improves muscle tone
Gives general sense of calmness and well-being
Strengthens body's own self-healing powers with breathing, meditation and visualisation
Induces relaxation
Reduces blood pressure
Energises both body and mind
Improves circulation
Reduces stress
Improves concentration and clarity of thought
Helps to build confidence

Who can practice Yoga?

Anyone can practice Yoga, from childhood through to any age. Age is not a barrier. One of our best loved teachers, who passed away a few years ago, Brian McCutcheon, was in his seventies when he took up teaching, and died in his nineties!

Always find out what kind of Yoga teacher is taking a class. If you are young and fit you might want an energetic form of Yoga. If you have not exercised for many years it would be better to look for a more relaxed form of Yoga. Always find a class taught by a qualified Yoga teacher.

Specific conditions

Yoga and breathing disorders: Research has demonstrated Yoga's lasting ability to ease breathing, to improve breathing patterns and to reduce both the frequency and severity of asthmatic and bronchial attacks. Yoga is uniquely able to assist people with breathing disorders.

Yoga and arthritis: Yoga can help people with arthritis both physicially and mentally: they can feel more relaxed, sleep better and some are able to reduce their intake of painkillers. (People with arthritis should only participate in Yoga classes if they are able to move their limbs without extreme pain).

Yoga and ME: People with ME can be taught gentle postures seated or lying, breathing techniques, visualisation and meditation which can increase energy levels and lower anxiety about the condition. (People with ME should only participate in Yoga classes if they are able to engage in light sustained exercise without triggering a relapse).