“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence in self-control. Inner energy and outer energy”
What is “Yoga”?
The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit meaning “union”. Yoga is a practice that uses postures and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength. There are yoga “poses” ~ or “asanas” ~ that offer you to become more aware of your body, mind and environment. There are many types of Yoga, ranging from the gentle level of Hatha Yoga to the more intense, such as Bikram Yoga. Each form of yoga enhances your health benefits from head to toe ~ your muscles, bones, and joints.
* Always consult your doctor before attempting any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!
Don’t underestimate the power of yoga
I started doing Yoga a few years ago. I had never known what a powerful one hour Yoga class can do to your body and especially your mind. When I first walked into the class I thought to myself ‘here we go, this is going to be a very easy stretch and flexibility without a drop of sweat during this session’. In the first few minutes of our yoga ‘warm up’, I can surprisingly feel beads of sweat rolling down my back.
The mind can heal the body ~ Namaste
It seems true to me that all Yoga makes people accept and love themselves and their body more. Often, it’s not intense cardio or kickboxing classes or weight training that you need, but rather a relaxing or energizing class, depending on your symptoms. Check with your doctor before taking any of these classes or trying any of these yoga poses.
However, I realize that some have the misconception that yoga is all about relaxation. There are some basic yoga “poses” ~ or “asanas” ~ like “Sun Salutation,” “Mountain Pose,” “Cobra,” or even “Warrior 2” that can be surprisingly uplifting to your body. Tight muscles throughout the body, back, shoulders, legs, arms, including facial expression, can be a factor in pain, and calming the nervous system will help to relax them. For the most effective benefits, I personally recommend skipping intense yoga and other intense workouts and emphasizing meditation and stretching. You are never too young or too old to reap the health benefits of yoga. Since the names of each pose sound intimidating to you, believe me they are very easy to follow. Find out and discover for yourself how Yoga postures will help you relax, refresh and restart your motor, soul, mind and body.
YOGA is better Natural Rx *
Staying healthy. Think Healthy. Body and mind. There is more scientific proof that YOGA offers more health benefits than just relaxation of the mind, breathing exercise, meditation, muscle stretching, strength and flexibility.
Benefits for the health of muscles, bones and joints: Not only can you improve stamina, but a regular yoga exercise can help and keep your body strong as it engages all areas of the muscles in performing any of the ‘poses’ ~ ‘asanas’ ~ to hold and balance poses, strengthening your feet, hands, shoulders, lower back, abs, hips, legs, and shoulders. The stretching and breathing exercises in yoga improve your flexibility by helping joints, tendons, and muscles stay flexible. As with treating back pain, try a much more calming and gentle practice, such as the “corpse” pose. Yoga is often prescribed to help heal a variety of injuries*, including repetitive strain injuries, knee and back injuries, torn hamstrings, and even minor skin burns. Improve Bone Density: Yoga is also said to be a great weight-bearing exercise that can improve bone density; particularly beneficial for women nearing menopause, as yoga can help prevent osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones.
depression cure: A recent study has stated that yoga helps your body produce serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and helps reduce cortisol levels, which are elevated in people with depression. One study showed that people who took a 1-hour yoga class three times a week for two months said they felt less depressed, angry, and anxious. Most of them felt that their depression had subsided.
Benefits for the cardiovascular system: Yoga has tremendous benefits for your heart health. Powerful “postures” or “asanas” keep your blood flowing while you focus on your breath. It’s cardiovascular conditioning that strengthens your core muscles while keeping blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body. People suffering from hypertension can greatly benefit from yoga as it can actually lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Antioxidant Boost for a Stronger Immune System: A regular yoga practice helps increase antioxidants throughout the body, resulting in a stronger immune system and increased ability to heal faster against illness or injury. Treatment for autoimmune diseases: It can reduce the symptoms that these diseases often cause, such as stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.
Reduces anxiety and stress: Yoga is an effective form of psychological therapy. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose. It has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even children can benefit from yoga. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can learn to relax and control themselves through the use of breathing and yoga ‘postures’ ~ ‘asanas’. Insomnia cure: A regular yoga practice can help cure insomnia, thus promoting better and deeper sleep. The deeper you sleep, the fewer pain chemicals your brain secretes. Plus, it can help fight fatigue and keep you energized throughout the day.
* Always consult your doctor before attempting any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!
I hope you find this in some way useful. Until then, here is an inspirational quote that I would like to share with you:
“The mind is everything; what you think about, you become” ~Buddha
Until then, take care and stay positive in mind and heart!
nicky dares