14 July 2009

The Benefits of Yoga

From the moment of birth, we take our first breath, filling ourselves with life force. As we continue our life journey, not a minute of the day passes without us giving nourishment to our body and mind via the breath. Unfortunately, that quality of nourishment can diminish as we get caught up in the cobweb of life. Our fast pace of life tends to place increasing stress on our bodies, directly and indirectly affecting many physiological process.

One of the first reactions to stress in the body is the over-stimulation of our sympathetic nervous system. The diaphragm begins to constrict and set up rapid shallow breathing. Unbelievably, a vast range of illnesses can occur from this simple reaction. Other factors such as poor posture, diet, muscle tone and emotional responses, can all have the same effect on the way we breathe.

Being able to breathe correctly will make an enormous difference to your over health and emotional state. Prana is the life-force which permeates both the individual as well as the universe at all levels. It is at once physical, sexual, mental, intellectual, spiritual and cosmic. Prana, the breath, and the mind are inextricably linked to each other.

Yoga helps us to balance our lives, to be happy, healthy, and to improve our relationships with our partners, children, friends, and with ourselves.

As Yoga totally embraces our mind, body & spirit, regular practice can help change a negative mindset by offering inner peace and an ability to face upheavals and deal with problems. The benefits of yoga seem to be endless. It is perfectly adaptable to all kinds of lifestyles – Eastern, Western, children and adults. It can replace the so-called buzzes of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants with a wonderful sense of energy release. It is a fabulous way to tone and strengthen our bodies and relax our mind.

Wellness – Not Illness:
When you practice yoga regularly, you may find it:

Helps relieve depression and anxiety
Increases energy levels
Aids weight control
Helps relieve arthritis
Boosts flexibility and energy
Improves body posture
Improves digestion
Lowers blood pressure

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