Health Benefits of a Yoga Practice

Slowly the West is taking notice of the many health benefits of a practice that began in the East over 5000 years ago. Yoga, which literally means "union" is a practice that unites the body and mind. The physical practice is known as Hatha Yoga and there are many different types. Some types are fast and build heat in the body; other types are slower and more meditative, allowing one to slow down and reflect. Most hatha yoga practices engage the student in stretching, deep breathing and moving through a series of postures, known as asanas.

By practicing asana, the body gains strength, flexibility, and balance. Posture and concentration are both generally enhanced. Other benefits include: relief from fatigue and a boost in energy levels, enhanced recovery from illnesses, and improved focus, concentration and mood. Yoga can also counter obesity and assist in the normalization of weight, and can support treatment of addictions and eating disorders.

A typical yoga class consists of centering the body through the breath, moving through a series of asanas which heat up and strengthen the body, and finally into relaxation, allowing one to be more fully present. Each yoga pose or asana works on many different body systems simultaneously. The practice engages the musculo-skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, integumentary, reproductive and immune systems. Simultaneous benefit is gained on almost all of the systems by integrating the breath with intentional movement. With regular practice, individuals gain greater body awareness.

Breathing exercises, also known as pranayama work on all of the body's systems as well. Deep, slow, mindful breathing turns on the Parasympathetic Nervous System, also known as the "rest and digest" response. This practice is especially useful to individuals in high-stress situations and environments. The body has the ability to bring itself back into balance, and yoga facilitates this journey.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone. The notion that one must have the ability to "bend into a pretzel" is false. By focusing and staying with the breath, anyone can do some version of most general poses. A key indicator is the breath. Anytime the breath is short or difficult to control, the practitioner should slow down and notice. So, what are you waiting for? Try some yoga today and see what you've been missing!