By
[http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Lasch/223520]Susan Lasch
A student comes to yoga because of illness, hoping that
yoga can rejuvenate them, and restore health. Another comes to come yoga after
hearing of the many benefits, hoping to maintain good health and prevent
illness. Others may come hoping to challenge themselves physically and
emotionally. And many come to relax and reduce tension and stress, drawn to the
contemplative side of yoga. All will find what they are looking for in the
practice of yoga.
The list of health related issues that yoga offers
relief for is a very long one indeed. The ability of yoga to lower blood
pressure and reduce stress assists in recovery after heart attacks. Dr. Dean
Ornish, best selling author, has done considerable research into yoga and heart
patients, and recommends yoga both to prevent heart attacks and as part of the
recovery process. People suffering from Fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis
have reported a reduction in symptoms after a regular yoga practice. Yoga
improves balance, muscle tone, and seems to help fight the fatigue that is part
of these illnesses. Because of the focus on strengthening, gently twisting, and
lengthening the spine and small muscles that surround it, yoga has a
therapeutic effect on many types of backaches and pain. Some sufferers of back
pain report complete freedom from pain after maintaining a regular yoga
practice. Yoga can also bring relief from sports injuries, ranging from
strained hamstrings, IT band pain (common in runners), and repetitive motion
injuries at the joints, to tightness and loss of flexibility as muscles develop
and shorten from athletic training.
Nothing can prevent aging, but yoga can certainly make
growing older a more graceful and enjoyable process. Although we associate
people who do yoga with pictures of the young and beautiful seen in magazines
and commercials, most yogis are middle aged and older. They know first hand the
numerous preventative and protective benefits of a yoga practice for physical
as well as mental health. In the physical realm, yoga builds strength in the
arms, legs and core (the center of the body). Strength allows us to lift
things, carry groceries, yard waste, and move our own bodies with ease. The
practice of yoga also maintains and improves the range of motion in the spine
and joints. A flexible spine allows us to reach up to get something from the
cupboard, bend down to pick something up, and turn our heads to see as we
drive.
Mentally, yoga sharpens and focuses the mind. The
postures are always done with focus and awareness on the breath and the body.
There is not mindless repetition or chatting while practicing. Focus on the
body and breath, how the two work together, the effects physically and
emotionally, engage the mind and increase the ability to concentrate. A
flexible, strong and active mind is just as important as a flexible, strong and
active body. The breathing exercises are meant to remind us to take deep full
breaths in and out, not the shallow breaths as adults we become accustomed to
taking. As the inhalations and exhalations become fuller, the mind becomes
calmer and more peaceful. Moreover, yoga instills a deep sense of well-being.
The inward focus teaches the mind to let go of stress and negative thoughts.
Areas in the body that may be misaligned or holding tension are identified and
the tension can be released.
The challenges involved in practicing and studying yoga
are ongoing. The sheer number of yoga postures, with infinite variations, keeps
the body stimulated and the mind engaged. There is a complex system of
philosophy and writings behind the practice detailing why the breathing and
postures are done, and discussing the benefits of meditation as well. Yoga
philosophy includes a system of ethics, including non-harming, non-stealing,
non-hoarding, truthfulness, steadfastness, and self-inquiry. Legends and
histories explain the essence of these teachings, most notably The Bhagavad Gita.
If drawn to reading and studying, there are numerous other books offering
opportunities to learn about and discuss yoga in this dimension as well.
The postures, breathing, and philosophy of yoga all lead
to deep contemplation. The ability of yoga to relax body and mind, leading to a
reduction of tension and stress is arguably, its most important benefit. Yoga
allows us to become still. During a yoga class, frequent pauses are taken so
that we can really notice how we are feeling; the effects the breathing and
postures are having on our bodies, and what our thoughts are. A yoga class
traditionally ends with students lying on their backs in relaxation pose while
the teacher leads a point-by-point relaxation for the body and mind.
Eventually, an interest in formal meditation practice may develop. All of the
parts of yoga class are preparation for sitting in meditation.
What draws a person to start a yoga practice? There are
as many reasons why as there are people taking yoga classes. When the body,
breath and mind work together, positive changes both physical and mental do
occur. Explore the ways yoga can benefit you, by joining a class today.
Susan Lasch owns and operates East Aurora Yoga in the
village of East Aurora, NY. A certified yoga teacher through the Sivananda
Organization, she is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT) through the Yoga
Alliance. Visit http://www.eayoga.com for more information about yoga and
classes offered.
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