Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Vaughn_Balchunas/8107] Vaughn Balchunas

Yoga is most famous for its healing ability and the peace of mind that it brings.  How does Yoga do this?

The body has two nervous systems, sympathetic, and parasympathetic.  The sympathetic system, also called the "fight or flight" system, causes blood pressure to rise, breath rate to increase, and stress hormones to flood the body.  This prepares the body for fight, and in today's world, this occurs when we are stressed or agitated.  This system, when over stimulated, can cause health problems like ulcers, migraines, and heart disease.

The parasympathetic system does just the opposite, lowering blood pressure and slowing the pace of your breathing.  This frees the blood to travel to digestive, reproductive, glandular, and immune systems of the body, because it doesn't need to rush to the muscles.  These systems contain the organs that are essential for long term survival.  The body has time now to heal from the damage of daily battles.  Long, deep breathing exercises encourage the actions of the parasympathetic system, allowing relaxation and healing.  The breathing meditations practiced in Yoga encourage the parasympathetic nervous system.

Yoga encourages the mind to calm itself as well.  By concentrating on breathing, your mind doesn't wander, and it is encouraged to stay connected to the body, in the now.  The more we daydream and reminisce, the less our mind is open to the good things happening now.  We tend to miss out on embracing the moments that are happening now.  There is a connection between the emotional and psychological states and the pace of our breathing.  When we are excited or frightened we take shorter, quicker, shallow breaths; when we are sleeping, or very relaxed, our breathing is longer and deeper. 

Yoga teaches the mind to change the breathing pattern, to make breaths slower and deeper, and the state of our mind is similarly affected, being calmer, and quieter.  Over time, those who practice Yoga will act and think from a state of peace, making them more likely to act with patience and understanding.  The breath helps us to concentrate on staying connected to the present time, helping us move on from past grievances and sadness, viewing the world as it is, without false expectations.  Those who practice Yoga accept themselves and others just as they are. 

Being in good shape physically affects people's moods.  Strengthening the muscles and joints helps us feel better physically, and reducing blood pressure and stimulating the immune systems lead those who practice Yoga to a state of peace in addition to physical health.

Discover more about fundamental principles of yoga [http://pilates-yoga.info/articles/Fundamental-Principles-of-Yoga.html] and yoga breathing exercises [http://pilates-yoga.info/articles/Yoga-Breathing.html] at pilates-yoga.info.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Yoga-and-the-Mind/Body-Connection&id=321394] Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection