Yoga, it's all good!

Yoga, it’s all good

The benefits yoga provides are huge. They extend in many directions physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga is suitable for everyone (so long as you listen to your body). Everyone from the absolute beginner to the advanced practitioner will experience benefits; these will vary each time you roll out your yoga mat. Each yoga session will bring something new and fresh.

Just remember to listen to your body and keep your practice at a suitable and achievable level.

Yoga Postures - Asanas

Yoga postures or asanas bring many physical benefits such as lengthening, strengthening and toning all of the major muscle groups of the body. Asanas will improve posture, alleviate minor aches and pains, reduce muscular stress and tension and help you get the perfect night sleep.

Due to the folding, stretching, compressing and rotating that the torso experiences yoga asanas have a very positive impact on the internal systems of the body; all of the major organs are massaged, toned and stimulated. This style of moving is great for the digestive system.

The muscular contractions of the body increase circulation and aid lymphatic drainage, which will help to remove toxins from the body.

Yoga Breathing Exercises - Pranayamas

Yoga breathing techniques also referred to as pranayamas.

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which means "control of vital life force" or “expansion of vital life force”. The Prana is the universal energy, it is a positive life force and by increasing the amount of prana within the body, healing can take place and the body and mind will reap immense benefits.

Pranayamas also increase oxygen levels, improve lung capacity, focus and calm the mind and help remove toxins and clear the respiratory tract.

When yoga asanas are combined with pranayamas the benefits are even greater, yoga asanas can be used to direct prana to different areas of the body, deepening the benefits.

Relaxation - Savasana

Yoga also teaches relaxation techniques (Savasana), which help to clear and focus the mind and remove mental clutter. These techniques are powerful tools that can be drawn upon in times of need to help eliminate stress and provide stability during times of change in our lives.

The Combined Benefits of Yoga

All of the benefits combined will raise energy levels, clear the mind and generally promote good health. When the body is healthy and the mind is clear and focussed yoga practitioners begin to feel energised and really good.  After a time many lifestyle changes begin to take place. A change in diet is common, this happens very naturally as the body becomes more tuned and balanced. Any cravings for caffeine, alcohol, sugar and high calorie snacks begin to reduce. It is because of these changes that yoga is the perfect tool for anyone trying to combat any form of addiction such as giving up cigarettes or alcohol. It also helps practitioners opt for a healthier diet to assist with weight loss should this be a chosen goal. As the benefits of yoga continue to reveal themselves, practitioners will become calmer, more focussed and more confident in general.

Yoga helps to harmonise body and mind, so practitioners feel in tune and a sense of harmony in their lives.

Once the body and mind are enjoying a new level of health it is then possible to look to yoga for more spiritual benefits. Many practitioners find that this path naturally reveals itself. It is because of all of these benefits that yoga is so popular and it is now used by people from all walks of life who want to look and feel healthier.

This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.

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